Teeth-Straightening Solutions From The Teenage Years And Beyond
Around the age of 13, children typically lose their baby teeth and begin to grow their adult teeth. This period allows for a clearer view of any potential alignment issues, such as crooked teeth or overcrowding, making it an ideal time to consider orthodontic treatment. At this stage, teeth are still adjusting to their final positions, allowing for effective intervention.
While achieving an improved smile is a great benefit, the main goal of orthodontics is to enhance overall oral health. Misaligned teeth and incorrect bites can interfere with cleaning, lead to discomfort, and even cause pain. With orthodontic care, these issues can often be addressed within six months.
Orthodontic treatment may be helpful for your teen if they experience:
- An overbite – when the upper teeth extend too far forward.
- Excessive spacing – noticeable gaps or spaces between the teeth.
- An underbite – when the lower teeth are positioned too far forward.
- Crowding – when teeth overlap or are too close together to floss properly.
- Crossbite – when the upper and lower teeth do not align comfortably.
- Pain – frequent headaches, jaw discomfort, or pain in the neck and upper back.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available to suit the individual needs of each patient, as well as their budget. Below are some of the choices that may be offered:
Traditional Braces
Braces often bring to mind the traditional metal brackets and wires, but modern versions are smaller and less noticeable. Today’s brackets are far more discreet, just as effective as before, and more comfortable to wear.
Clear Brackets
For a more subtle solution, clear brackets provide a great option. These are especially popular with young adults, offering the same benefits as traditional braces but with a much lower profile, making them less noticeable.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are increasingly favoured for their ease of use. These transparent, custom-fitted trays gently guide teeth into place. They can be removed when eating, brushing, and flossing, giving extra flexibility for special moments like school dances or public speaking events.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ideal time to begin orthodontic treatment is when most of a child’s adult teeth have emerged, but earlier treatment may also be recommended. If you’re a parent, it’s a good idea to book a consultation for your teen. However, there are also options for adults looking to improve their smiles, so it’s never too late to get started.
While braces are not usually painful when first placed, some discomfort may occur as they begin to shift your teeth. This sensation is often described as more of a mild annoyance rather than actual pain. If you experience any significant discomfort, don’t hesitate to let us know— we have ways to help make your treatment as comfortable as possible.
There are certain foods to avoid, as they can damage your braces or be difficult to clean out of them. These include sticky foods like caramel, hard items like corn on the cob, or chewy candies. You should also steer clear of sugary or acidic snacks, as these can be more challenging to clean off your teeth. Keep in mind that clear braces can stain with foods like curry, beets, or Kraft dinner.
If any part of your braces breaks, please give us a call as soon as possible—there’s no need to wait until your next scheduled visit!
We offer special tools such as floss threaders and super floss to help with cleaning around braces or permanent retainers. At your next appointment, we’d be happy to show you the best way to floss with braces to ensure optimal oral hygiene.
The length of treatment depends on the individual. For minor adjustments, treatment may take as little as six months. For most patients, braces are typically worn for between six months and two years. After a full oral exam, we’ll be able to provide a more accurate timeline for your specific needs.
What Our Patients Are Saying
Smile Looking Right
Quick, Painless and Wonderful Procedure
Anxiety Free Treatment
