Adolescent Treatment

For many teens, orthodontics is a rite of passage: It’s one more example of the changes adolescents go through at this time — along with growth in stature, edgier tastes in clothes and music, and an increasing degree of self-awareness. But is there any particular reason why orthodontic appliances and teenagers seem to go together? In a word: Yes.
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There are several good reasons why adolescence is the optimal time for orthodontic treatment, though occasionally even earlier intervention is called for. One has to do with the development of the teeth: There's no set timetable for every kid, but generally by the age of 11-13 the deciduous (baby) teeth have all been lost, and the permanent ones have largely come in. This is the time when we can go to work correcting the problems that cause a bad bite (malocclusion), improper tooth spacing, or poor alignment.

Orthodontic problems don't improve with age — they simply become harder to treat. It's easier to treat many orthodontic problems during adolescence because the body is still growing rapidly at this time. Whether we use standard braces, or appliances like palatal expanders, or Invisalign, we can create an improved appearance and function in a short period of time. In later years, when the bones of the face and jaw are fully developed, many conditions become more difficult (and costly) to treat.

There's even a social element to getting orthodontic treatment in adolescence. If you need orthodontics, you're not alone! Chances are you'll see some of your classmates in our office, and you may even make new friends as you go through the process together. When it's done, you'll have a smile that you can really be proud of, and benefits that will last your whole life.

The Treatment Process

What can you expect when you come into our office for treatment? It all depends on what kind of treatment you need. The first time you come in, we may take pictures and radiographic (X-ray) images of your mouth, and possibly a 3-D scan of your teeth. Then, we'll develop a treatment plan. It may involve regular braces, with or without elastics (rubber bands) or Invisalign. We might also recommend that you use a specialized appliance for a period of time. Here are some of the most commonly used orthodontic appliances:
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Metal Braces need no introduction. But you might be surprised to find they're smaller and lighter than ever. They may even offer some customized options, like colored elastic ties on the brackets.
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Clear Braces feature brackets made of ceramic which blend in with your teeth, making them less noticeable. They're suitable in many situations, but they cost a little more.
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Invisalign for teens is a series of removable, clear plastic aligners that gradually straighten teeth as they're worn (for 22 hours per day). Formerly recommended primarily for adult patients, new technology is being utilized that makes them appropriate for teens in almost all situations. The advantage: they're practically invisible!
Other orthodontic appliances may be recommended in some cases, where major tooth or jaw movement is needed. They can range from small devices that fit inside the mouth to external headgear.

How Long Will I Wear Them?

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There's no one answer that fits everyone: It all depends on what we need to do in your individual situation. Generally, however, the active stage of orthodontic treatment lasts 6-30 months. Afterward, you will wear a retainer for as long as recommended. When your orthodontic treatment is complete, the new smile we've worked together to create will be yours for a lifetime.

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