Teeth-Straightening Solutions From The Teenage Years And Beyond
Most children lose their baby teeth by the age of 13. Before they’ve even lost their last few baby teeth and have most of their adult teeth it’s pretty easy to tell where there will be over-crowding or where permanent teeth are coming in crooked. This is the best time to begin orthodontic treatment while they’re still settling in to their permanent adult smile.
As much as we love bringing out the natural beauty of a smile, orthodontic treatment is even more important for their oral health. Misaligned teeth and a crooked bite can be difficult to clean properly, feel uncomfortable and even cause aches and pains. With orthodontic treatment, these issues can be resolved in as little as 6 months.
Your teen might benefit from orthodontic treatment if they have:
- An overbite – when the upper teeth sit too far forward.
- Excessive spacing – gaps or spaces between the teeth.
- An underbite – when the lower teeth sit too far forward.
- Crowding – when teeth are overlapping or impossible to floss.
- Crossbite – a bite that doesn’t mesh comfortably.
- Pain – Chronic headaches, jaw pain, or upper back and neck pain.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
There are many different treatment options available depending on the patient’s personal needs and their budget. Here are a few of the options that may be available:
Traditional Braces
Upon hearing the term “braces,” your mind probably conjures images of those large metal brackets accompanied by wires. However, contemporary dental brackets have evolved to be smaller, less conspicuous, and equally efficient compared to their older, more cumbersome counterparts. Maintaining their cleanliness is simpler, and they offer a significantly heightened level of comfort.
Clear Brackets
In your pursuit of braces, we also present clear brackets, which enjoy greater popularity among our young adult clientele. These brackets are meticulously fashioned to harmonize conventional orthodontic practices with a sense of subtlety. Upon a swift inspection, the presence of braces is virtually unnoticeable.
Clear Aligners
The ascent of clear aligners, like Invisalign, in terms of popularity has been swift. A sequence of individually crafted see-through trays progressively maneuvers teeth into their optimal alignment. These trays fit snugly and with precision, and on occasion, they can be taken out for eating, regular brushing and flossing, and special events such as school dances or class presentations.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ideally, orthodontic intervention is best undertaken during a patient’s younger years, before the majority of adult teeth have emerged. If you happen to be a parent, we encourage you to schedule a consultation for your teenager. However, rest assured that there are viable orthodontic solutions accessible for adults as well. It’s never too late to explore these options.
The initial application of braces is typically not accompanied by pain. Discomfort might arise as they commence the process of shifting your teeth. Many patients tend to characterize this sensation as more bothersome than outright painful. Nevertheless, should you experience any form of discomfort, please inform us. We have remedies at hand to enhance your treatment’s overall comfort.
Avoid food that might damage your braces (like candy apples, caramel, or corn on the cob) or may be difficult to clean out of braces (like caramel, gum and popcorn). You may also want to avoid sugary or acidic foods which will be more difficult than usual to clean off your teeth. Clear braces can become stained by some foods like beets, curry and kraft dinner.
Reach out to us immediately! Avoid delaying until your upcoming appointment.
Floss threaders and super floss are available and specially designed for flossing your braces or permanent retainers. We’d be happy to show you how to floss your braces at your next appointment.
For minor adjustments, orthodontic treatment can be as brief as 6 months. However, for most individuals, the duration of wearing braces typically ranges from 6 months to 2 years. Following an oral examination, we can provide you with a more precise estimate.
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