Orthodontic Treatment for Teens: Benefits and Common Concerns

At North Durham Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to helping teens achieve beautiful, healthy smiles! Orthodontic treatment during adolescence is not just about aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in oral health and overall well-being. Here’s why orthodontic care is important for teens and the common issues that might prompt them to seek treatment.

Child and Teen Orthodontic Services In Durham

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for Teens

Improved Oral Health:

Proper Alignment: Orthodontics corrects misaligned teeth and jaws, which can lead to better oral hygiene. Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Prevention of Wear and Tear: Correcting bite issues can prevent excessive wear on teeth and reduce the risk of tooth fractures or other damage.

Enhanced Confidence:

Aesthetic Improvement: Straightening teeth and aligning the bite enhances overall appearance, boosting self-esteem and confidence during a crucial time in a teen’s life.

Positive Self-Image: A beautiful smile can make social interactions more comfortable and enjoyable.

Functional Benefits:

Improved Bite Function: Orthodontic treatment addresses bite issues such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, leading to better chewing and speaking abilities.

Reduced Jaw Strain: Proper alignment alleviates strain on the jaw joints and muscles, reducing discomfort and potential headaches.

Long-Term Dental Health:

Future-Proofing: Early orthodontic treatment helps prevent more serious problems later on, which can save time and money in the future.

Better Long-Term Outcomes: Correcting alignment issues early can lead to healthier teeth and gums for life.

Common Issues That May Prompt Orthodontic Treatment

Crowded or Crooked Teeth:

When teeth don’t have enough space to align properly, they may become crooked or overlap. This not only affects appearance but can also make cleaning difficult.

Gaps Between Teeth:

Spaces between teeth can affect both function and appearance. Orthodontic treatment can help close gaps for a more uniform smile.

Overbite or Underbite:

An overbite (upper teeth overlap lower teeth) or an underbite (lower teeth extend beyond upper teeth) can affect how teeth fit together, impacting chewing and speech.

Crossbite:

A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth. This misalignment can cause uneven wear and lead to jaw problems.

Jaw Pain or Clicking:

Issues with jaw alignment or function can cause discomfort or clicking sounds. Orthodontics can help realign the jaws and alleviate these symptoms.

Difficulty Chewing or Speaking:

Misalignment can make it challenging to chew food properly or speak clearly. Orthodontic treatment helps improve both functionality and comfort.

Why Choose Us?

At North Durham Orthodontics, we understand that every teen’s needs are unique. Dr. Gina Lee and our experienced team is committed to providing personalized care in a supportive environment. We offer a range of orthodontic options, from traditional braces to cutting-edge aligner technology, ensuring the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

Ready to Transform Your Smile?

If you or your teen are experiencing any of the issues mentioned or simply want to explore the benefits of orthodontic treatment, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile!

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We’ll go over all the details of your treatment during your free consultation. Meet Dr. Gina Lee and the rest of the North Durham Orthodntics team and see why we’re the best orthodontist in Durham!

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Orthodontics Treatment Options For Teens

Ceramic Braces

Clear ceramic braces are a new variation on the traditional system that provides a far less noticeable method of treatment. They use the same components as traditional braces — except that the brackets on the front side of the teeth are made of a translucent ceramic material that blends in with the tooth’s natural color. This system has become a favorite for adults (including some well-known celebrities) because, unless you look closely, it’s hard to notice they’re there.

Metal Braces

There are many good reasons why time-tested metal braces remain popular — because they offer a reliable, effective and economical treatment option. In contrast to the appliances of the past, today’s braces are actually smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to wear. If you want a less traditional look, you may be able to choose colorful elastics for the brackets or other modifications.

Damon Clear

Introducing Damon® Clear — the passive self-ligating bracket whose beauty is more than skin-deep. Damon Clear combines the look and comfort image-conscious patients demand with the strength and functionality discriminating clinicians need. Validated by multi-site in vivo studies and third-party university research, Damon Clear is more than meets the eye.

Completely aesthetic passive self-ligation bracket with unparalleled design
Polycrystalline alumina (PCA) material is resistant to staining from coffee, mustard, red wine and other agents
Eliminates the need for elastomerics, which stain and collect bacteria during treatment
Advanced passive self-ligation technology with low ligation force, minimizing frictional resistance for more efficient tooth movement

Invisalign Teen

What is Invisalign® Teen?

Invisalign Teen is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teen’s teeth without the restrictions that come with metal braces. Rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth. Your teen simply wears them over their teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners every two weeks. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place, achieving that confident smile.

Is Invisalign® as effective as traditional braces?

Yes. When worn according to the recommendations of an experienced Invisalign-trained orthodontist, Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional braces for the most common teeth-straightening issues. Invisalign can effectively treat mild to severe cases, including underbite, overbite, overcrowding and gaps between teeth. The chances are very high your teen will be a great candidate for Invisalign. To find out for sure, locate a certified Invisalign Teen orthodontist in your area at invisalign.com/find-a-doctor and go in for a consultation.

Who is eligible for Invisalign® Teen

Invisalign can be used for teens who have erupting or erupted permanent dentition—this includes most teenagers. A trained Invisalign orthodontist should evaluate your teen’s specific dental issues to determine candidacy. If the orthodontist rejects your teen as a candidate, it is advisable to seek a second opinion, as each provider has a different level of experience treating with Invisalign. To find an experienced Invisalign orthodontist, log on to invisalign.com/find-a-doctor and look for doctors in your area with the Invisalign Teen logo. Your teen will thank you for making that extra effort!

What are some of the advantages of Invisalign® Teen over traditional braces?

If you’ve had braces yourself, you already know the issues associated with metal wires and brackets. With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so your teen can play sports without the worry of being hit in the mouth by a ball, which can cause real damage in braces. They can also continue playing musical instruments properly, without braces getting in the way. With braces, there is a long list of foods your teen shouldn’t eat, from popcorn to apples and raw carrots. With Invisalign, there are no such restrictions. The removable aligners make it easy to brush and floss normally to maintain proper oral hygiene.