Invest in Your TeenThe teen years (between the ages of 12 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth will be in place. Luckily, some new solutions make the treatment process much easier than ever before.All About Teen OrthodonticsExperienced orthodontists like Dr. Cowan will also be able to easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment at an earlier age, and are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health. If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cowan at Cowan & Whitaker Orthodontics, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teethDifficulty with chewing or bitingCrowding or extra spacing between teethJaws that shift or make soundsFrequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouthTeeth that meet abnormally or not at allJaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the faceProtrusion of teethDiagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems can have short-term and long-term benefits. Problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment, including:Crooked or crowded teethMissing or extra teethAn overbite or underbiteIncorrect jaw positionA disorder of the jaw jointStraight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment have many benefits including:Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth traumaBeing easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavitiesReducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth lossImproving proper chewing and digestion of foodThe Treatment ProcessWhile creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance. Here at Cowan Orthodontics, we offer:Metal BracesBraces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets.We don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance, and many of the new braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before.Ceramic BracesAlso known as clear braces, these work the same way metal braces do but feature brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials. They blend in with your teen’s smile, making them much less obvious.Since ceramic braces are slightly more prone to breakage, and a little costlier than metal braces, they may not be suitable for everyone.Invisalign®The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.Made of soft plastic, they provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with no friction or abrasions inside your teen’s mouth.Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, your teen’s teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be an option if your teen needs more serious treatment.Teen Orthodontics FAQHow long does treatment take?ExpandThis is a question with no concrete answer, unfortunately. Every case is different, but the average length of the active stage of orthodontic treatment is anywhere from 6-36 months.After this phase of treatment is complete, your teen will need to wear a retainer for as long as Dr. Cowan feels necessary based on their individual case. We work as a team with both parents and teen to create a smile that will last a lifetime.Can teens still play sports?ExpandAbsolutely. If your teen athlete is wearing traditional braces, it’s crucial to protect their smile to stay on track with their treatment.We strongly recommend that they use an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces, and their mouth, from any potential injury. Your teen can play any contact sport if they use the proper orthodontic mouthguard.If your teen has Invisalign, they can simply take their aligner out before practice or a game, and put it back in afterward.What about musicians?ExpandTraditional metal braces might affect the way your teen plays some instruments. Invisalign is an excellent alternative treatment because removing their aligner before playing gives them no limitations.Make an Investment in Your Teen’s SmileOrthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. By scheduling a free consultation, Dr. Cowan will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you, as well as any of the risks with putting off or skipping treatment.Although adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time.
