Orthodontics for Teens

Invest in Your Teen’s Smile

Because most permanent teeth are in place, the teen years (between the ages of 12 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment.

Fortunately, there are some new solutions that can make the treatment process much easier than it has been in the past.

It’s a Good Time to Begin

Dr. McCarty will be able to easily identify issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to begin orthodontic treatment.

Some teenagers may have begun Phase I treatment at a younger age and are now completing it with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.

Common Orthodontic Issues for Teens

Aside from outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have long-term consequences for your teen’s oral and overall health.

If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend scheduling a complimentary consultation with Dr. McCarty at McCarty Orthodontics, as they may indicate that your teen would benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Their baby teeth may fall out early, late, or irregularly.
Chewing or biting difficulties
Crowding or excessive tooth spacing
Jaws that move or make noises
Biting of the cheeks or the inside of the mouth on a regular basis
Teeth that meet irregularly or do not meet at all
Jaws and teeth that are too large in comparison to the rest of the face
Teeth protrusion

Certain bite problems can be successfully diagnosed and treated in both the short and long term. With the right orthodontic treatment, problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized, including:

Teeth that are crooked or crowded
missing or additional teeth
Having an overbite or underbite
Jaw position is incorrect.
A problem with the jaw joint

Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment provide numerous advantages, including:

Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and trauma to the teeth
Being easier to clean and preventing tooth decay and cavities
lowering the likelihood of developing gum disease, which can lead to bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
Improving proper food chewing and digestion

The Orthodontic Treatment Process for Teens

We may recommend an orthodontic appliance as part of your teen’s personalized treatment plan. McCarty Orthodontics provides the following services:

Metal Braces

Even in the last decade, braces have come a long way. Many people associate braces with extremely bulky metal brackets. We don’t use bulky orthodontic appliances like this, and many of the new braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever. Learn more

Ceramic braces

These braces, also known as clear braces, function similarly to metal braces but have brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials. They blend in with your teen’s smile, making them less noticeable.

Ceramic braces may not be suitable for everyone because they are slightly more prone to breakage and slightly more expensive than metal braces. Learn More

Invisalign® for Teens

The Invisalign system consists of a series of fully customized clear trays known as aligners. These aligners are virtually undetectable and completely removable.

They are made of soft plastic and provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience for your teen, with no friction or abrasions inside the mouth.

Your teen will change their aligner every week for the next in the series. Your teen’s teeth will gradually move into the desired positions if they are worn for the recommended 20-22 hours per day.

Invisalign is best suited for minor to moderate orthodontic issues and may not be an option if your teen requires more serious treatment. Learn more

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Unfortunately, there is no concrete answer to this question. Every case is unique, but the active stage of orthodontic treatment typically lasts 6 to 36 months.

Following the completion of this phase of treatment, your teen will be required to wear a retainer for as long as Dr. McCarty deems necessary based on their individual case.

We collaborate with both the parents and the teen to create a smile that will last a lifetime.

Can Teens Participate in Sports?

Absolutely. If your teen athlete is wearing traditional braces, it is critical that they protect their smile in order to complete their treatment on time.

We strongly advise them to wear an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces and their mouth from injury. If your teen wears the proper orthodontic mouthguard, he or she can participate in any contact sport.

If your teen has Invisalign, they can simply remove their aligner prior to practice or a game and replace it afterwards.

Investment in Your Teen’s Smile

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in the future of your teen.

Dr. McCarty will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you, as well as any risks associated with delaying or skipping treatment, if you schedule a free consultation.

Although adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth respond faster to orthodontic treatment, resulting in a shorter overall treatment time.