For many teens, the idea of braces is daunting. However, it’s important to remember that many people have had braces at some point on the way to their dream smile.
Upon realizing that one needs braces, the first question that comes to mind is often, “how long will I need to wear these?” The duration of one’s treatment depends on multiple factors. We will determine how long your individualized treatment will be once we evaluate your teeth. It’s also extremely important that you follow instructions, and that you take care of your braces and teeth as recommended.
We have a variety or treatment options to may you feel a bit more comfortable going through treatment. The average treatment time is about 22 months, but we will make sure to tell you our estimated treatment time during our complimentary consultation. We do offer ways to speed up treatment, and we can discuss these options during your consultation.
Orthodontic treatment for teens may consist of metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign or other appliances. The goal of treatment would be to:
- Correct the width of the upper and/or lower arches to improve the smile
- Correct crowding in the upper and/or lower arches
- Close open bites
- Correct excessive overjet and overbites
- Correct the growth pattern of the upper and/or lower jaw
- Assist in determining if your child has any conditions affecting his or her airway
- Provide treatment if necessary
- Orthognathic Surgery (Jaw surgery) to correct skeletal imbalances
The conditions our orthodontist will look for are:
- Crowding of permanent teeth
- Impacted or ectopic (misaligned) permanent teeth
- Retained primary (baby) teeth
- Thumb or finger habits
- Mouth breathing
- Open bites (teeth not touching in the front of the mouth)
- Crossbites (teeth that do not come together normally)
- Can be in the front or back of the mouth
We will determine if your child needs orthodontic treatment with an appliance and/or braces during our complimentary consultation.
Crowding occurs because there is not enough space for the teeth in their current positions. The may lead to periodontal “gum” problems or make it difficult to keep the teeth clean.
Anterior Crossbite – This may be due to localized position of teeth, but it also may be due to improper growth of the jaws. A correct diagnosis and can limit the potential side effects of this type of bite.
Upper jaw constriction may be due to abnormal growth patterns and/or airway issues.
Anterior open bites may be due to digit, tongue, object habits, and improper growth of the jaws. In children, this should be addressed as soon as possible. In adults it may be possible to close the open bite non-surgically, but please consult an orthodontic specialist.
Children with teeth in this position are more likely than other kids to experience some type of trauma to the front teeth.
Impactions and missing teeth occur for several reasons, but the orthodontic specialist can advise you on the best treatment options available for you or your child.
Digit habits should be stopped around the age of 3. If your child still has a digit habit, please consult with an orthodontist on how to stop the habit early in order to reduce improper jaw growth.
This skeletal issue may be due to a combination of factors. In children, we may modify growth to reduce or correct the small lower jaw. In adults, there are options available to help achieve facial harmony.
This skeletal imbalance may actually be due to a small upper jaw or a large lower jaw. In children, we may modify growth to reduce or correct the small upper jaw. In adults, there are options available to help achieve facial harmony.
Please take a look at the various tools your orthodontist may use to correct your bite and give you the smile you’ve always wanted. We provide treatment options including metal braces, clear braces, lingual braces, Invisalign, expanders and other appliances.
Traditional metal braces, made of stainless steel, are the most common. The braces and wires straighten your teeth…colors are optional.
If you are feeling like you’d like to express your feeling or draw some attention, we have all the colors you could possibly want.
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials, which make them less noticeable than metal braces. Clear brackets are great options for adolescents and adults.
Lingual are braces are metal colored, but you cannot see them as they sit on the inside where the tongue is. This is a great option for patients who do not want anything on their front teeth and know they cannot reliably change clear aligners.
This clear option is perfect for teens and adults. The ability to remove the aligners to eat makes brushing and flossing much easier than braces. Plus, no braces or wires equals shorter appointments and less visits.
This appliance helps correct the bite in place of elastics. We use this appliance to help position the lower jaw in a more forward position.
We know you don’t want to be in braces for a long time. Ask us about ways we can shorten the time you have braces on your teeth!
Expanders are used to help widen the upper jaw. We will explain to you how to use the appliance. Once we stop activating the appliance, we leave it in place for a few months for stability.
Whether it’s colorful or clear, using retainers are paramount to keep teeth straight for life. We use removable and fixed retainers depending on each case.
If your teen is in need of treatment and you want to learn more about braces for teens, contact us today! We here at Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics of Jupiter are happy to assist you and your teen with any questions you may have prior to treatment.