Every parent wants the best for their children, and one of the ways to give them confidence for life is to help them achieve a straighter smile in their teenage years. For well aligned teeth, your teen can start braces treatment for a straighter smile. Do you know what options there are for your teen’s new smile? What’s the difference between metal and invisible braces? And which treatment suits your teen’s smile? Read on to learn more.
How can your teen achieve a straighter smile?
There’s two types of teeth straightening treatments available for teens: traditional metal braces and clear aligners. Your teen may be more suited for either traditional braces or clear aligner treatment, depending on how complex their teeth condition is and what their treating dentist prescribes. Learn more about the various teeth straightening options for your teen’s new smile!
Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces | |
Comfort | Aligners cover your teen’s teeth and not their gum line for more comfort | Slight discomfort due to wires and metal brackets |
Maintenance | Easy to clean as clear aligners are removable | Food may get trapped in between metal brackets, increasing the chance of tooth decay and gum problems |
Dietary restrictions | No dietary restrictions | Advisable to avoid hard or sticky food |
Appearance | Discreet and barely noticeable | Visible metal wires and brackets |
Adjustment period | Initial discomfort after switching aligner sets | Might take longer for mouth to adapt with metal components |
Prescribed by treating dentist | Dentist takes scans to examine your teen’s teeth condition and suitability for clear aligners | Dentist determines if your teen is suitable for traditional braces |
Average treatment *Can vary for each case and depends on advisory by dentist | 15 months | 15 to 36 months |
Cost | Cost varies based on complexity. (Refer here for detailed pricing). | Cost varies based on complexity. |
How do metal braces work?
Metal braces, also known as traditional braces, apply gentle, constant pressure to slowly move your teen’s teeth into their desired positions. They’re durable, and made from high-quality stainless steel or titanium, and can withstand wear and tear compared to clear aligners. However, they do come with their own set of challenges. Prickly wires can make wearing metal braces uncomfortable. They are also very noticeable, and may affect your teen’s self-esteem during their braces treatment. It’s best to have a conversation with your teen’s treating dentist to see which option is the most suitable for your teen.
What are Invisible Braces and how can they help your teen?
As a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, Invisible Braces are designed to put gentle pressure on your teen’s teeth, to gradually move them into their desired positions. Unlike traditional braces, which use brackets and wires to straighten teeth, invisible braces are made of a clear, BPA-free plastic that fits snugly over your teen’s teeth.
Here are some ways invisible braces can help your teen:
Discreet: Since they are clear, invisible braces are much less noticeable than traditional braces. This can be a major benefit for teens who are self-conscious about their smile.
Comfort: Invisible braces can be removed, so your teen can continue eating all their favourite foods. This also makes clear aligners more comfortable than traditional braces, which can cause irritation inside their mouth.
Confidence boost: A straighter smile can boost your teen’s confidence. This can have a positive impact on their social life and overall well-being.
However, it’s important to note that invisible braces may not be suitable for all cases. A consultation with a treating dentist can help you determine if invisible braces are the right choice for your teen.
How can Zenyum help your teen get straighter teeth?
Zenyum Invisible Braces can help your teen gain more confidence with a brand new smile! Here’s how clear aligner treatment can benefit your teen.
- Hygiene
You will not have to worry about your teen eating the wrong foods. For metal braces, eating hard foods can cause dislodgement of metal bracket(s). Additionally, chewy foods can get stuck easily between teeth which can be difficult to clean out when wearing metal braces, leading to bad oral hygiene. On the other hand, Invisible Braces are removable, so your teen can clean their teeth thoroughly and easily.
- Comfort
While metal braces are more invasive and prone to causing ulcers, Invisible Braces are more comfortable. Our clear aligners come with a scallop-trim cut that closely follows the natural curve of your teen’s gums to ensure a better fit.
- Convenience
Empower your teen to take charge of their Zenyum Invisible Braces journey. They can easily update their progress, book appointments and see how their smile has transformed so far! With their busy schedules and active lifestyle, this saves your teen precious time, so they can do more of everything they love.
More about your teen's Smile Journey
In a few easy steps, your teen can start their Zenyum Invisible Braces journey!
- Complete a FREE Smile Check
- Visit the dentist for a full consultation, including a 3D scan and X-ray.
- Wait 2-3 weeks for the treatment plan to be ready
- Approve the treatment plan
- Make payment
- Wait 3-4 weeks for aligners to be produced
- Collect aligners at the clinic
