Adolecent Treatment

Does my teenager need braces?

In addition to improving oral health, orthodontic treatment can provide the confidence that comes with a healthy, attractive smile for years to come. You may be pleasantly surprised to find out how affordable such a great investment can be.

Adolescent orthodontic treatment usually begins between the ages of 9 and 14. This treatment is also referred to as Comprehensive treatment and includes patients with their permanent teeth present. Upper and lower braces are used to gradually move teeth to their proper positions. Treatment time varies with each patient. Usually the braces are on for 18 to 24 months depending on the severity of the problems and the cooperation from the patient.

An improper bite usually does not look good and that is the main reason most adolescents are interested in getting braces. in addition, an improper bite can cause cavities, problems chewing food, and self-esteem problems for your teenager. Since each teenager is different there are a variety of braces available such as multi-colored braces for the outgoing teen to clear braces for the more reserved adolescent.

Signs the bite is not right.....

*Early or late loss of baby teeth

*Difficulty chewing or swallowing

*Breathing through the mouth instead of nose

*Thumb-sucking

*Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth

*Jaws that are too far forward or back

*Biting the cheek or roof of mouth

*Protruding teeth

*Upper and Lower teeth that don't meet

*Teeth that meet in an abnormal way

*Unbalanced facial appearance

*Grinding or clenching the teth