Why start treatment during adolescence?

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. So why is adolescent orthodontic treatment a good idea? In short, it is a major investment in the rest of their life.

There are several good reasons why adolescence is the optimal time for orthodontic treatment. 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.

Convenient Treatment at the Right Time

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. Whether we use standard braces, or appliances like palatal expanders, we can create an improved appearance and function in a short period of time. Many conditions become more difficult to treat when the bones of the face and jaw are fully developed.

There’s even a social element to getting orthodontic treatment in adolescence. If you need braces, you’re not alone! Chances are you’ll see some of your classmates in our office. You may even make new friends as you go through the process together. You’ll have a smile that you can really be proud of when it’s complete. The benefits that will last your whole life, too!