Teen Orthodontics Colorado Springs
Teen orthodontics in Colorado Springs focuses on timely treatment during critical growth years. Orthodontists provide customized solutions like braces and clear aligners to support confident, healthy smiles. We know that for teens, their orthodontic treatment worries are a lot different from those of younger kids or adults. The teenage years come with their own set of problems – and we at Inner Smiles Orthodontics have learned a thing or two about how to make the experience less of a hassle for them. Teens are naturally worried about how getting braces is going to affect the way they look, their social lives, and the everyday activities they enjoy.
Most teenagers start their orthodontic treatment around the ages of 12 or 14, by which time most of their permanent teeth have come in. Now, this is actually a pretty good time to start – the bones in their bodies are still growing, which makes it a lot easier and quicker to get those teeth in line. But we also work with kids who have to start treatment a bit later, and we tailor our approach to each individual’s needs and situation.
Teenagers generally worry a lot more than younger kids about the social implications of wearing braces. We’ve had teens tell us that they’re worried about how they’ll look in school photos, during sports, or at parties. That’s why we’ve got a range of treatment options that can help alleviate these concerns. Lots of teens still want the classic metal braces – and they love that they can get bright coloured bands that really let their individuality shine. Some teens even like to change up the colours to match the seasons or their school team’s colours for big rival games.
We’ve also got ceramic braces that are a lot less noticeable than metal ones, for those who are really worried about how they look. These brackets basically blend in with your natural teeth – they’re the same color, so they’re super hard to spot. They work just as well as regular braces, of course.
Clear aligners are another option for some cases – but we need to be honest, not all teens are a good fit for this kind of treatment (no pun intended). It does require a certain amount of discipline and responsibility. Clear aligners are a modern orthodontics solution for discreet, flexible treatment. Orthodontics with aligners allows you to straighten teeth without brackets or wires. We use aligners to gently shift teeth into place as part of a custom orthodontics plan.
One thing that really gets parents and teenagers on edge is the worry that wearing braces will stop them from playing sports. But the good news is – it doesn’t have to. We make mouthguards that fit perfectly, so your braces and your mouth stay safe during contact sports. And let’s be real – lots of pros have worn braces at some point in their careers. We tell our teen patients to just keep on doing what they love.
Of course, part of orthodontic care is making sure that our teens are taking care of themselves – eating the right foods, avoiding anything that might break their braces, and turning up to their appointments on time. We work really closely with both teens and their parents to set up routines and expectations that’ll help the treatment work.
We’ve also learned that when we let teens have a say in their treatment, they become way more invested in it. We explain how the treatment works, what they can expect at each step, and how their co-operation will affect the end result. When they know how important their role is, they’re more likely to listen and look after their braces.
Now, how long it takes for treatment to finish can vary – it all depends on how complicated each case is. But most teens wear braces for about two years. We give them realistic timelines and keep both them and their parents up to speed on how things are going during treatment. We have regular adjustment appointments every six to eight weeks, so we can check on progress and talk about any problems. Surgical orthodontics may be needed when jaw alignment cannot be corrected with braces alone. We coordinate orthodontics care with oral surgeons for safe, effective treatment. This specialized area of orthodontics improves both appearance and function.
Teens in Colorado Springs deal with the same social pressures as kids anywhere else – and we totally get how orthodontic treatment can affect their self-esteem. We’ve had a lot of teens come to us worried about how they’ll look with braces at first – but then they find out that their friends and classmates are actually super supportive and encouraging. And that’s one of the best things about getting orthodontic work done as a teenager – you’ve got a bunch of your friends going through the same thing, so you’re all in this together.
Orthodontic treatment for teens does more than just straighten teeth – it can have a real impact on a teen’s confidence and self-esteem. We’ve seen shy kids become way more outgoing as their smiles get better – and we’ve seen how it can really boost their self-esteem during these super important years. And as treatment goes on, parents often tell us that their teen seems happier and more outgoing.