Orthodontics for teens
Invest in your teen
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.
Common ortho issues
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. McGrory and Dr. McCarty, will 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 allow orthodontic treatment to begin. 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.
Diagnosing and treating certain bite problems can have short- and long-term benefits. Orthodontic treatment can minimize “bad bites” such as crooked or crowded teeth, missing or extra teeth, or an overbite or underbite.
Untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s health. See Dr. McGrory or Dr. McCarty at McGrory Orthodontics for a free consultation if you notice any issues that may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
Difficulty with 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
A disorder of the jaw joint
Incorrect jaw position
Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment have many benefits, 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
Metal braces
Metal braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely 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 noticeable. Since ceramic braces are slightly more prone to breakage and a little costlier than metal braces, they may not be suitable for everyone.
Invisalign® Teen
Invisalign® Teen aligners are clear, removable, and comfortable. Wearing them for 20-22 hours per day can gradually shift teeth into the desired positions. However, they are only recommended for mild to moderate orthodontic issues.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
This is a question with no concrete answer, unfortunately. 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. McGrory or Dr. McCarty feels necessary based on their individual case. We work as a team with both parents and teen to create a smile that will last a lifetime.
Can teens still play sports?
Absolutely. If your teen athlete is wearing traditional braces, it’s crucial to protect their smile 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.
What about 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.
Make an investment in your teen’s smile
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future.
By scheduling a free consultation, Dr. McGrory or Dr. McCarty will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you, as well as any of the risks with 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.
