A Guide to Adolescent Braces: What Every Parent Should Know
Your teen or kid getting braces is an exciting but nerve-wracking time for both the kid themselves and the parent. If your teen is getting braces, there are many things you need to know to prepare yourself and them for a successful time.
Most of the time people notice the smiles of others before anything else. This is why so many people are opting to get braces nowadays because they want to feel confident and secure with their teeth and smile.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about teen braces before visiting your orthodontist in Allentown, NJ
Should My Teen Get Braces?
Many people wonder what the best age is for getting braces. To know the best age for your teen and child, it’s best to ask their orthodontist as they can give you a clear answer after examining your kid’s teeth and jaw.
In most cases though, teen braces are recommended and even encouraged because teeth are easier to fix during the teen years.
The best and easiest time to fix teeth is right after the adult teeth come in. This is because the jaw has not completely hardened yet so the teeth are easier to move and the jaw is also easier to fix if there are issues like an underbite or crossbite.
Getting your teen braces can make the overall treatment cheaper, faster, and simple
Does My Teen Need Braces?
There are many reasons why your child or teen will need braces. A dentist will probably refer them to an orthodontist and then the orthodontist will let you know the treatment plan and why your child will need braces.
A dentist is often the first person to notice that your child has issues that could benefit from braces.
They will be able to see these problems during a regular cleaning visit.
Here are the most common reasons why teens need braces:
- Your teen has a bad bite. This is when the top jaw and the bottom jaw do not align. When the top jaw is bigger, then your child has an overbite but when the lower jaw is bigger, it’s called an underbite.
- Your child’s teeth are crooked
- The teeth are overlapped or crooked
Caring for Adolescent Braces
One of the most important parts of braces is caring for them well. Your teen needs to follow an excellent oral hygiene plan so their teeth and gums stay healthy while they have braces. This means twice daily brushing and once daily flossing.
Your teen also needs to visit their dentist twice a year just like they would if they didn’t have braces. The dentist can help show them how to care for braces and also teach them how to floss between the wires and brackets.
If your teen has any issues with their gums or other discomforts, make sure they visit the dentist right away to check for signs of gum disease.
How Long Will My Teen Have Braces?
Treatment time can vary widely because everyone’s issues are different. Everyone has their own teeth and jaw which means no two people will have the exact same treatment plan and treatment timeframe.
An orthodontist will be able to give you a time estimate of how long it might take though but keep in mind it could be shortened or extended.
Most of the time, the first 12 months of braces are filled with frequent appointments where the orthodontist will have to tighten and fix the braces. Sometimes people will need braces for up to two years if they also need expanders or they need to have issues fixed with their jaws or bites.
You might also have to see the orthodontist after you get braces removed to ensure the teeth are not shifting and that your beautiful smile is still amazing.
Since treatment can take a few years, it’s important to consider that your teen may have braces at important life events like weddings, proms, and holidays. Make sure your child is prepared to have braces in photos and let them know it’s not permanent.
Your Child’s First Orthodontist Visit
When it’s time to see the orthodontist for adolescent braces, your child might be nervous about the first appointment. However, the first appointment is simple and the braces are not actually placed on during this day.
The doctor will look at your child’s teeth and ask them to bite together and open their jaw so they can see from all angles. They will then ask the child to open and close their mouth so they can see if there are any popping noises or any discomfort.
Most first-time checkups also require X-rays so the orthodontist can see the root of the teeth and how the teeth are positioned together.
Molds will also be taken. This is when they take a soft material and press it into the top and bottom of the teeth. The mold is then removed and allowed to harden. This will produce exact replicas of your child’s teeth so that the orthodontist can view them and determine the best course of action.
Options for Adolescent Braces
Most teens just get the traditional braces with wires and brackets. They might also have to wear rubber bands.
Some teens prefer to have Invisalign or clear trays that can be taken out when eating or drinking. You will need to ask the orthodontist if Invisalign can work for your teen as it’s not the best option for everyone.
Some teens also need to wear other devices like headgear or expanders. Your orthodontist might also recommend having some teeth pulled if there is overcrowding or some of the baby teeth are still left.
Call Bordentown Braces Today
If you’re ready to get your teen into braces, call Bordentown Braces today at 609-291-8555. Dr. Newman can meet with you and your child to determine the best treatment. She will take a look at our child’s unique situation and then make a perfect plan for them.
Looking for braces or Invisalign? Looking for an board certified Orthodontist in Central NJ that treats kids, teens and adults? Bordentown Braces serves all surrounding areas of Bordentown, NJ including:
