TEENS
Teens
Does your teen smile? They can be temperamental, grouchy, or rebellious, so they might avoid saying ‘Cheese!’ for you. But when they’re around friends, do you notice them trying to hide their teeth? They might hate the way their teeth look. A teen’s self-esteem can easily plummet if a peer makes fun of them or they compare themselves to online personalities, who present themselves as always perfect and beautiful.
At this time, your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin. They might have issues with spacing, crowding, bite, or alignment. These can have a long lasting effect on your teen’s oral and overall health.
If your teen fears the idea of wearing braces, they might avoid mentioning any problems with their teeth. (These days, there are near invisible alternatives!) They might consider any issues with their teeth or dental hygiene as not a problem, no matter how many times you tell them they’ll regret it later.
Diagnosing and treating certain bite problems early 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
Hey Teens –
do any of these apply to you?
- Early, late, or irregular loss of 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
- Protruding teeth
If you've noticed any of the issues above, we recommend asking your parents to set up a complimentary consultation with Dr. Just. You might benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Treatment Options
How long will my teen need braces or Invisalign? It will depend on the complexity of issues being treated. The average time for braces is 6-36 months. After removal, your teen will be given a retainer to wear. Wearing the retainer as instructed can help your teen keep their beautiful smile for years to come.
Smile with Pride
We know that teens are trying to find their place among friends, school, online, and the world around them. They can easily change their clothes, their hair, and their mannerisms, but without orthodontic treatment they can’t easily change their teeth. Beyond physical appearances, orthodontic treatment can improve long-term health. Straight teeth carry several benefits, such as:
- Less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
- Easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Reduces the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
- Improves proper chewing and digestion of food
Braces
Metal braces have had a reputation for being awkward and obvious, but because of modern orthodontics, you will benefit from versions that are smaller, less conspicuous, and more comfortable than ever before. Sleeker brackets and lighter wires improve the appearance and feel of these braces. This means you will have less irritation in your mouth.
- Braces can't be lost like aligners
- Fun, colorful bands
- Lower cost
- May have a faster treatment time
- Great option for complex issues
Invisalign
Invisalign consists of a series of clear aligners that are gradually adjusted to bring teeth closer to the desired position. Typically, a patient will receive a new set of aligners every two weeks. Invisalign are designed for comfort, and should fit teeth tightly. Most patients remain in treatment for one to two years, assuming they consistently wear their aligners.
- Aligners are nearly invisible
- Aligners are removable, for easy tooth brushing
- No restrictions on food
