Orthodontics For Teens

The teenage years are the time when most youngsters find themselves in need of orthodontic treatment. This is from age 12 to 16. By this time, most adult teeth would have erupted, and oral issues could be easily identified. During these teen years, full braces are the most common orthodontic treatment. Also, by this time, teens may start to feel self-conscious about crooked teeth or gaps in their smiles. Besides, it’s much easier to manage these alignment problems when their jawbones are still developing.

When Would Teens Need Orthodontic Treatments?

Several signs indicate a teen may need orthodontic treatments, including:

• Improper loss of their primary teeth
• Difficulty with biting or chewing
• Crowding or extra gaps between teeth
• Jaws that make sounds or shift 
• Recurrent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
• Teeth that meet abnormally 
• Teeth and jaws are out of proportion 
• Protrusion of teeth

Benefits of a Straight Smile

Straight and well-aligned have many benefits, including:

• They are less prone to chipping, getting worn down, and tooth trauma.
• They are easier to keep clean.
• They help prevent tooth decay and cavities.
• They reduce the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss.
• They improve the chewing and digestion of food.

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Metal Braces

Traditional braces offered by Dr. Daniel Adams are fabricated from metal. They are composed of metal brackets that are attached to the front surface of the teeth and have flexible wires that clasp the brackets together.

Ceramic Braces

They work with the same mechanics as conventional metal braces. The dissimilarity is that the brackets are made of tooth-colored ceramic materials. They blend in effortlessly with your teen’s smile, making them much less noticeable. Since ceramic braces are slightly less durable and a little costlier than metal ones, they may not suit everyone.

Invisalign

The Invisalign treatment offered by Dr. Daniel Adams uses a series of aligners, custom-fabricated clear trays that are worn to help move the teeth to their proper positions. These aligners are nearly invisible and removable. They are made of acrylic plastic and provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with no cuts or abrasions inside the mouth. Every two weeks, your teen will have to change their aligner for the next in the sequence. When worn for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day, their teeth will slowly move into the desired locations.

Invisalign is best used to correct orthodontic problems that are mild or moderate but may not be as effective if your teen needs more rigorous treatment.

If you are interested in learning more about orthodontic treatments for teens, visit our office, Full Smile Orthodontics, at 6965 El Camino Real #201, Carlsbad, CA 92009, or call us at (760) 804-0080 and schedule an appointment.