Teen Orthodontics Woodland Park
Over many years of working with teenagers, we’ve developed a sense of what works and what doesn’t when it comes to helping teens deal with the unique benefits and challenges of getting braces at Inner Smiles Orthodontics. We know teens have different worries than younger kids or adults when it comes to getting braces. One thing they’re always worried about is how it’s going to change their look, and how they’ll interact with their friends and classmates. And lets face it, being a teenager is complicated enough already – we don’t need to add orthodontic treatment to the mix.
Most teens start orthodontic treatment between the ages of 12 and 14, when all of their permanent teeth have usually come in. At that point in their lives, their bones are still growing and changing – which makes it way easier for teeth to move around than it would be for adults. We’ve even had success working with kids who start treatment a bit later on – and we tailor our approach to fit each child’s individual needs and personality.
Teens are really worried about the social side of orthodontic treatment. A lot of kids we’ve worked with are freaked out about how braces will look in school pictures, on stage during a presentation, or at their friends birthday party. That’s why we sit down and talk to them about all the treatment options and help them make smart choices about their care. Of course, traditional metal braces are still super popular – especially since teens can pick out cool colored bands that let them show off their personality and match the mood of the season or their school colors.
Ceramic braces are a pretty great option for teens who are really particular about their looks. They work just as well as metal braces, but they’re a lot less obvious – the brackets are the same color as your teeth, so they blend right in. Clear aligners are another choice, but they’re not for everyone – this type of therapy requires a lot of responsibility and dedication from the patient.
Teens in Woodland Park can still live the active lifestyle they love while getting orthodontic treatment. We’ve got teen athletes who are out skiing, snowboarding, hiking – and even play school sports all year round. And we encourage them all to keep on being active and doing the things they love – including wearing custom mouthguards to protect their teeth and braces during contact sports.
During the teenage years, responsibility becomes super important when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Teens need to take care of their teeth, eat right so their braces don’t get damaged, and show up for their appointments on time. We help both the kids and their parents set up good habits and expectations that will get the treatment done right. 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.
We’ve found that when we let teens have a hand in making decisions about their treatment, they feel way more invested in the process. So we tell them exactly how it all works, what to expect at each step, and how their cooperation is going to make a huge difference in the final outcome. And you know what? When they understand what’s going on, they’re a lot more likely to follow the plan and take good care of their orthodontic appliances.
Teen orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from a few months to a few years – depending on how complicated the case is. Most teens are wearing braces for about two years, give or take a few months. We give them a clear idea of what to expect right from the start, and keep both them and their parents up to date on how things are going during treatment. We can keep an eye on how things are developing and deal with any problems that come up at regular adjustment sessions every six to eight weeks.
A lot of teens in Woodland Park are getting braces at the same time – and that’s just because the community is so tight-knit. We’ve found that this really helps, because when they’ve got friends to share the experience with, they don’t feel like they’re going through it all alone. And let’s be honest – it’s just way more normal and accepted among their peers to be getting braces at this age. 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.
Orthodontic treatment for teens does more than just straighten out their teeth. We’ve seen firsthand how it can boost their self-confidence – and that’s especially important during these key years. We’ve got kids who were shy at first, but as their smiles got better, they started to feel more confident in themselves. Teen orthodontics in Woodland Park helps guide proper dental alignment during key developmental stages. Local orthodontists offer tailored treatments to build confident, lasting smiles for teenagers.