Teen Orthodontics are typically started around twelve to sixteen years of age. By that time all permanent teeth have come in and any gaps or bite alignment issues have shown up and are more easily detectable. Additionally, patients who have undergone phase one treatment will be ready for teen orthodontic treatment because phase one starts between the ages of six and ten.
Why is teen orthodontics important?
The teens can be a tumultuous time for families. As kids grow into their teen years they become increasingly self-conscious about their appearance. How they feel about themselves plays a large role in their relationships and self-confidence.
Orthodontic treatment for teens helps to boost their self-esteem and make them feel good about the way that they look. Additionally, orthodontic treatment can help improve an individual’s speech and eliminate symptoms like lisps.
Why is alignment important?
Well aligned teeth are easier to keep clean and free of decay. They’re also protected from chipping and odd wear patterns. By protecting teeth from wear and decay you’re preventing more advanced issues like bone decay and periodontitis and helps aid chewing and digestion.
Does my teen need braces?
It’s important that you schedule an appointment for your child to determine if they need braces or not, however, there are some obvious signs that indicate a need for orthodontic treatment. If your teen has protruding teeth or difficulty biting and chewing they likely need braces or some type of orthodontic treatment. Another sign is if your teen has difficulty flossing or brushing. This could be an indication of crowding that needs correcting.
If you believe your teenager needs orthodontic treatment contact us at Happy Smiles. We have extensive experience serving teenagers and children’s orthodontic need. From phase one treatment to phase two (braces) we can help to meet your teens’ needs and ensure they have a confident, beautiful smile.
