Invest in Your Teen's Confidence
The teen years (between the ages of 12 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth will be in place.
Luckily, there are some new solutions that work to make the treatment process much easier than ever before.
Teen Orthodontics
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Frank will also be able to easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to start orthodontic treatment.
Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment at an earlier age, and are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.
Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s health. If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a complimentary consultation with Dr. Frank at Bluebird Orthodontics, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
- Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
- Protrusion of teeth
Diagnosing and successfully treating bite problems can have short-term and long-term benefits. Problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment, including:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Missing or extra teeth
- An overbite or underbite
- Incorrect jaw position
- A disorder of the jaw joint
There are lots of benefits to having straight teeth, including:
- Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
- Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
- Improving proper chewing and digestion of food
You've Got Options
Metal Braces
Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces they think of bulky metal brackets.
We don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance and many of the new braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before.
Ceramic Braces
Also known as clear braces, these work the same way metal braces do but feature brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials. They blend in with your teen’s smile, making them much less obvious. Since ceramic braces are slightly more prone to breakage, they may not be right for everyone.
Invisalign®
The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.
Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be an option if your teen needs more serious treatment.
Treatment Time
There’s no way to guarantee how long treatment will take. Every case is different, but the average length of the active stage of orthodontic treatment is anywhere from 6-36 months.
After this phase of treatment is complete, your teen will need to wear a retainer for as long as Dr. Frank feels is necessary based on their individual case. We work as a team with both parents and teens to create a smile that will last a lifetime.
Athletes
If your teen athlete is wearing traditional braces, it’s crucial to protect their smile in order to stay on track with their treatment.
We strongly recommend that they use an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces, and their mouth, from any potential injury. Your teen can play any contact sport if they use the proper orthodontic mouthguard.
If your teen has Invisalign, they can simply take their aligner out before practice or a game, and put it back in afterward.
Musicians
Traditional metal braces might affect the way your teen plays some instruments. Invisalign is an excellent alternative treatment because removing their aligner before playing gives them no limitations.
Invest in Your Teen’s Smile
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. Dr. Frank will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you at your free consultation, as well as any of the risks that may come from putting off or skipping treatment.
Although adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time. Schedule your free consultation today.
