Straightened teeth are easier to keep clean, preventing decay or cavities in the long run.
Your orthodontist will begin by examining your teen’s jaw, teeth, and gums for any misalignment or bite issues. If your teen’s smile and bite could benefit from an alignment solution, your orthodontist in La Mirada will walk you both through each step of the treatment plan to ensure desired results.
Your orthodontist will then gather a comprehensive set of records to diagnose the problem and create a tailored treatment plan for your teen. Detailed pictures, x-rays, mouth measurements, and a bite impression will be taken to create a custom dental appliance for your teen’s smile.
After gathering data and deciding on the best orthodontic treatment for your child, your orthodontist will securely place either a custom dental appliance into your child’s mouth or administer tooth extractions. Once your child’s dental appliance is securely fixed, your orthodontist will check for proper fit to ensure maximum comfort.
Follow up appointments will be scheduled every 4-8 weeks so the orthodontist can monitor your teen’s progress. Depending on your teen’s bite and alignment issues, treatment can last anywhere from six months to two years.
Metal braces are one of the most common, affordable, and durable options for patients looking to correct mild to severe tooth and jaw misalignment. Made of medical-grade stainless steel brackets and archwires, metal braces can correct your teen’s teeth over time to produce a natural, straight smile.
Similar to traditional metal braces, ceramic braces guide your teen’s teeth to its desired alignment with wires and brackets for a strong, straight smile and bite. The main difference is that ceramic braces are composed of a clear ceramic material that matches your teen’s natural tooth shade, making them much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
Clear aligners are made from medical-grade plastic material to help guide your teen’s teeth into their preferred position. For teens looking for subtlety in their treatment, clear aligners can be an attractive option. ClearCorrect and Invisalign are two popular clear aligner options that can discreetly and drastically straighten your teen’s smile.
Teens’ orthodontics can prevent wear, chipping, and other dental trauma.
Crowded teeth, gapped teeth, awkward bite alignment, uneven teeth proportion within the mouth, and difficulty chewing or breathing are all strong signs that your teen may be in need of orthodontic treatment. Even if your teen’s slightly misaligned teeth may not be causing other complications at the moment, they can easily progress if the teeth are left in an unhealthy position. Early detection and treatment is key to maintaining lifelong oral health and preventing other orthodontic issues from arising later down the road.
While patients can be consulted for orthodontic care at any age, the teenage years are one of the best times to correct teeth and jaw issues and prevent orthodontic problems from worsening in adulthood. Your teen’s jaw and teeth are nearing their final adult stages but are still malleable and receptive to treatment. If your teen’s crooked smile makes them self conscious or gets in the way of their daily life, braces or clear aligners can give them a confidence boost that they will carry on into their adult years and beyond.
For most teens, orthodontic problems stem from genetic or inherited traits. However, dental diseases, early loss of baby or adult teeth, an accident, or a habit like prolonged thumb sucking may have caused significant smile or bite issues for your teen. In any case, our team will create a thorough treatment plan to ensure your teen’s unique needs are met and corrected for a lifetime of optimal oral health.
Our team recommends scheduling an appointment for your teen between the ages of 11 to 13, although any teenager is encouraged to stop by for a consultation. By the age of 11 to 13, most baby teeth will be lost, adult teeth will have emerged, and your teen’s jaw will be pliable and less resistant to orthodontic treatment. This is the best time your orthodontist can begin assessing the problems that cause bite issues, improper tooth spacing, and poor alignment in your teen’s mouth.
Many factors come into play when determining the cost of your teen’s orthodontic treatment, including the severity of their teeth misalignment, appointment and visits, insurance type, and more. The cost is different for each patient, so schedule a consultation with your orthodontist to find out how much you’ll pay for your teen’s orthodontic treatment in La Mirada.
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Teens’ orthodontics can reduce the chance of developing gum disease..
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