In days gone by, braces for children were about as welcome as heavy glasses or those big, bulky rain boots. No one wanted a mouth full of metal; especially children and teenagers. Braces for children in the past were less-than-attractive and could bring teasing at school. However, many advances in dental technology have made braces fun and interesting for kids of all ages. Braces are also a way to make a fashion statement for the adult crowd. If you are looking at braces for children or braces for yourself, but you are put off by basic silver, read on. Braces for children are now more fun and more affordable than ever.
Colored Elastics on Braces for Children
There are many components in braces. The hardware on the braces that you wear, also called bands and brackets, will generally be a basic shiny silver color. Your orthodontist will also use elastic ligatures to connect the wire bands to the brackets that are bonded to your teeth. You can choose nearly any color you like for these ligatures. Blue, green, red, purple, even clear; the options are many. You don't have to stick with one color, either; many patients have alternating colors, or different colors on top and bottom. And these elastics will be changed frequently, so you aren't stuck with one color for the entire time you are in braces. You can change colors based on current holidays, your favorite color at the time, or your school colors.
Colored Rubber Bands in Braces for Children
Many patients will use rubber bands to help align the jaws when they are wearing braces. With rubber bands, one end is attached to your top teeth and the other is attached to your bottom teeth. The rubber bands will help pull your jaws into alignment when it's not possible to do this with braces alone. As with the elastic ligatures we spoke of above, you have several options for rubber band colors. You can choose a basic clear plastic color, or go with something a little more colorful.
Retainer Options
After your time with your braces is over, you are likely going to have to wear a retainer for an amount of time. Many patients will be required to wear a retainer for the rest of their life. Just like rubber bands, retainers come in a variety of colors so you can choose something that matches your mood or something that is important to you. Your orthodontist and their staff will help you choose something that you love, so you won't dread wearing your retainer. (Discover how to clean your retainer and make it last for life)
Braces for children and adults are no longer old and boring thanks to the great options that are available. They are also financially attainable to every patient, thanks to the many payment options that are available. If you or your child has issues with tooth or jaw pain or your teeth are out of alignment, now is the time to contact your orthodontist for an appointment, so you can determine what your treatment options are and get started on the path to a beautiful smile.
What is the most creative you've been with colored bands and elastics for your braces?
