TREATMENT FOR TEENS
The most common time for orthodontic treatment. Whether your teen is having treatment for the first time or ready for Phase 2 treatment, Walker Orthodontics empowers them with the confidence of a beautiful smile.
Orthodontics for teens
Your child’s teenage years are the most character-defining and impressionable time of their lives. As teens are on a constant quest for self-discovery and acceptance, they often compare themselves to their peers as they strive to find their true identity. This renewed sense of self can be a catalyst for insecurity. The age of social media exponentially magnifies the pressure to be confident in your own skin. At Walker Orthodontics, we aspire to give your child their dream smile, boost their self-confidence, and empower them to thrive in this critical stage of life—and far into the future.
A beautiful smile has a powerful influence on teens’ self-confidence and self-perception.
When should teens see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children see an orthodontist (not just a dentist) for a check-up by age seven. If your teen hasn’t yet seen an orthodontist, it’s time to schedule a consultation. On average, teens begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of 11 and 14, when most or all of their permanent teeth are in.
What is the length of treatment?
The length of treatment depends on your child’s unique needs, but on average our custom-designed smiles can take anywhere from 14 to 24 months. Some cases are simple and can be completed within 6 months, while others are more complex and may require up to 36 months of treatment.
What are the benefits of treatment in the teenage years?
Orthodontic treatment during the critical teenage years can dramatically enhance the health of your teen’s teeth and gums while improving their personal appearance, confidence and self-esteem. Studies show that a beautiful smile can help your teen thrive in academic performance, social situations, friendships, relationships and athletics. In addition, there’s a social benefit to having treatment done in their middle school years, when their peers are typically also wearing braces.
From an orthodontic perspective, crooked teeth and a bad bite can have serious ramifications, contributing to gum recession and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches, and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain later in life. And treating patients during their adolescent phases—while they’re still growing—helps facilitate certain types of orthodontic bite correction.
What are my teen’s options?
Your teen has multiple options for custom smile design, from traditional braces to clear aligners, and everything in between. We will work together to determine the best options to fit your teen’s needs, lifestyle and schedule.
