For many teens, braces are a rite of passage: They’re one more example of the changes adolescents go through at this time — along with growth in stature, edgier tastes in clothes and music, and an increasing degree of self-awareness. But is there any particular reason why orthodontic appliances and teenagers seem to go together? In a word: Yes.
Why You See “Braces on Faces” of So Many Adolescents
There are several good reasons why adolescence is the optimal time for orthodontic treatment, though occasionally even earlier intervention is called for. One has to do with the development of the teeth: There’s no set timetable for every kid, but generally by the age of 11-13 the deciduous (baby) teeth have all been lost, and the permanent ones have largely come in. This is the time when we can go to work correcting the problems that cause a bad bite (malocclusion), improper tooth spacing or poor alignment.
Orthodontic problems don’t improve with age — they simply become harder to treat. It’s easier to treat many orthodontic problems during adolescence because the body is still growing rapidly at this time. Whether we use standard braces, or appliances like palatal expanders, we can create an improved appearance and function in a short period of time. In later years, when the bones of the face and jaw are fully developed, many conditions become more difficult (and costly) to treat.
There’s even a social element to getting orthodontic treatment in adolescence. If you need orthodontic issues treated with braces, you’re not alone! Chances are you’ll see some of your classmates in our office, and you may even make new friends as you go through the process together! When it’s done, you’ll have a smile that you can really be proud of, and benefits that will last your whole life.
The Orthodontic Treatment Process
What can you expect when you come in to our office for treatment? It all depends on what kind of treatment you need. The first time you come in, we will take pictures and radiographic (X-ray) images of your mouth, and possibly make a model of your bite. Then, we’ll develop a treatment plan. It may involve regular braces, with or without elastics (rubber bands). Read more about different types of braces here. You may even be a candidate for Invisalign, the braceless alternative to traditional braces.
Other orthodontic appliances may be recommended in some cases, where major tooth or jaw movement is needed. They can range from small devices that fit inside the mouth to external headgear. But don’t worry: You’ll get used to them, and they’re temporary — but they provide a long-term benefit in a short time.
How Long Will I Wear My Braces
There’s no one answer that fits everyone: It all depends on what we need to do in your individual situation. Generally, however, the active stage of orthodontic treatment lasts 6-30 months. Afterwards, you will wear a retainer for another period of months. When your orthodontic treatment is complete, the new smile we’ve worked together to create will be yours for a lifetime.
Beckstrom Orthodontics Reviews
Dr. Beckstrom and his staff are always friendly and accommodating. 2/3 of my children have started their orthodontic journey and we are very happy with everything. :)
Staff was amazing as well as Dr. Beckstrom. Explained everything that was going on at each visit.
Started on Invisalign treatment with Dr Beckstrom and staff. First install of aligner tray was smooth. Tiffany explained very nicely. Thankful for my wife’s suggestion and Linda’s assistance with retainer like (aligner tray like) teeth appliances. Linda provided after the intake appt. for use until the first aligner tray install. The temporary appliances helped my bite and brought great comfort till the real deal came along. The temp appliance also let me experience the feel and ease of tray use before having the first aligner. Thanks Dr Beckstrom, Thanks Linda, Thanks Tiffany.
We had a wonderful experience! Everyone was amazing through the process and we couldn't be happier!
As nervous as I was about my journey the office made me feel so good about beginning with my braces.
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