Orthodontics for Young Teenagers

The most common age group for orthodontics, teenagers have most of their permanent teeth and more mature jaws.  Today’s braces are less noticeable than ever and won’t interfere with the active lifestyles that teenagers enjoy.  Treatment may last one to three years and include a combination of appliances.

• Braces, either tiny bonded brackets or full bands, gently move teeth into position.
• Headgear helps realign jaws or move teeth into line.
• A retainer holds teeth in their corrected positions until they are stabilized.
• A functional appliance or palatal expander may be used on teenagers whose jaws are still growing.
• Extractions (removing teeth) make room for crowded teeth and may be needed for any phase of treatment.
• Invisalign is a new treatment method that can be used in teenagers as long as all adult teeth, including the twelve year molars, are in the mouth.