Orthodontics for Teenagers

When should my teen start braces treatment?

Braces are usually started when most permanent teeth has grown in. Children begin to lose baby teeth around age 6. Around age 13, most children have 28 of their permanent teeth. Wisdom teeth or third molars normally appear in the late teen years or even around early 20s.

If you child has few permanent teeth, this is known as congenitally missing teeth. If they have extra teeth, it is called supernumerary teeth that can occur. Parents may bring their children to have an orthdoontic checkup as early as aged 7 as recommended by the American Dental Assocation of Orthodontist (AAO). It is never too late to bring your child for an orthodontic checkup you suspect any orthodontic problems. Most children start orthodontic treatment between the ages of 9 and 16 when their jaw bones and teeth are still growing.

Age may not be the determining factor that your orthodontist decides when is an appropriate time for orthodontic treatment. Timing for treatment is based on individual growth and concern oral condition.

Treatments for teen orthodontics

Having orthodontic treatment as during adolescence is an ideal time because it takes advantage of the rapid changes and growth as the body prepares for adulthood. For many cases, orthodontics braces done at this stage can shorten treatment time. Teen braces may be done for oral health, airway, functionality or cosmetic reasons.

It is good to treat oral health issues during teenager years before they become painful, embarrassing, or problematic as this is the period you can sets up your child for better oral health for the rest of their lives.

Types of teen braces

At an adolescent age, our child may be more conscious of their appearance than younger children. Based on your teen’s lifestyle, they can opt for any of the various types of braces. Many opt for self-ligating appliances using damon braces or 3M clarity that are commonly known as speed braces.

At BIDH orthodontic center, we increasing see teens opting for invisalign clear aligners due to benefits of it been removable for sports, eating and less impact injuries from wearing braces.

teen braces invisalign

Invisalign Teen

Removable and comfortable clear aligners. No diet restriction suited for active sports and music blowing instruments. Non-visible.

damon system

Damon Braces

Self-ligating and fixed for better comfort than traditional braces. No rubber elastics for easier cleaning. Possible faster treatment completion.

teens clarity braces

Clarity Braces

Clarity braces are less visible than traditonal metal braces. It is fixed therefore effective to treat majority of case indications.

First orthodontic visit by your teen

If your teen has not seen an orthodontist before but have visited their general dentist, their orthodontic visit will not differ much. You may however like to involve your adolescence in making the decision on their braces type and option to finally choose. As your teenager are the ones wearing the braces, they will need to abide to the discipline for each braces type.

During the first consultation visit, a parent should accompany them to their appointment during treatment planning, consultation, discussion and consent for to start treatment. For the continued monthly adjustments, if you teen is independent, they are able to make their visits with other accompanying person.

  1. Your teen’s orthodontist will invite you and your child to the treatment room sitting down at the table to on concerns areas.
  2. The orthodontist is likely to have x-ray images to be taken. If you do already have previous x-rays taken within a 6 months period, please bring them along for your orthodontist to make an accurate diagnose and treatment plan.
  3. Thereafter, the orthodontist checks your teenager’s teeth and discusses if any treatment is required, when treatment should begin and their braces options.
  4. If orthodontic treatment is opted, you will need to provide consent as a parent for your child and teen to have braces done. Their braces treatment procedure can then be started.

Some questions commonly addressed during your teens first orthodontic visit

  1. Is there an orthodontic problem?
  2. What braces options is suited for your teen to correct the problem?
  3. How long is the estimated treatment?
  4. What is the costs of their braces treatment?

Orthodontist for teens

When you bring your child to a general dentist or pediatric dentist, they may perform teeth cleanings, scaling, polishing, dental fillings or flouride treatment, but are unlikely to be an orthodontist that accesses dentofacial orthopedics. If you realize that your child may possibly have orthodontic problems, seek an appointment for an orthodontist with our BIDH dental hospital customer service. Dental consultations with our dentist at BIDH orthodontic dental clinic are complimentary and with no obligation.

Orthodontist normally limit their scope of practice to orthodontics only. They continue their education after dental school as a general dentist to specialized and successfully complete additional two-to-three years training course. Orthodontist has the unique qualification, skills and experience to diagnoses, prevent and correct malpositioned teeth and jaws. They are specially qualified with intense instruction to do proper, safe teeth movement and the guidance of dental, jaw and facial development.

At BIDH orthodontic dental center, all our teen braces orthodontic cases are cared for by selected and well-experieced board certified orthodontists, many of whom are also overseas board certified.

complimentary consultation

Make an advance appointment for a treatment plan with our dentists for your child or teen. Get a draft cost quote on treatment options.