Teen Orthodontics
Adolescence presents an ideal opportunity for orthodontic treatment with many teens eager to enhance their smiles and achieve straighter teeth. Yet, some may feel hesitant about starting their orthodontic journey, concerned about how braces might affect their appearance or disrupt their involvement in sports and social activities.
At Nova Orthodontics, we understand that every teen’s experience is unique, which is why we tailor each orthodontic treatment to suit your child’s individual needs and preferences, ensuring a positive and fulfilling experience throughout the process.
Why is adolescence the best time for orthodontic treatment?
Teenagers undergo many social and biological changes during adolescence. During the early teenage years, many adult teeth are finally coming into their final position and some of the facial bones and cartilages are growing faster than ever before. This growth can be guided by the orthodontist to achieve facial harmony and to align the teeth in a more favorable position. In addition, many of your child’s peers are wearing braces, making the teenage years the most socially acceptable time to undergo orthodontic treatment.
What types of orthodontic treatment appliances are suitable for teens?
While traditional braces are still the most common type of orthodontic appliance among teenagers, advances in technology have made other more esthetic options available. A growing number of teenagers are electing for clear aligners like Invisalign to correct their orthodontic problems. Other options include tooth colored and gold-plated braces. We are proud to offer all of these options in our office and will make recommendations based on your child’s needs, circumstances and orthodontic diagnosis to achieve a personalized and excellent treatment outcome.
What if my teen doesn’t want braces, but still wants straight teeth?
The good news is that there are many options available to teenagers these days. Invisalign clear aligners can be a great option for teenagers with orthodontic problems. These clear, plastic, trays wrap around the teeth and move them progressively as they are changed out. However, they must be worn 20-22 hours a day to work effectively.
What is the average orthodontic treatment time?
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment takes on average 18 – 24 months to complete. But, depending on your teen’s initial presentation and factors such as compliance, hygiene and appointment attendance, orthodontic treatment can run longer.
If your teen had phase 1 or early treatment, a second phase of braces usually requires less time. This is because the first phase of treatment addressed many of underlying issues.
It is important to remember that every patient is different and treatment times vary widely. Our orthodontists will be sure to update you on the progress of your teen’s treatment at each and every appointment. It is our commitment to you and your family.
FAQs
Will braces hurt?
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in recent years. New technology allows us to use lighter forces to move teeth over a much shorter amount of time.
You can expect braces to make your teeth sore for a few days after they are placed and after each adjustment. These adjustments will make you more conscious of your teeth, but they should not be too painful. This discomfort can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (use as directed).
Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and use technology that reduces the sensitivity. We use the latest in orthodontic technology and the highest quality of orthodontic materials in order to reduce discomfort and treatment time.
What foods to eat during braces?
For braces to work, it is important that they remain intact and clean. This is why it is important to avoid foods that may damage your orthodontic appliances. These include hard, sticky and chewy foods such as bubble gum, hard or chewy candies, caramel, whole apples, whole carrots, etc. This, however, does not mean that you should avoid these foods altogether. For example, apples and carrots can be sliced and chewed using the back molars.
While delicious, chewy steaks, bread or veggies can be difficult to chew when the teeth are sore. If your child experiences soreness of the teeth after an appointment, we recommend that they stick to soft foods immediately after an appointment. These include smoothies, bananas, mashed potatoes and the like.
Keeping braces clean
Clear aligners offer the easiest way to keep the teeth clean since they can be removed to brush and floss. Braces, on the contrary, require a little more attention and dedication to keep clean.
To ensure successful treatment outcomes, we require every patient to visit a general dentist and demonstrate good oral hygiene prior to getting braces. Once the braces are put on, an electric toothbrush and special tools such as Platypus flossers or floss threaders can be helpful in keeping the teeth and braces clean. We will provide feedback on your teens oral hygiene at each of their appointments and will continue to help them maintain proper brushing and flossing.
Can I play sports or musical instruments while wearing braces?
Regardless of the type of appliance we prescribe, orthodontic treatment should not get in the way of your child’s hobbies. But there are things you should know. Kids who play wind instruments such as the flute, saxophone, or trumpet may find that some adjustments are needed to perform as before. Similarly, kids who play contact sports like football and basketball can still compete but will need to wear a mouthguard at times.
Regardless of what activities your child engages in, it is important that you communicate these with us during your initial consultation so that we may prescribe a treatment that is adapted to your child’s social needs.