Braces For Teens Hillsborough Township, NJ

Braces For Teens

Braces are not as scary as most teens think. Technology has advanced a lot in recent years, providing us with newer styles of braces. The result is a faster, more comfortable, and more effective treatment. Braces come in different colors, styles, and materials, so your teen can customize their look and express their personality.

The first thing most patients wonder when they have to get braces is how long they will have to wear them. There is no easy answer to this question because it depends on several factors.
For example, it depends on how early we catch the problem, what needs to be fixed, how your teeth respond to treatment, and how willing you are to follow directions.

It is typically recommended that children begin seeing an orthodontist at the age of seven. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier the problem can be to treat. There are also times when we find a problem, but may have put off treatment until they are older.

You are a key factor in how well your braces work. You need to take care of your braces and other appliances, as well as follow all directions to ensure a smooth and speedy treatment.

How long you need to wear braces depends on what needs to be fixed. Some problems are minor and just need small adjustments, while other malocclusions (bad bites) are more complicated and take longer to fix. Every patient responds to treatment differently. Some teeth move quicker than others, so a treatment that takes one person only a few months may take another person longer.

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Invisalign for Teens Hillsborough Township, NJ

Invisalign for Teens

Many teenagers are affected by malocclusions that need to be corrected. However, the thought of going through high school with braces may be your teen’s worst nightmare. Luckily, Invisalign Teen® can be very helpful. Your teenager can get the smile that he or she deserves without bulky wires and brackets.

Invisalign Teen® uses clear aligners, so nobody will even know they are wearing them. As long as your teenager wears them for at least twenty-two hours a day, they will get proper treatment without the embarrassment of wires and braces. Even better, your teenager will be able to remove the aligners when it is time to eat, allowing them unlimited food choices. There are no restrictions that usually come with braces, like avoiding corn on the cob. Once they are finished eating, however, it is essential to brush their teeth AND the aligners to ensure fresh breath and a healthy mouth.

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Orthodontics for Children

The general consensus among individuals is that one should wait until all of their permanent teeth have erupted before consulting an orthodontist. Nevertheless, the American Association of Orthodontists advises parents to have their child undergo an orthodontic assessment by a specialist no later than the age of 7.

It is important to note that scheduling an appointment with an orthodontist does not automatically mean that your child requires treatment.

While it is true that not all children require early interceptive treatment, those who do can experience significant improvements in their quality of life. The decision to pursue treatment ultimately depends on the unique circumstances of each child’s oral development.

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Phase I Interceptive Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Orthodontists are trained to identify and get ahead of common orthodontic issues in young kids.

Orthodontic problems can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits. We can treat these issues, which include crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites.

Most children lose all their baby teeth by age 13, and by the end of their teen years, the jaw bones stop growing. Orthodontic procedures for adults often take more time and can involve tooth extraction or oral surgery. Receiving early orthodontic treatment as a child can reduce the need for more invasive procedures.

If your child is between the ages of seven and eight, please schedule an appointment. We’ll do an initial exam and discuss the best steps to take toward caring for your child’s smile.

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