Teen Braces in New York City
Orthodontic treatment is most common during the adolescent years, with the typical ages being 11 to 15 years old. In fact, braces and orthodontic treatment during this period of life are almost considered a rite of passage for teens nowadays. There’s a reason for that.
Around age 11 or 12, the final permanent teeth (except, in some cases, the third molars, or “wisdom teeth”) have erupted. When this happens, our New York City orthodontist can 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 more perfect smile. At this age, the bones of the jaw and face are also still growing, 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 ideal time to create a sparkling smile. It gives orthodontists a window of opportunity after the permanent teeth have erupted – but before the jaw has finished growing.
So what is the benefit of braces as a rite of passage during adolescence? Teen patients usually have the support and understanding of friends who are having the same treatment, thus making the process more pleasant.
Teen Braces & Orthodontics
In some situations, teens have received early pediatric treatment during childhood. In other cases, only the adolescent phase of treatment is needed. Either way, today’s teens 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 and lingual braces are two other options that give teens the benefits of braces with the added benefit of a better aesthetic effect.
Upon its introduction, Invisalign® was approved only for adults. Things have changed and teens have the option of using clear aligners to straighten their teeth. That is great news for teens who prefer clear aligners to braces. 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.
Keep in mind that Invisalign usually takes longer to achieve the final result than braces do. So if your adolescent wants to finish treatment as quickly as possible, then braces might make more sense. However, for many a longer treatment time is not a concern, because Invisalign offers discreetness and comfort.
Post-Treatment Maintenance
If your teen has received orthodontic treatment, it’s important to maintain great results after treatment ends. This is dependent 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. In earlier years, removable retainers were the most common and many teens chose not to wear these retainers as needed. The result is that 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 and it’s in your best interest to make the effort to maintain it for your lifetime!
Enjoy 5-Star Orthodontic Care with Teen Braces in New York City
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 so be sure 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 NYC. Make your appointment with Dr. Pliakas today by using our online booking system or calling our NYC orthodontics office.
Come experience Central Park Orthodontics in New York City! You will see we offer 5-star rated orthodontic treatment to patients in NYC, including on the Upper West Side (UWS), Upper East Side (UES), Manhattan, Midtown West, Harlem, Morningside Heights, Chelsea, Columbus Circle, and Washington Heights – and we do it with a smile!
