Orthodontics for Teens Houston

Why Orthodontics for Teens?

The teen years are often an ideal time for orthodontic treatment for a few reasons:

• The jaws of teenagers are still developing. This makes it easier for orthodontia to guide the development of the oral structures, leading to faster and smoother treatments.
• Timely treatment can prevent future problems. Getting orthodontic treatment as a teenager may spare your child from issues in adulthood, such as TMJ disorder, dental decay, and more.
• Your teen can enjoy more confidence. A healthy, attractive smile can help your teen to feel more comfortable in their own skin, which may give them the confidence to make friends, reach ambitious goals, and more.

What Are Common Orthodontic Issues in Teens?

Our team can address a range of orthodontic issues that commonly affect teens, including crowded teeth, malocclusions (bite misalignment), gaps between the teeth, TMJ issues, and impacted teeth that require alignment.

Crowded & Crooked Teeth

Crooked and crowded teeth can trap food particles between them, increasing your teen’s risk of bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. Their speech and jaw joints may also be adversely affected. Orthodontic treatment can reposition the teeth in a way that makes them easier to clean and improves their ability to function properly.

Bite Misalignment

If your teen has an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite, our team may be able to help. We can evaluate the positioning of their teeth and jaws and use advanced orthodontic appliances to correct their bite, leading to improved comfort and a lower risk of oral health issues.

Gapped Teeth

Gaps between your teen’s teeth may make them feel self-conscious about their appearance. Those extra spaces may also leave their gums vulnerable to harm. Orthodontic treatment is often able to close pesky gaps, leading to improved oral health and function.

Our Orthodontic Treatment Options

Some treatment options that we often recommend for teens include:

• Traditional metal braces. Braces are a time-tested and effective way to address most cases of dental misalignment. Plus, teens love having color choices for their bands that allow them to show their support for their school or match their favorite clothes.
• Clear or ceramic braces. These are less noticeable than regular metal braces but can deliver similar results.
• Lingual braces. Lingual braces are placed on the back sides of teeth, making them virtually unnoticeable. They are a great option for teens who play sports or musical wind instruments. Lingual braces are customized for each patient, so they work faster and are totally invisible since they are placed on the lingual or inside of the teeth. Because of their extra precision, fewer adjustment appointments are needed.

The Teen Orthodontic Experience

Every patient is unique, so no two teens will have exactly the same experience during orthodontic treatment. However, we find that most teens want their care to be successful, so they are eager to comply with instructions and take good care of their orthodontic appliances. Dr. Hall and our team are happy to work with parents and teens alike to promote a smooth and complication-free journey to your teen’s ideal smile.

What to Expect from the First Visit

When your teen first visits us, we will take some X-rays of their teeth, learn a bit about their lifestyle and preferences, and ask about other considerations that will be relevant to their treatment plan. Based on the information we gather, Dr. Hall will be able to recommend the next steps for your teen.

Often, teens do very well with braces. If they prefer an aesthetically pleasing option, we might recommend clear/ceramic braces, which blend in with the natural color of teeth. Lingual braces, which get placed behind the teeth, are also an excellent option for many teens. Clear aligners are another possibility, but because they do not work 24/7, they are not our team’s preferred treatment.

You and your teen should feel free to ask questions during this appointment. We want you to feel confident about any treatment decisions you make!

Typical Treatment Experience

At the conclusion of the initial consultation, we will schedule an appointment for your teen to get their braces.

Some types of braces, such as the WIN lingual braces system, are custom-made for each patient, so we may have to order brackets that are designed for your child’s unique smile. Traditional braces do not feature custom brackets, but they are still very effective.

It usually takes 1 – 2 hours to bond braces onto the teeth. Subsequent appointments, where we adjust the braces and check on your teen’s progress, are usually shorter.

Depending on the starting condition of your teen’s teeth, their treatment may take anywhere from several months to a few years. If you would like them to achieve results as quickly as possible, ask us about accelerated orthodontics, a unique method that significantly speeds up tooth movements.

Adjusting to Braces & Aligners

Your teen will have to make some adjustments to their routine for their orthodontic treatment to be successful. You may need to encourage them to:

• Stick to food restrictions. Hard and sticky foods can damage braces. A relatively soft diet is best!
• Use orthodontic accessories as directed. Whether it is wearing clear aligners or placing elastics on braces, you may have to remind your teen to keep up with proper use of their orthodontic gear.
• Keep up with oral hygiene. Ideally, your teen should brush and floss after each meal. You can prepare a small oral hygiene kit that they can take with them on the go.
• Manage discomfort. Soreness is normal after braces are placed or adjusted. Sipping on cool water, taking over-the-counter pain medication, and focusing on a soft diet can reduce discomfort.