Invest in your teen
The teen years (between the ages of 13 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth will be in place. The good news is, that we offer a variety of subtle treatment options that will be a perfect fit for your teen!
All about teen orthodontics
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. McGrory can easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite issues, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.
Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment at an earlier age, and are now following it 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. McGrory at Lake Jackson Orthodontics, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
Difficulty with chewing or biting
Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
Protrusion of teeth
Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
Bad bites
Diagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems can have both short- 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
Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people in their teens. While braces may have had a bad reputation before, today’s braces make it easy to look and feel good!
Invisalign® Teen
Invisalign Teen aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed. They offer a comfortable experience and gradually move teeth with consistent wear of 20-22 hours per day. Invisalign is best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues and may not be suitable for serious treatment.
Clear braces
Also known as ceramic braces, clear braces work the same way metal braces do, but feature brackets made of tooth-colored materials. These blend in with your teen’s smile, making them much less noticeable. Since clear braces are slightly more prone to breaking, and a little costlier than metal braces, they may not be best for everyone.
Metal braces
When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets. However, metal braces have come a very long way in recent years! We use lightweight, comfortable braces, giving you a positive, comfortable orthodontic experience.
FAQs about teen orthodontics
Schedule your free consultation
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. During your free consultation, Dr. McGrory will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment as well as the risks of putting it off.
While adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time and giving them a lifetime of smiles!
With options from Invisalign, metal braces, and invisible braces for teens, our expert, affordable orthodontists near you in Lake Jackson are ready to help your teen get the smile of their dreams. Schedule a free orthodontic consultation with us online today!
