Braces for Teens in Blackfalds: Traditional Braces or Clear Aligners?
Most families in Blackfalds start thinking about braces somewhere between grade 6 and grade 10. By then the adult teeth are mostly in, the jaw is still growing, and a crowded or uneven bite is easier to see. Blackfalds Smiles offers orthodontic care, including traditional braces and clear aligners, in the same clinic where your family comes for check-ups.
When is a teen ready for braces?
There is no single right age. The Canadian Association of Orthodontists suggests a first orthodontic check around age 7, but most treatment in teens begins between about 11 and 15. What matters more than the birthday is where the teeth and jaws are in their development.
Signs it may be time for an assessment
Teeth that overlap, twist or have wide gaps between them
Front teeth that stick out or bite behind the lower teeth
Difficulty biting or chewing, or a jaw that shifts to one side when closing
Baby teeth that fell out early or late
Thumb sucking past the toddler years or speech sounds affected by tooth position
An orthodontic assessment usually includes a visual exam, photos and X-rays to see the roots and the teeth that have not come in yet. From there the dentist can say whether treatment is needed now, whether it is better to wait, or whether no treatment is required at all.
Traditional braces: how they work
Traditional braces use small brackets bonded to the front of each tooth, connected by a thin wire. At each adjustment visit the wire is tightened or changed, applying gentle, steady pressure that moves teeth into a better position over time. Coloured elastic ties let teens pick their own look.
Who they suit
Braces handle the full range of orthodontic problems, from mild crowding to more involved bite corrections. Because they are fixed in place, there is nothing to lose or forget to wear. Eating does take some adjustment: sticky, hard and chewy foods can damage brackets, so popcorn, hard candy and gum are off the menu for a while.
Clear aligners: how they work
Clear aligners are a series of thin, removable plastic trays, each one shaped slightly differently from the last. A teen wears each set for about one to two weeks before moving to the next, and the sequence gradually guides the teeth into alignment. The trays come out for eating, brushing and flossing, so there are no food restrictions and cleaning stays simple. Many families know clear aligners by the brand name Invisalign, and other aligner systems work in the same way.
What they ask of the patient
Aligners only work while they are being worn, which means roughly 20 to 22 hours a day. A teen who forgets the trays in a lunch bag or leaves them out for a weekend will slow the treatment down. For motivated teens who want a less visible option, aligners are a good fit. For teens who need more complex tooth movement, or who are likely to lose or skip the trays, traditional braces are often the more dependable route.
What treatment looks like month to month
Orthodontic treatment in teens commonly runs from about 12 to 30 months, depending on how far the teeth need to move. Visits are spaced roughly every 4 to 10 weeks for adjustments or to pick up the next sets of aligners.
Keeping teeth healthy during treatment
Brush after every meal, paying attention to the gumline and around each bracket
Floss daily with a floss threader or a water flosser if brackets make regular floss awkward
Keep up regular cleanings and check-ups at Blackfalds Smiles so cavities are caught early
Wear a mouthguard for sports, including hockey, football and basketball
Pack a travel toothbrush, orthodontic wax and an aligner case for school
After the braces come off
Once teeth are in their new positions, a retainer holds them there while the bone and gums settle. Retainers can be removable or a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth. Wearing the retainer as directed is the step most often skipped, and it is the reason some adults find their teeth drifting back years later.
Starting the conversation in Blackfalds
If you have noticed any of the signs above, or your teen has asked about straightening their teeth, mention it at your next appointment or book an orthodontic assessment with Blackfalds Smiles. Having family dentistry and orthodontic care in one Blackfalds clinic means check-ups, cleanings and adjustments happen in one place, close to home for families in Blackfalds, Lacombe and the Red Deer area.
Frequently asked questions
Is my teen too old for braces?
No. Teeth can be moved at any age once the adult teeth are in. Treatment in the early and mid teens often goes faster because the jaw is still growing, but older teens and adults are treated regularly.
Do braces or clear aligners hurt?
Both create pressure that can leave teeth tender for a few days after an adjustment or a new set of aligners. Most teens describe it as soreness rather than sharp pain, and it eases on its own.
Can my teen play sports with braces?
Yes. A properly fitted mouthguard protects the lips, cheeks and brackets. Let the clinic know which sports your teen plays so the mouthguard can be matched to the braces.
Clinical review: Dr. Justin Kim, Blackfalds Smiles. This article is general information and does not replace an examination.
