If you’re a parent of a teen, chances are you’ve either wondered about orthodontic treatment or it’s already on your to-do list. Whether your child has crooked teeth, a bite issue, or simply wants a smile they love more, you’re in the right spot with Rio Grande Orthodontics! We’re going to tell you all about orthodontic treatment for teenagers.
Why the Teen Years Are Ideal for Orthodontic Treatment
Most doctors in the American Association of Orthodontists recommend evaluating a child’s bite and smile around age 7, but treatment typically begins between the ages of 11 and 16. Why? Because by this age, most (if not all) of the permanent teeth have erupted, yet the jaw is still actively developing. This strikes the perfect balance between structure and flexibility, anatomically speaking.
Orthodontic treatment during this age period can correct:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Jaw alignment concerns
Teens are highly aware of the world and their social role within it, which makes confidence and appearance a top priority. A healthy, well-aligned smile can significantly enhance self-esteem during a stage when emotional development can be challenging.
Myths About Teen Orthodontic Treatment
For both you and your teenager, it can be challenging to make an informed decision about orthodontic treatment due to common misconceptions. Let’s take a closer look at some of these ideas that may lead some parents to delay or overlook orthodontic treatment for teens:
- Myth: Orthodontics is just for looks.
Like we said, teens often care deeply about how their teeth appear, but orthodontic treatment is also a functional asset. It can support better speech, reduce uneven wear, and make daily brushing and flossing more effective. - Myth: People have a terrible time wearing braces.
Our modern appliances are nothing like bulky braces from decades ago. Smaller brackets, lighter wires, and the choice of clear materials all make wired braces more comfortable and far less noticeable. - Myth: Teens can’t keep up with clear aligners.
With proper instruction and parental support, many of our local teens do great with Invisalign. The wear indicators specially built into Invisalign Teen aligners help track progress, and extra sets are always available if trays are misplaced. However, we recommend minimizing replacements to keep treatment on track. - Myth: You must wait for all adult teeth to come in.
Some teens can still benefit from starting treatment before all permanent teeth have erupted. Proactive care can sometimes shorten overall treatment or reduce the complexity of issues later on. - Myth: All orthodontic offices provide the same experience.
Offices vary widely in their approach, flexibility, and experience, particularly when working with teens. Our Albuquerque, Edgewood, Espanola, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Cerillos, Harkle, Socorro, or Taos offices offer modern options, take time to explain all processes clearly, and make your family feel comfortable from start to finish.
Questions Parents Often Ask
Are orthodontics affordable?
We understand that orthodontic care can be a big investment. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans and work with most major insurance providers. During your consultation, we’ll go over all financial options and create a custom plan that works with your family’s budget. We also offer discounts to those on state funding, as well as family/sibling discounts.
Is treatment painful?
There are certain points with both braces and clear aligners that can be a bit uncomfortable, but they should never be painful. Any soreness or pressure usually fades within a few days. Soft foods, cold drinks, and over-the-counter pain medications can help with this. Our team can recommend other ways to alleviate discomfort, if needed.
Will this impact my teenager’s sports or music?
Braces or aligners won’t stop your teen from playing their favorite sports or musical instruments. For student athletes, we can discuss customized mouthguards to protect their teeth and appliances. Musicians may need to practice to adjust, especially with wind or brass instruments, but most adapt quickly and continue to perform without issue.
Does Invisalign work as well as braces?
Yes, for many cases. Invisalign Teen is designed to correct a wide range of orthodontic concerns, from spacing and crowding to mild bite issues. Our team will help your family decide if clear aligners or braces are the better option based on your teen’s goals and needs.
Living and Learning
The goal of our practice, across all of our offices, is to educate and support our patients and their families to the highest possible standard. Dr. Gardiner, Dr. Vest, Dr. Klinger, and Dr. Kellam are living examples of this every day! To begin the conversation about orthodontic treatment with your teen, you can see us for a free consultation at your nearest office.