Why teenage years are a great time to see an Orthodontist
There are many good reasons why adolescence is the ideal time for orthodontic treatment, generally by the age of 11-13 the deciduous (baby) teeth have all been lost, and the permanent ones have mostly come in. During the teenage years we can work on correcting the problems that cause a bad bite, poor tooth positioning or poor alignment.
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 braces or Invisalign we can create an improved appearance and function in a short period of time. In later years, when the bones of the face and jaw have finished growing, many conditions become more difficult (and expensive) to treat.
There's also the social element of getting orthodontic treatment during these years. If you need braces, you're not alone! Chances are you'll see some of your school friends in our office, and you may even make new friends by going through the process together. When you are finished, you'll have a fantastic smile that will last a lifetime.
Suitable Orthodontic Treatments for Teenagers
Traditional braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever. Made of high-grade stainless steel, these brackets work with thin, metal wires to gently guide the teeth into the correct position. With metal braces, you have the option of adding coloured elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colourful smile.
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. For this reason, they are used mainly on older teenagers and adult patients who have cosmetic concerns.
Dr Playfair is proud to be a certified provider of Invisalign clear aligners, which give you a clear, convenient, and comfortable option to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Invisalign is a teeth-straightening system that relies on a series of clear aligners to move teeth, rather than on metal wires and brackets. These aligners are designed to move your teeth in small steps to the desired final position. Each Invisalign aligner is precisely calibrated and manufactured to fit your mouth at each stage of your treatment plan. As you replace each aligner with the next in the series, your teeth will move gradually until the final alignment is attained.
Lingual braces are hidden behind the teeth. They are customised to match the shape of your teeth; the metal appliances are created uniquely for you. Lingual braces aren't the proper treatment for every orthodontic condition, and they're significantly more expensive than standard braces.
First Phase
The goal of the first phase is to help the teeth and jaws develop in a way that will accommodate all the permanent teeth and also improve the way the upper and lower teeth and jaws fit together. Children often exhibit early signs of teeth and jaw problems as they grow and develop. Early appliances are used in the first phase to correct and realign the teeth and jaws.
Monitoring
At the end of the first phase of treatment, all the permanent (adult) teeth are not yet in their final resting positions. During the monitoring period we continue to monitor the eruption of the permanent (adult) teeth with regular, complementary recall appointments. Selective removal of certain primary (baby) teeth may be in the best interest of enhancing eruption during this monitoring phase. Therefore, periodic recall appointments for observation are ideal.
Second Phase
The goal of the second phase is to make sure each tooth has an exact location in the mouth where it is in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and other teeth. When this equilibrium is established, the teeth will function together properly. The second phase begins when all permanent teeth have erupted, and usually requires braces on all the teeth for an average of 24 months. Retainers are worn after this phase to ensure your child retains his or her beautiful smile.