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What is teens' orthodontics?
Teens’ orthodontics is a treatment performed on your adolescent child once they have achieved sufficient jaw growth and gained most of their adult teeth. The goal of this treatment process is to correct crooked, crowded teeth and a misaligned jaw for a lifetime of optimal orthodontic health. Teens’ orthodontics can provide your child with a boost of confidence and a strong, straight smile for life.
Did you know…
Straightened teeth are easier to keep clean, preventing decay or cavities in the long run.
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Trusted Care You Can Count On!
Dr. Melissa and Dr. Jeremy are Invisalign Certified Providers. You can rest assured that your teen's smile will be getting the industry’s best expertise when you come to our practice.
Commitment-Free Consult
If you’re curious about how orthodontic options can transform your teen's smile, how much they cost, or if your teen is even a good candidate, be sure to take advantage of our free orthodontic consultations. Your teen's doctor will answer any questions you may have and walk you through a custom treatment plan so you can make an informed decision about your teen's smile transformation.
Types of orthodontics for teens
Metal Braces
Metal braces are one of the most common, affordable braces in Huntington Beach, and durable options for patients looking to correct mild to severe tooth and jaw misalignment. Made of medical-grade stainless steel brackets and archwires, metal braces can correct your teen’s teeth over time to produce a natural, straight smile.
Ceramic Braces
Similar to traditional metal braces, ceramic braces guide your teen’s teeth to its desired alignment with wires and brackets for a strong, straight smile and bite. The main difference is that ceramic braces are composed of a clear ceramic material that matches your teen’s natural tooth shade, making them much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are made from medical-grade plastic material to help guide your teen’s teeth into their preferred position. For teens looking for subtlety in their treatment, clear aligners can be an attractive option. ClearCorrect and Invisalign are two popular clear aligner options that can discreetly and drastically straighten your teen’s smile.
How it works: The teens' orthodontics process
Consultation
Your orthodontist will begin by examining your teen’s jaw, teeth, and gums for any misalignment or bite issues. If your teen’s smile and bite could benefit from an alignment solution, your orthodontist will walk you both through each step of the treatment plan to ensure desired results.
Impressions and Digital Imaging
Your orthodontist will then gather a comprehensive set of records to diagnose the problem and create a tailored treatment plan for your teen. Detailed pictures, x-rays, mouth measurements, and a bite impression or model will be taken to create a custom dental appliance for your teen’s smile.
Placement and Fitting
Once the custom-made dental appliance is made, your orthodontist will administer proper fitting and placement to ensure maximum comfort and effective results. Our team will also provide your teen with various tips and tricks to keep their dental appliance in great shape throughout their smile alignment journey.
Next Steps
Follow up appointments will be scheduled every 4-8 weeks so the orthodontist can monitor your teen’s progress. Depending on your teen’s bite and alignment issues, treatment can last anywhere from six months to two years.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that my teen may need orthodontic treatment?
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Crowded teeth, gapped teeth, awkward bite alignment, uneven teeth proportion within the mouth, and difficulty chewing or breathing are all strong signs that your teen may be in need of orthodontic treatment. Even if your teen’s slightly misaligned teeth may not be causing other complications at the moment, they can easily progress if the teeth are left in an unhealthy position. Early detection and treatment is key to maintaining lifelong oral health and preventing other orthodontic issues from arising later down the road.
What are the benefits of teens’ orthodontics?
While patients can be consulted for orthodontic care at any age, the teenage years are one of the best times to correct teeth and jaw issues and prevent orthodontic problems from worsening in adulthood. Your teen’s jaw and teeth are nearing their final adult stages but are still malleable and receptive to treatment. If your teen’s crooked smile makes them self conscious or gets in the way of their daily life, braces or clear aligners can give them a confidence boost that they will carry on into their adult years and beyond.
What causes orthodontic problems in my teen?
For most teens, orthodontic problems stem from genetic or inherited traits. However, dental diseases, early loss of baby or adult teeth, an accident, or a habit like prolonged thumb sucking may have caused significant smile or bite issues for your teen. In any case, our team will create a thorough treatment plan to ensure your teen’s unique needs are met and corrected for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
What age should my teen be seen by an orthodontist?
Our team recommends scheduling an appointment for your teen between the ages of 11 to 13, although any teenager is encouraged to stop by for a consultation. By the age of 11 to 13, most baby teeth will be lost, adult teeth will have emerged, and your teen’s jaw will be pliable and less resistant to orthodontic treatment. This is the best time your orthodontist can begin assessing the problems that cause bite issues, improper tooth spacing, and poor alignment in your teen’s mouth.
How much does teens’ orthodontics cost?
Many factors come into play when determining the cost of your teen’s orthodontic treatment, including the severity of their teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The cost is different for each patient, so schedule a consultation with your orthodontist to find out how much you’ll pay for your teen’s orthodontic treatment.
