Senior portraits are being booked, and school dances are just around the corner—there’s no better time for teens to transform their smiles! Dr. Waters and Dr. Clayton know how important it is for teens to feel confident about their smiles during these big milestones. Let’s go over some important information for parents to know ahead of orthodontic treatment for teens here at Innovative Orthodontics.
When The Time is Right
You might be wondering why the period between ages 11 and 16 is the most common time for patients to begin orthodontic care. This phase of development is ideal for beginning treatment anatomically, and many teens feel more confident starting care while their peers are going through the same process.
- Permanent teeth are usually fully in place
- Jawbones are still flexible, making it easier to guide tooth movement
- Spacing, crowding, and bite issues become more noticeable
There are many visible signs that orthodontic treatment is a smart next step for your teenager, though sometimes, you won’t be able to tell that treatment is necessary without a doctor’s help. You can partner with your teen and your family dentist to keep an eye out for:
- Unusual or late loss of baby teeth
- Issues biting or chewing
- Overlapping, spaced, or crooked teeth
- Clicking or popping in the jaw
- Mouth or cheek biting while eating or talking
- Upper and lower teeth that don’t connect well
- Jaw growth that seems uneven
- Visibly protruding front teeth
Finding the Best Fit
Your teenager’s experience with orthodontics should reflect who they are. That’s why Innovative Orthodontics offers multiple options to fit their personal preferences and style!
- Invisalign for Teens: Removable and nearly invisible, Invisalign aligners provide a flexible way to straighten teeth. They’re popular among teens who play instruments, participate in sports, or simply want low-profile care.
- Metal Braces: No longer bulky or outdated, these sleek brackets are efficient, dependable, and ideal for more complex needs.
- Clear Ceramic Braces: These braces blend in with your teen’s natural teeth for a less noticeable look. They work like metal braces but with tooth-colored materials.
Myths About Orthodontic Treatment for Teens
When it comes to orthodontic care, there’s a lot of misinformation out there, especially for teenage patients. Let’s clear up a few common myths so you and your teen can feel confident about starting treatment!
Myth #1: Braces are only for the most severe orthodontic problems.
Truth: Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for extreme cases! Many teens benefit from braces or aligners to correct minor problems like crowding, spacing, or bite issues to make their smiles healthier. Metal braces are typically most ideal for the most complex cases, as opposed to our other two options.
Myth #2: Teens have to wear braces for years.
Truth: Thanks to modern technology, treatment times are quicker than they used to be. Many teens complete their orthodontic care in 12–24 months, depending on their needs and how well they follow their treatment plan. Compliance will always play a major role in the final timeframe.
Myth #3: Braces will stop teens from playing sports or instruments.
Truth: Teens can continue playing their favorite sports and instruments during treatment, as long as they take some precautions. Custom orthodontic mouthguards are the main tool that we recommend for student athletes to protect their fixed appliances.
Myth #4: Invisalign doesn’t make sense for teenagers.
Truth: Invisalign offers specially designed aligners created just for teens, complete with wear indicators and features that help accommodate their changing oral anatomy. Many of our teenage patients are eligible for Invisalign treatment.
Myth #5: Orthodontic treatment is usually just cosmetic.
Truth: Straightening teeth almost always improves more than appearances. It can enhance oral health, correct bite function, and make teeth easier to clean, reducing
Myth #6: Fixed braces are bulky and painful.
Truth: Modern braces are smaller, smoother, and far more comfortable than the metal versions of the past. Teens may feel mild pressure when braces are first placed or adjusted, but it usually subsides quickly.
Myth #7: Orthodontic treatment can wait until adulthood.
Truth: This is kind of a trick question. Yes, the teen years are often a great time to begin treatment, but adults are also perfectly qualified to get braces. However, being able to guide jaw growth and make corrections more efficiently is a huge advantage of teenage treatment. In some cases, earlier treatment can also prevent more serious (and costly) issues later on.
A Lasting Impact
Our Innovative Orthodontics team values our teenage patients for their individuality, and we know that no two treatment experiences will look exactly alike! We’re here to make this time move as smoothly as possible, and create a smile that they’ll love their whole lives. Schedule your free consultation to come see us soon in Savannah, Rincon, or Pooler!