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, some new solutions work to make the treatment process much easier than ever before.
All About Teen Orthodontics
Experienced orthodontists can easily recognize spacing issues, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to safely begin 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 oral and overall health.
If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a free consultation at WOW! Smiles™, since they could be signs your teen 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 are out of proportion to the rest of the face
- Protrusion of teeth
Bad Bites
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
Benefits of a Straight Smile
Many benefits come with having a straight smile, 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
Choose Your Look
While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance.
Here at WOW! Smiles, we offer:
Metal Braces
Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of big, obvious metal braces.
We don't use this type of bulky appliance, and many of the new braces are lighter and more efficient than ever before.
Invisalign® & Clear Aligners
The Invisalign and many other clear aligner systems are made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and removable.
Made of soft plastic, they provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with no friction or abrasions inside your teen’s mouth.
Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, your teen’s teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be an option if your teen needs more serious treatment.
FAQs About Teen Orthodontics
Help Your Teen Say "WOW!"
Investing in orthodontic treatment is an investment in your teen's confidence and future. We’ll be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you, as well as the potential risk factors of delaying or skipping treatment at your free consultation exam.
Although adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time.