Orthodontics for Teens

Teen Orthodontics

A Great Time for Treatment
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Hunter can 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.

When Should Teens See an Orthodontist?

If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a complimentary consultation with Dr. Hunter at Hunter Family Orthodontics, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Make an appointment if your teen has experienced:

  • Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth

  • Difficulty with chewing or biting

  • Crowding or extra spacing between teeth

  • Jaws that shift or make sounds

  • Frequently biting their cheek or the inside of their mouth

  • Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all

  • Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face

  • Protruding teeth

What problems can braces help fix?

Diagnosing 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 teeth

  • Missing or extra teeth

  • An overbite or underbite

  • Incorrect jaw position

  • A disorder of the jaw joint

Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment carry a number of benefits, including:

  1. 1

    Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma

  2. 2

    Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities

  3. 3

    Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss

  4. 4

    Improving proper chewing and digestion of food

The Treatment Process

While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance.

Here at Hunter Family Orthodontics, we offer:

  • Metal braces

    Metal braces are still the most common orthodontic treatment method on the market today. They've proven durable and effective over the years.

  • Clear braces

    We're proud to offer patients treatment with clear braces, an alternative to traditional metal braces designed to blend in with your teeth.

  • Invisalign®

    Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces that straightens teeth using a system of clear plastic aligners. Schedule a free consultation.

Teen Orthodontics FAQs

Investment in Your Teen

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. By scheduling a free consultation, Dr. Hunter 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.