Orthodontics for Teens

Invest in Their Future

Between the ages of 12 and 16 is the most common time for orthodontic treatment because this is when most permanent teeth begin to settle into place without losing too much mobility.

Teen Orthodontics

Starting once the majority of adult teeth are in at around ages 11-12, comprehensive braces or Invisalign treatment will have your child beaming with confidence in time for their senior photos, sweet sixteen, quinceañera, or whatever big day awaits!

Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment, or treatment that begins before their permanent teeth have erupted, at an earlier age, and are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.

Whether they’re on Phase I or Phase II treatment, new orthodontic solutions and technologies make the treatment process much easier than ever before.

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Pedersen will be able to easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.

Signs Your Teen Needs Treatment

Appearance and self-confidence aside, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health.

If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a free consultation with Dr. Pedersen at Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
Difficulty with chewing or biting
Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Protrusion of teeth

Bite Problems

Diagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems can have short-term and long-term benefits.

Problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment, and include:

Crooked or crowded teeth
Missing or extra teeth
An overbite or underbite
Incorrect jaw position
A disorder of the jaw joint

Benefits of Braces & Invisalign

Orthodontic treatment at Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics may have many benefits to your teeth, gums, and oral health, including:

Preventing wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
Improving proper chewing and digestion of food

The Treatment Process at Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics

While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance. Here at Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics, we offer:

Metal Braces

Braces have come a very long way, and are improving every day. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky and uncomfortable metal brackets.

Today’s braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before. They use low-profile NiTi brackets and wires to gently shift your teeth into more optimal positions over time.

Ceramic Braces

Also known as clear braces, these work the same way metal braces do, but feature brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials. They blend in with your teen’s smile, making them much less obvious.

Since ceramic braces are slightly more prone to breakage, and a little costlier than metal braces, they may not be suitable for everyone.

Invisalign^®

The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.

Made of soft plastic, they provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with no friction or abrasions inside your teen’s mouth.

Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, your teen’s teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.

Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be recommended if your teen needs more serious treatment.

Questions About Teen Orthodontics in York

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

This is a question with no concrete answer, unfortunately. Every case is different, but the active stage of orthodontic treatment generally lasts anywhere from 6-36 months.

After this phase of treatment is complete, your teen will need to wear a retainer for as long as Dr. Pedersen feels necessary based on their individual case. We work as a team with both parents and teens at Andrew Pedersen Orthodontics to create a smile that will last a lifetime.

Can Teens Receiving Orthodontic Treatment Still Play Sports?

Absolutely. However, if your teen athlete is wearing traditional braces, it’s crucial to protect their smile to stay on track with their treatment.

We strongly recommend that they use an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces, and their mouth, from any potential injury. Your teen can play any contact sport if they use the proper orthodontic mouthguard.

If your teen has Invisalign, they can simply take their aligner out before practice or a game, and put it back in afterward.

What About Musicians?

An Investment in Your Teen’s Smile

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. Dr. Pedersen will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you at your teen’s free consultation, as well as any of the risks of putting off or skipping treatment.

Although adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth tend to respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, thereby shortening their total treatment time and allowing them more time to show off their new smile!