When Should You Take Your Teen to the Orthodontist?

Orthodontic treatments, such as braces for teens, address various teeth issues, including spacing, crowding, and misalignment. Teens between 12 and 16 commonly receive braces because most of their permanent teeth are in place. Having your teen evaluated by an orthodontist as early as possible can help determine the best time for treatment based on individual circumstances. 

When To Take Your Teen to the Orthodontist

We recommend bringing your teenager in for an evaluation as early as possible. The orthodontists at Orthodontic Specialists and the American Association of Orthodontists recommend bringing your child to the orthodontist for their first evaluation around age seven. This is because some teeth issues respond best to early treatment. If you did not have your teenager evaluated as a child, it is not too late for treatment. The most common ages of our patients are teenagers from ages 12-16.

The teen years are often the best time to begin orthodontic treatment. This is because most of your teenager’s permanent teeth are in place, and their jaw and bone structure are developed enough for treatment. During a consultation, our orthodontists will evaluate your teenager’s teeth for crowding, spacing, alignment, and bite issues. Correcting these problems leads to a straighter smile and can also improve your teenager’s hygiene by making it easier to brush and floss. Your orthodontist will address the benefits of beginning treatment during your free evaluation.

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Teens

We give each patient individualized attention and a customized treatment plan that fulfills their specific orthodontic needs. At Orthodontic Specialists, our two main orthodontic treatment options for teens are braces and Invisalign. Here is more information about these treatment types:

Braces

We offer traditional metal braces to patients located in Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati, Ohio, and the surrounding areas. Our braces come in a variety of colors, materials, and styles. This customization makes the braces smaller, more comfortable, and more stylish than ever. Braces have many health benefits, including reducing the risk of oral disease, protecting teeth, and improving the eating experience. Braces also have social benefits, as they straighten your teen’s teeth to make them more visually appealing.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a good option for teenagers who are self-conscious about braces or worried they won’t find the braces comfortable. Invisalign is a clear aligner that moves your teeth in small increments over time. The plastic aligners can be removed to eat, brush, or floss, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene. Our advanced technology allows us to fix almost all bite and teeth-straightening issues using Invisalign.

Orthodontic Specialists Has Braces for Teens

The teenage years are a common time to receive orthodontic treatment. By this point, most of the permanent teeth are in place, and bone and jaw structures are developed enough to facilitate treatment. Even if you do not notice crowding, spacing, or bite issues, your teen may have tooth alignment problems only a trained professional can identify. The orthodontists at Orthodontic Specialists combine their years of experience with cutting-edge technology to create straight and healthy smiles for patients of all ages. Schedule a consultation appointment today to learn more about Invisalign and braces for teens.