When Orthodontics for Teens is Recommended

Curious about orthodontics for teens? When teeth or jaw alignment issues are detected, an orthodontist may recommend orthodontics for teens. They often recommend bringing children in for their first orthodontic evaluation by the time they reach the age of seven. Orthodontic issues can be detected at this stage, and their severity often determines whether immediate treatment is required. 

Issues like overbites, crossbites, and underbites are typically addressed early on before the child reaches their teenage years. However, there is always time to seek orthodontic treatment for your teen. Continue reading to learn more about when this treatment is recommended for teens.

Reasons an orthodontist might recommend orthodontics for teens

Many teenagers struggle with orthodontic issues for numerous reasons. Sometimes, these issues are genetic, and other times, they happen during early childhood development due to habits such as prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use. Here are other common reasons an orthodontist might recommend teeth straightening treatments for your teen.

Visibly crooked teeth

At times, it is obvious when a teenager needs teeth straightening treatments. Their teeth may look crooked, and that leads to poor aesthetics. It can also lead to the teen becoming self-conscious since people at that age tend to focus on their appearance. The teen might become reluctant to interact with others due to fears about being judged about their appearance. This cosmetic issue can hinder their social development and carry over into adulthood.

Breathing problems or sleep apnea

A teenager having difficulty breathing during the day or while they sleep can be a sign of a problem with their bite. Breathing issues are often the result of blocked airways. Sleep apnea can also result from obstructions in a person's airways that forces the brain to wake them up multiple times during sleep to restart breathing.

Airway obstructions can be caused by a person's jaw being too narrow. This condition, in turn, leads to their teeth not coming out in their proper alignment due to not having enough space on the jaw. An easy way to determine if a child has airway obstruction is by observing if they breathe primarily with their mouth. For example, waking up with a sore throat, dry mouth, and snoring are signs that a child's airway is obstructed during sleep, forcing them to breathe through their mouth. Improving the teenager's bite often helps to alleviate these issues.

Sore gums and teeth

Frequently sore gums or teeth can signify excessive stress being placed on a person's teeth and gums. It might result from a person's teeth being too crowded due to insufficient space on the jaw. The soreness usually worsens when the wisdom teeth start to emerge, pushing on the person's already crowded teeth. Orthodontics for teens treatment can realign the teenager's teeth, so all their teeth have enough space to grow properly.

Types of orthodontic treatment for teens

Orthodontists often advise starting teeth alignment treatments around the ages of 12 to 16. This is because children typically experience their most significant growth spurts during this period, making it easier for orthodontists to reshape teens' mouths and jaws. They may recommend that the teen undergoes specific treatment, such as traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners.

Metal braces

When people think of braces, they will likely think of metal or traditional braces. These orthodontic devices contain metal brackets that attach to each tooth. They are connected by a thin archwire, which pushes and pulls on the teeth. This pressure allows the teens' teeth to gradually move into the desired position.

Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces. However, these braces are made from a transparent ceramic material. This difference makes them much less noticeable, and they tend to blend in better with the teen's teeth. They are more prone to breaking and staining than metal braces, but can be an alternative for teens who do not want to draw attention to their orthodontic treatment.

Clear aligners

Another popular orthodontic treatment method is clear aligners. Clear aligners are plastic mouthpieces teens wear on their teeth that are virtually invisible. They come in a set of trays, which the teen will need to replace every two to three weeks. Each set of trays helps the teeth move toward the teen's desired smile. Teens often prefer this treatment method because they are removable and have fewer restrictions than metal and ceramic braces.

Get your teen a straighter smile

Getting your child orthodontic treatments during their teenage years often leads to more effective treatments and shorter treatment times. It will also give them a smile they can be proud of, allowing their self-confidence to blossom as they enter adulthood. Contact our dental office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthodontist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.orthodonticprecision.com or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at (703) 391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.

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