Orthodontics for Teens

All About Teen Orthodontics

The teen years (between the ages of 12 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment because these are the ages when most permanent teeth will be in place.

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Mason Bates can easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, 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. Bates at Bates Family 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
• Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
• Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
• Protrusion of teeth

 

Bad Bites

Diagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems can have short-term 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

Options That Fit You

While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance.

Here at Bates Family Orthodontics, we offer:

 

Traditional Braces (metal or clear)

Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of huge, visible metal brackets.

Many new braces and brackets are lighter, slimmer, and more comfortable than ever before.

Also known as clear braces, these work the same way metal braces do but feature brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials.

They blend in with your teen's smile, making them much less obvious. Since ceramic braces are slightly more prone to breaking, and a little more costly than metal braces, they may not be best for everyone.

 

LightForce Custom Braces

LightForce custom braces are translucent (or white) upper and lower braces that combine the predictability and effectiveness of braces with the esthetics of clear aligners, and offer ultimate precision and treatment efficiency.

These 3D-printed braces allow us to achieve the same amazing treatment results in a shorter treatment time.

 

Invisalign®

Invisalign clear aligners are made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.

Made of soft plastic, they provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with no friction or abrasions inside your teen's mouth.

Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, your teen's teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.