Teenage Treatment

Between the ages of 11 and 15 is the most common time for orthodontic treatment – and for good reason.

By age 12, most, if not all, permanent teeth have erupted and are in place and crooked teeth, gaps and bad bites can be easily detected. These problems will hardly ever correct themselves, so this is when most parents decide to seek orthodontic treatment.

This is also a good time for orthodontic treatment because negative association with braces is not present. Many children in this age range undergo orthodontic treatment and are able to be convinced to wear braces because they see their friends wearing them and they want to fit in.

Besides the benefits of fitting in with their friends, children at this age have high metabolisms, which can help shorten overall treatment time and reduce the discomfort of orthodontic treatment.

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Find the proper orthodontic treatment for your teenager

Your child’s smile is important to us at Earlwood Orthodontics, and we understand that choosing the ideal treatment can be overwhelming. That’s why we perform a wide range of orthodontic work for teenagers, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, incognito braces and Invisalign. Each option has unique benefits, and we will work with you and your teenager to determine the best choice for their needs.

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal brace installation is the most widely performed orthodontic work for teenagers. They’re made of metal brackets and wires attached to the teeth to straighten them gradually. These braces’ strong points are their ability to treat various issues, including severe misalignment, overbite, underbite and crowding. They’re also highly customisable — with different styles and elastic tie colours to give them a fun, personalised touch.

Clear braces

Clear braces work similarly to traditional metal ones, except they’re made of ceramic brackets that blend in with the teeth, creating a more discreet look. This feature can be crucial for teenagers who are self-conscious about their appearance.

Incognito braces

Incognito braces, also known as lingual braces, are an orthodontic treatment that offers the same benefits as traditional metal ones but with the advantage of being hidden from view. They’re attached to the back of the teeth, making them completely invisible when your teenager speaks, smiles or laughs.

Incognito braces are custom-made for each patient using state-of-the-art technology. They’re designed to fit snugly against the teeth and are made from a special gold alloy that’s both comfortable and durable.

Invisalign

Perhaps one of the newest developments in orthodontic work for teenagers, Invisalign uses custom-made aligners to gradually straighten teeth. The aligners are made of a transparent, thermoplastic material that is practically invisible when worn, making them a well-liked alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign is unique in its removable, allowing for easier oral hygiene management.

Unlock your teenager’s confident smile today

At Earlwood Orthodontics, we’ll work closely with you to create a personalised treatment plan best suited to your teenager’s needs. Book a consultation today or contact us for enquiries about all kinds of dental braces. We’re always ready to perform the ideal orthodontic work for your teenager.

Earlwood Orthodontics is here to help.

Call us on (02) 8426 9000 for an initial consultation and we will determine the best time for treatment, outlining the treatment plan, the treatment duration and the approximate cost for the treatment.

Being a teenager is a difficult time for many people. There is constant pressure to fit in, and that can make many kids insecure about their appearance. Braces for teens is not only about improving a smile but, most importantly, about improving oral health.

Teen orthodontic treatment is an investment in your longer-term wellbeing — not just appearance, but overall health and wellbeing. Though it may not seem like it to you at the moment, your teenage years are some of the best times for orthodontic work. Between the ages of 11 and 14, all your adult teeth will have come through, and the bone metabolism is also higher than an adult’s; this means you’ll have a shortened treatment time and more predictable outcome by comparison. Correcting these issues now will lead to better oral health as an adult.

Another important consideration is that although braces may not be the most fun experience of your life, it is a time of life when everyone else around you will have them too. There’s less of a social stigma attached when plenty of your peers are also wearing them — so if you need orthodontic treatment, it’s best to get it out of the way as soon as possible.

Here at Earlwood Orthodontics, we help many teenagers smile with confidence. Our registered orthodontist, Dr Jimenez, has an excellent track record across a wide range of appliances for orthodontic treatments for teenagers. Her expertise includes (but not limited to) traditional braces, clear braces, incognito braces and Invisalign. Our team is qualified, experienced and dedicated to helping you choose the right type of treatment for your orthodontic needs.

FAQs

If you’re told that you might need braces or a plate, there’s a lot of information to take in. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the most common questions facing parents and teens around teenager orthodontic treatment.

What is orthodontic treatment for teens?

Orthodontic treatment for teens involves addressing orthodontic issues during adolescents — or in simpler terms, kids aged 12 to 18. Teen orthodontics will address crooked teeth, crowding, gaps, missing teeth, underbites, prominent teeth or issues resulting from a cleft palate.

Your teen years are a crucial time for addressing these problems because you are still growing. Although we can address many orthodontic issues later in life, the cost and difficulty of doing so often rise exponentially and often. The lack of growth in an adult may frequently compromise the outcome.

When can I start treatment?

Before you can begin your treatment, you will need to be assessed by an orthodontist to diagnose any dental anomalies and the best course of action and timing of treatment moving forward. Issues such as cavities, gingivitis or any concerns around oral hygiene practices will likely need to be addressed first by your general dentist. Once these have been dealt with, your teenage orthodontic treatment can begin.

How often do I get my braces adjusted?

Every orthodontist is different, and your individualise treatment plan will outline the specific details and expected milestones. Your appointment frequency will vary throughout the length of your treatment, but adjustment appointments are generally scheduled in a 4-8 weeks interval.

Are there foods that I cannot eat while wearing braces?

Regardless of the type of braces for teens that you’re fitted with, it is essential to avoid eating any food that could break the attachments on your teeth. We will give you specific recommendations when your appliances are fitted, but you should avoid eating any hard, crunchy or sticky foods as a general rule.

Immediately after an appointment, your teeth may feel a bit tender. In these circumstances, we recommend you stick to eating softer foods such as soup, yoghurt, bananas or pasta.

How long will I need to wear braces?

Teenage orthodontic treatment could take anywhere from 6-36 months. However, most teenagers finish their entire course of treatment in 18 to 24 months.

The length of orthodontic treatment depends on your individual needs and treatment goals. Treatment is significantly affected by attendance to appointments, breakages, oral hygiene and compliance.

How much will treatment cost?

It is hard to be specific about the projected costs of orthodontic treatment for teenagers without a consultation. Prices depend on various factors such as the type of treatment you choose, the complexity, the regularity of appointments required and the duration of the treatment required.

Find out more about orthodontic treatment for teenagers.

Once your treatment is complete, you will have a smile you can be proud of, and the benefits will last a lifetime with good retention! If you have more questions about getting teenage orthodontic treatment or any other services we provide at Earlwood Orthodontics, contact our team today. Our experts at Earlwood Orthodontics will be more than happy to help with your enquiry.

Want to know more?

To find out how teenage orthodontic treatment may be beneficial to your child, contact us today.