Many patients begin wearing braces as teenagers. At this point, all primary teeth have fallen out and have made way for the permanent adult teeth. This is an ideal time to address bite issues and improper alignment. At our Harrisonburg, VA, practice, we offer adolescent orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces in silver and gold, Invisalign®, and Clarity®. Here, we explore these options and discuss why orthodontic treatment is so effective at this age.
Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment
Many patients begin wearing braces as teenagers. At this point, all primary teeth have fallen out and have made way for the permanent adult teeth. This is an ideal time to address bite issues and improper alignment. At our Harrisonburg, VA, practice, we offer adolescent orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces, Invisalign®, and Clarity®. Here, we explore these options and discuss why orthodontic treatment is so effective at this age.
Why Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment is Effective
Orthodontics are effective at any age. Sometimes our doctors recommend starting treatment as early as age seven or eight. Conversely, many adults choose to undergo orthodontics as well – and achieve optimal results. But there are a few reasons why adolescence is such a great time for orthodontic care:
Dentition: By the age of 13, primary teeth have been lost and the permanent teeth are erupting into place.
Growth and development: During adolescence, the body is growing and developing rapidly. This makes orthodontic issues easier to address.
Responsibility: Compared to younger children, teens are more responsible when it comes to proper oral hygiene.
How long will treatment take?
Every patient is different. Therefore, there is no cut-and-dry answer to this question. However, most adolescent patients can complete orthodontic treatment in 30 months or less. Results will become apparent quickly. Keep in mind that patients will need to wear a retainer following treatment to keep their teeth from shifting back. During a consultation at our practice, Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina can give you an estimate regarding the length of your treatment. However, most adolescent patients can complete orthodontic treatment in 24 months or less.
Why Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment is Effective
Orthodontics are effective at any age. Sometimes our doctors recommend starting treatment as early as age seven or eight. Conversely, many adults choose to undergo orthodontics as well – and achieve optimal results. But there are a few reasons why adolescence is such a great time for orthodontic care:
Dentition: By the age of 13, primary teeth have been lost and the permanent teeth are erupting into place.
Growth and development: During adolescence, the body is growing and developing rapidly. This makes orthodontic issues easier to address.
Responsibility: Compared to younger children, teens are more responsible when it comes to proper oral hygiene.
How long will treatment take?
Every patient is different. Therefore, there is no cut-and-dry answer to this question. However, most adolescent patients can complete orthodontic treatment in 30 months or less. Results will become apparent quickly. Keep in mind that patients will need to wear a retainer following treatment to keep their teeth from shifting back. During a consultation at our practice, Dr. Kray and Dr. Giardina can give you an estimate regarding the length of your treatment. However, most adolescent patients can complete orthodontic treatment in 24 months or less.
Common Orthodontic Treatments for Adolescents
There are several treatments that can be beneficial for adolescents, including braces, aligners, headgear, expanders, and more. We’ll explore some of the most common solutions below.
Traditional Metal Braces
Despite the many options available, traditional metal braces are still the most common orthodontic appliances in use today. We offer silver and gold options. This system uses stainless steel wires, brackets, and bands to carefully move the teeth over time. Kids can customize their braces by choosing brightly colored rubber bands. There are also tooth-colored rubber bands that help make the braces less noticeable.
Ceramic Braces
Some teens may be self-conscious or embarrassed about wearing braces. Those who want a more discreet option can choose ceramic braces. They work the same way as traditional braces, but they are less noticeable because the brackets are clear and the archwire is frosted. There is one disadvantage, though. Ceramic braces are more fragile, and are therefore more prone to breakage.
Invisalign® and Clarity®
Invisalign® and Clarity® are quite popular among our patients. Unlike braces, these systems use clear aligner trays to shift the teeth and correct misalignment. Both systems can correct most of the same orthodontic issues as braces. Due to the fact the trays are removable, teens can still eat and drink all of their favorite foods and beverages. They can also remove them to brush and floss, which means they can better reduce the risk of cavities during treatment. Depending on your specific treatment plan, Dr. Giardina will make a selection for which system is best.
Common Orthodontic Treatments for Adolescents
There are several treatments that can be beneficial for adolescents, including braces, aligners, headgear, expanders, and more. We’ll explore some of the most common solutions below.
Traditional Metal Braces
Despite the many options available, traditional metal braces are still the most common orthodontic appliances in use today. This system uses stainless steel wires, brackets, and bands to carefully move the teeth over time. Kids can customize their braces by choosing brightly colored rubber bands. There are also tooth-colored rubber bands that help make the braces less noticeable.
Ceramic Braces
Some teens may be self-conscious or embarrassed about wearing braces. Those who want a more discreet option can choose ceramic braces. They work the same way as traditional braces, but they are less noticeable because the brackets are clear and the archwire is frosted. There is one disadvantage, though. Ceramic braces are more fragile, and are therefore more prone to breakage.
Invisalign® and Clarity®
Invisalign® and Clarity® are quite popular among our patients. Unlike braces, these systems use clear aligner trays to shift the teeth and correct misalignment. Both systems can correct most of the same orthodontic issues as braces. Due to the fact the trays are removable, teens can still eat and drink all of their favorite foods and beverages. They can also remove them to brush and floss, which means they can better reduce the risk of cavities during treatment. Depending on your specific treatment plan, Dr. Giardina will make a selection for which system is best.
Schedule a consultation at our Harrisonburg practice today.
Does your teen have crooked, overlapped, or gapped teeth? Adolescent orthodontic treatment may be the solution. To explore all possible treatment options, schedule a visit at our Harrisonburg, VA, practice. Our team is always available to talk with you and answer any questions you may have.
Contact us online anytime or call our office at (540) 433-8814.
Learn more about adult orthodontics
Does your teen have crooked, overlapped, or gapped teeth? Adolescent orthodontic treatment may be the solution. To explore all possible treatment options, schedule a visit at our Harrisonburg, VA, practice. Our team is always available to talk with you and answer any questions you may have.
Contact us online anytime or call our office at (540) 433-8814.