Orthodontics for Teenagers
Most people undergo orthodontic treatment in their teenage years. At that age, the jaw and face are completing their development, but that is often the optimal time to guide jaw growth and perfect tooth alignment. We offer both braces and Invisalign for teenagers.
Tailored Orthodontic Solutions
When it comes to determining the most suitable treatment option for your teenager, several factors need to be considered. Dr. Hodge understands the importance of addressing your teen’s concerns and conducts a comprehensive evaluation. At Hodge Orthodontics, we take pride in offering a wide range of treatment options specifically designed for teenagers.
Exploring Your Options
Together you’ll discuss the advantages and drawbacks of each orthodontics treatment for teenagers based on lifestyle, dental needs, and aesthetic preferences. We know some people may be more comfortable than others with the idea of braces, but with a variety of styles and colors available, braces are much more comfortable and – dare we say? – stylish than in the past.
How long will I need to wear braces?
Everyone is different and the severity of your dental problems will always influence the answer to this question. But in general, the amount of time required for braces and Invisalign depends on three key factors.
Early Treatment
Early detection and early treatment help get problems under control before they become more serious – and therefore harder to treat. Early treatment usually involves monitoring the growth of the jaw and recommending further orthodontic treatment as it becomes necessary.
What Needs Correction
Different dental problems and different teeth require different kinds of orthodontics for teenagers. which can and will affect the time it takes to complete treatment. Some patients only need a year of braces and Invisalign, while others may require two or more.
You
Your willingness to use the braces and Invisalign as prescribed to you by your orthodontist is a major factor in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment! It’s simple – if you don’t wear your bands or your Invisalign retainer, your teeth can’t be straightened.
Your True Smile Potential
Don’t let misaligned teeth hold you back any longer. Embrace the possibilities of orthodontic treatment and unlock your true smile potential. Schedule a consultation with Hodge Orthodontics today and embark on a life-changing journey to a radiant, confident, and breathtaking smile. Your transformation awaits!
As unfair as it may seem, there is a reason that your teenage years are the optimal time for orthodontic treatment. While there’s no set timetable, usually between ages eleven (11) and thirteen (13), the deciduous teeth (baby teeth) have been lost and permanent ones are moving in. That makes it the perfect time to start correcting malocclusion (a bad bite), improper tooth spacing or poor alignment of your teeth.
Another good reason to start as soon as your orthodontist recommends is that orthodontic problems don’t improve magically with age. In fact, they almost always become harder to treat. Because your body is still growing, it’s actually easier to treat you – we can use braces and palatal expanders to shape your smile pretty quickly. Once your face and jaw are fully developed this becomes a much longer, more painful process.
And whether or not you hate the idea of braces as a teen, you can’t deny that there are plenty of other people your age with braces – you’re not alone! As you age, it becomes less common to have braces and though there’s no need to be self-conscious, sometimes it’s easier to go through things together. Nevertheless, Invisalign is always an option, too, and may fit your needs and lifestyle better. Regardless of what orthodontics for teenagers treatment you decide, once you’re done, you’ll have a smile that you’re proud of and better oral health overall!
Yes – if your orthodontist says you need braces, Invisalign or any other orthodontics for teenagers work, you should seriously consider treatment. But here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:
- The early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Permanent teeth that are blocked from growing normally
- Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- The frequent biting of your cheek or the inside of your mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally – or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of your face
- The protrusion (flaring forward) or retrusion (angling backward) of teeth
There are many benefits to starting orthodontic treatment now – and not all of them revolve around a pretty smile. Straight, well-aligned teeth are also easier to care for and healthier. Some of the benefits include:
- Teeth that are less prone to wear, chipping, and tooth trauma
- Teeth that are easier to keep clean, which helps prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Lower chance of developing gum (periodontal) disease
- The improvement of proper chewing and therefore digestion of food
- An attractive, healthy smile
- Improvement in your self-esteem
If you have any questions about orthodontics for teens or if you’d like to schedule a complimentary consultation, call us or contact us through the site!