Teen orthodontics
A great time to start orthodontic treatment in Knoxville & Seymour, TN
There’s more pressure than ever to look good, even before applying photo filters. In spite of a penchant for posting selfies, many teens are insecure about their appearance.
Being able to accept – and embrace – your own inner and outer beauty is an important part of growing up. But if there are options available that can improve your oral health while also improving your general appearance, why not take advantage of them?
The teen years are the most common time for orthodontic treatment. It’s often started between the ages of 12 and 16 since most permanent teeth will be in place. Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Langford or Dr. Ringer will also be able to easily detect issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment. By this age, the bone and jaw structures 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 a teen’s oral and overall health. If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a complimentary consultation with one of our orthodontists in Knoxville or Seymour, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
- 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
- Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
- Protrusion of teeth
The early diagnosis and successful treatment of certain bite problems can have both 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
Teeth that have responded well to orthodontic treatment, and are straight and well-aligned carry with them a number of benefits, including:
- Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
- Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
- Improving proper chewing and digestion of food
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
This is a question with no concrete answer. Every case is different, but on average, the active stage of orthodontic treatment will last anywhere from 6-36 months.
After this phase of treatment is complete, your teen will need to wear a retainer for as long as your orthodontist feels is necessary based on their individual case. We work as a team with both parents and teens to create the kind of smile that will last a lifetime.
Invest in your teen's smile
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. By scheduling a free consultation, Dr. Langford or Dr. Ringer will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you, as well as any of the potential risks associated with delaying or foregoing treatment. Although adults can, and do, successfully complete orthodontic treatment, the jaws and teeth of teenagers often respond more quickly to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time. Contact the best orthodontists in Knoxville or Seymour, Tennessee, today!
