Orthodontics for Teens

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 like Dr. Babaan can easily recognize issues with alignment,
bite, crowding, and spacing in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are developed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.

Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment at an earlier age, and are now following 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 complimentary consultation with Dr. Babaan at The Orthodontic Studio, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
Difficulty with chewing or biting
Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Protrusion of teeth
Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all

Bad Bites

Diagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems can have both 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

Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment have many benefits, 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 The Orthodontic Studio, we proudly offer:

Metal Braces

Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets. However, this is no longer the case!

We’re proud to offer the Damon Smile system of self-ligating braces. This type of braces are a great option for patients who desire straighter teeth in a shorter amount of time.

Damon Smile’s self-ligating brackets move teeth into the desired positions with less force and without painful extractions.

Clear Braces

Also known as ceramic braces, these work the same way metal braces do but feature brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials.

We offer the Clarity Self-Ligating system, an aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces. The Clarity SL system consists of small clear brackets that are customized to fit your teeth and mouth. They’re a safe and effective treatment option for patients who desire a more discreet treatment.

Invisalign®

The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally 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

How long does treatment take?

This question doesn’t have a concrete answer, unfortunately. Every case is different, but the average length of the active stage of orthodontic treatment is anywhere from 6-36 months.

After this phase of treatment is complete, your teen will need to wear a retainer for as long as Dr. Babaan feels necessary based on their individual case. We’ll work together with both parents and teens to create a smile that will last a lifetime.

Can teens still play sports?

Absolutely! However, if your teen athlete is wearing traditional braces, it’s crucial to protect their smile to stay on track with their treatment.

We strongly recommend that they use an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces and their mouth from any potential injury.

Your teen can play any contact sport if they use the proper orthodontic mouthguard.

If your teen has Invisalign, they can simply remove their aligner before practice or a game, and put it back in when they’re finished.

What about band?

Make an Investment in Your Teen’s Smile Today

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. By scheduling a free consultation, Dr. Babaan will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you, as well as any of the risks with putting off or skipping treatment.

Although adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time.