Teen Braces In Manhattan
The most common time to receive orthodontic treatment is during the adolescent years, with the typical ages being 11 to 15 years old. Braces and orthodontic treatment during this period of life is so common, in fact, that it’s almost considered a rite of passage for teens nowadays. Why is this?
Around age 11 or 12, the final permanent teeth (except, in some cases, the third molars, or “wisdom teeth”) have erupted. This allows our Upper West Side orthodontist to assess the alignment of the teeth accurately and identify any crooked teeth, gaps, or poor alignment. We can then correct any problems and create the optimal result for a sparkling smile. The bones of the jaw and face are also still growing around age 12, so their size and shape can be more easily influenced than those of an adult. This is why adolescence is most often chosen as the time for the creation of the perfect smile. It gives orthodontists a window of opportunity after the permanent teeth have erupted but before the jaw has finished growing.
This returns us to the concept of braces as a rite of passage. A benefit of using braces during adolescent years comes from the fact that teen patients usually have the support of friends who are having the same treatment. This makes the process more pleasant. Teens without braces may even feel jealous of those who do have them!
Types Of Teen Braces & Orthodontics
In some cases, teens have previously received early interceptive treatment during childhood; in other cases, only the adolescent phase of treatment is needed. Either way, adolescents have more options for achieving straight teeth than they ever did in prior decades. Metal braces are still a popular option, and advances in technology have improved them in several ways. Clear braces are another option that gives teens the benefits of braces with the added benefit of a better aesthetic effect.
When Invisalign was first introduced, it was approved only for adults. That has now changed, and teens have the option of using clear aligners to straighten their teeth. For those teens who would prefer clear aligners to braces, this is great news. Of course, many parents have concerns about compliance; while many teens are responsible, others may not wear the aligners for enough hours to get the desired effect. For this reason, Invisalign Teen includes compliance indicators on the Invisalign Teen aligners, allowing both orthodontists and parents to ensure that the aligners are indeed being worn as directed.
Maintenance
An important consideration with orthodontic treatment for adolescents is maintaining the great results after treatment ends. Depending on the situation, adolescents may receive permanent retainers (which are intended to remain in place for several years, or even for life), or they may get removable retainers. Because removable retainers were the most common in earlier years, and because many teens chose not to wear these retainers as needed, many had their teeth slip back out of alignment and are now seeking orthodontic treatment again as adults. Whether you’re a teen or the parent of a teen, you should know the importance of wearing those retainers. You worked hard for that beautiful smile – make sure to put in the effort to maintain it for the rest of your life!
5-Star Orthodontic Care With Our Manhattan Orthodontist For Teen Braces
If you’re an adolescent or the parent of an adolescent and are considering orthodontic treatment, come for a consultation at Central Park Orthodontics. Your teen’s smile is an investment in future years of confidence and health; ensure that you’re putting it into the right hands. With an Ivy League education and several years of post-graduate specialty training at a nationally-ranked program, Dr. George Pliakas is the top orthodontist in Manhattan. Make your appointment with Dr. Pliakas today by using our online booking system or calling our Upper West Side orthodontics office.
Come experience Central Park Orthodontics on the UWS! You will see we offer 5-star rated orthodontic treatment to patients in Manhattan, including on the Upper West Side (UWS), Upper East Side (UES), New York City (NYC), Midtown West, Harlem, Morningside Heights, Chelsea, Columbus Circle and Washington Heights – and we do it with a smile!
