Teen orthodontics

Teen orthodontics in Allen & McKinney, TX

For many teens, braces are a rite of passage. Braces for teens is one example of the changes adolescents undergo during this time, as this is a time of great enjoyment as we see our young patients blossom into young adults!

There are several good reasons why adolescence is the optimal time for orthodontic treatment, though occasionally even earlier intervention is called for. One has to do with the development of the teeth: There’s no set timetable for every kid, but generally, by the age of 11 – 13, most permanent teeth are present in the mouth – close to their final non-corrected positions. This is the time when we can go to work correcting the problems that cause a bad bite (malocclusion), improper tooth spacing or poor alignment.

Orthodontic problems don’t improve with age — they simply become harder to treat. It’s easier to treat many orthodontic problems during adolescence because the body is still growing rapidly at this time. Whether standard braces or Invisalign® Teen clear aligners are used, or appliances like palatal expanders, improved appearance and function can be created in a short period. In later years, when the bones of the face and jaw are fully developed, many conditions become more difficult (and costly) to treat. As part of our conservative approach, we make every attempt to minimize extractions of permanent teeth or facial surgery.

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Types of braces for teens

Teens are given choices of different types of braces for style and aesthetics. Braces colors can be customized with new colored rubber bands at each appointment. Creekview & McKinney Orthodontics offers:

With so much going on in a teen’s life, getting metal braces can present serious social challenges. The good news is that Invisalign® Teen, clear braces or lingual braces are invisible braces options for teens to enjoy the benefits of straight teeth without dealing with the social stigma associated with traditional metal braces for teens in Allen and McKinney, Texas.

Dr. Jay Ghosh and Dr. Trent Lofgren are recognized as being in the top 1% of Invisalign® providers nationwide, achieving Blue Diamond+ status, the highest tier status a doctor can achieve with Invisalign.

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FAQs for teens about orthodontics

About 70% of US teenagers need braces. Just look at your class at school. Probably, two out of three of the kids have braces or will have braces.
You can get orthodontic treatment at any age. Kids as young as 4 are sometimes advised to start orthodontics early to avoid later problems. People as old as 90 sometimes get orthodontic treatment to fix crooked teeth. Still, orthodontic treatment works best and is the least painful when you are 8 to 14 so we advise that you start orthodontic treatment then.
Your jaw grows the quickest when you are 8 or 9 so it is usually best to expand your jaw and reshape your mouth when you are 8 or 9. This is called “interceptive orthodontic treatment or Phase I treatment”. Then it would be best if you waited for most of your permanent teeth to come in. Usually, your permanent teeth come in when you are 12 or 13, so that is the best time to start full orthodontic treatment (usually with braces) when you are 12, 13, or 14. Other kinds of interceptive treatment from the orthodontist include treatment for habits like finger sucking, protruded teeth (teeth that stick out too far), or just simple space maintainers.
You can get braces at any age so if you are too afraid, you can wait a couple of years. However, as you get older the braces treatment takes longer and hurts more. Your jaw is growing fast when you are 8, so your jaw is easy to stretch. If you wait until you are 12, the orthodontist needs to push a lot harder to expand your jaw so it hurts. By the time you are 20, you may need surgery to expand your jaw.
Generally, teenagers do not find braces to be any big deal. Your mouth is usually sore for the first week after you get braces. Also, your mouth will be sore when the braces are tightened. However, with modern braces, you should get so used to the braces, that you should not notice the braces, except when the braces are being tightened or if you get hit in the mouth. If you start orthodontic treatment when you are 18 or older, it generally is more uncomfortable; your teeth feel like they are loose in your mouth. Still, the pain is worth the gain.
Only you know your friends. Most braces nowadays are pretty cool and most teenagers feel good about them. Most of your friends will be getting braces too.

Teen orthodontics