Orthodontics for Teens Houston
Effective Care for Teenage Smiles
Orthodontic treatment can benefit patients of virtually any age. In our Houston practice, we see a lot of teenagers! We love to help these young people discover increased confidence and improved oral health. Do you believe your teen could benefit from orthodontic care? Dr. Hall and our team are ready to evaluate their case and provide you with expert guidance. Get in touch with us today to request a consultation.
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.