Curious about orthodontics for teens? When teeth or jaw alignment issues are detected, an orthodontist may recommend orthodontics for teens. They often recommend bringing children in for their first orthodontic evaluation by the time they reach the age of seven. Orthodontic issues can be detected at this stage, and their severity often determines whether immediate treatment is required.
Issues like overbites, crossbites, and underbites are typically addressed early on before the child reaches their teenage years. However, there is always time to seek orthodontic treatment for your teen. Continue reading to learn more about when this treatment is recommended for teens.
Many teenagers struggle with orthodontic issues for numerous reasons. Sometimes, these issues are genetic, and other times, they happen during early childhood development due to habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use. Here are other common reasons an orthodontist might recommend teeth straightening treatments for your teen.
At times, it is obvious when a teenager needs teeth straightening treatments. Their teeth may look crooked, and that leads to poor aesthetics. It can also lead to the teen becoming self-conscious since people at that age tend to focus on their appearance. The teen might become reluctant to interact with others due to fears about being judged about their appearance. This cosmetic issue can hinder their social development and carry over into adulthood.
A teenager having difficulty breathing during the day or while they sleep can be a sign of a problem with their bite. Breathing issues are often the result of blocked airways. Sleep apnea can also result from obstructions in a person's airways that forces the brain to wake them up multiple times during sleep to restart breathing.
Airway obstructions can be caused by a person's jaw being too narrow. This condition, in turn, leads to their teeth not coming out in their proper alignment due to not having enough space on the jaw. An easy way to determine if a child has airway obstruction is by observing if they breathe primarily with their mouth. For example, waking up with a sore throat, dry mouth, and snoring are signs that a child's airway is obstructed during sleep, forcing them to breathe through their mouth. Improving the teenager's bite often helps to alleviate these issues.
Frequently sore gums or teeth can signify excessive stress being placed on a person's teeth and gums. It might result from a person's teeth being too crowded due to insufficient space on the jaw. The soreness usually worsens when the wisdom teeth start to emerge, pushing on the person's already crowded teeth. Orthodontic treatment can realign the teenager's teeth, so all their teeth have enough space to grow properly.
Orthodontists often advise starting teeth alignment treatments around the ages of 12 to 16. This is because children typically experience their most significant growth spurts during this period, making it easier for orthodontists to reshape teens' mouths and jaws. They may recommend that the teen undergoes specific treatment, such as traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners.
When people think of braces, they will likely think of metal or traditional braces. These orthodontic devices contain metal brackets that attach to each tooth. They are connected by a thin archwire, which pushes and pulls on the teeth. This pressure allows the teens' teeth to gradually move into the desired position.
Ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces. However, these braces are made from a transparent ceramic material. This difference makes them much less noticeable, and they tend to blend in better with the teen's teeth. They are more prone to breaking and staining than metal braces, but can be an alternative for teens who do not want to draw attention to their orthodontic treatment.
Another popular orthodontic treatment method is clear aligners. Clear aligners are plastic mouthpieces teens wear on their teeth that are virtually invisible. They come in a set of trays, which the teen will need to replace every two to three weeks. Each set of trays helps the teeth move toward the teen's desired smile. Teens often prefer this treatment method because they are removable and have fewer restrictions than metal and ceramic braces.
Getting your child orthodontic treatments during their teenage years often leads to more effective treatments and shorter treatment times. It will also give them a smile they can be proud of, allowing their self-confidence to blossom as they enter adulthood. Contact our dental office today to schedule an orthodontics for teens consultation with an experienced orthodontist.
Request an appointment here: http://www.pricefamilyortho.com or call Price Family Orthodontics at (972) 528-5519 for an appointment in our Frisco office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontics in Frisco, TX.
Orthodontics correct dental and oral health issues in children and adults alike. Dentists agree that it is never too late to correct a bad bite. That said, they encourage orthodontic treatment at an earlier age. So, what is this ideal age for orthodontics? Is it a number or an age range?The skeletal structure is never…
Invisalign® treatment demands wearing the aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Read on to learn more about what it is like to sleep while wearing Invisalign aligners. The only time you should take your Invisalign aligners out of your mouth is to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. That…
Invisalign® aligners are a popular alternative to conventional metal braces. Although Invisalign offers more comfort than metal braces, it is impossible to eliminate the chances of mild pain or discomfort. The risk of discomfort seems to be highest during the first week of wearing invisible teeth aligners.A person’s pain tolerance also determines the degree of…
Orthodontics can help address issues with your bite and provide a variety of benefits, like improved oral hygiene, improved speech, and an improved smile. Orthodontics works best when patients are around the ages of 9 to 14. At this point, the jaw and facial structures are still developing, but most of the permanent teeth should…