Here at Seaman Family Dentistry, we provide orthodontic care and a full line of other dental services. This makes it easier for families, because they can have their teenager’s braces done in the same location the family receives all other dental care. Dr. Robert Seaman has over 25 years of experience providing a variety of orthodontic services to patients of all ages.
The teen years, especially Jr. High, is a time when many of us have memories of being in braces. Many teens cannot wait to get their braces on, while others hate the idea! The one thing all teens with braces have in common is that once the braces are on, they start counting the days until they come off. In present day, braces may even be more popular than before, since there are choices in not only metal vs. porcelain braces, but also colored ties (the tiny rubber bands which hold the wire inside each bracket). It is common for teens to routinely pick various color combinations for each adjustment.
Whether or not your teen is looking forward to braces, the teen years are a great time to straighten teeth and correct bites. Although some jaw development issues are best treated at a younger age, most can also be treated as a teen. The bone in teen jaws is not as set in its shape as it is in adults, so the bone can still be molded by moving teeth, and at times re-directing the full development of the jaw.
Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Important?
Orthodontic services, including braces, are not just a cosmetic solution to a more appealing smile. If your teen has incorrect positioning between the upper and lower teeth (their occlusion or “bite”), this can cause serious jaw problems in the adult years if it is not corrected. The upper and lower teeth are meant to fit together in a certain way. If they do not, then the bones and muscles in the jaw will grow differently in an attempt to adjust for this, causing more problems.
Not only can improper bites be corrected at this age, but teeth are also moved to straighten turned teeth, create more space to move teeth into their proper position, close areas where there is too much space between teeth and more. Having this done is also not just cosmetic. When teeth are correctly positioned in the arch and the spacing between them is ideal, this makes cleaning them much easier. When teeth are not properly positioned, more areas are created for plaque to hide, causing more cavities to form and increased tartar build up. As an adult, this can significantly contribute to the development of gum disease. By providing your teenager with orthodontic care, you are putting them on the right track for healthier teeth and gums into their adult years.
You should contact our office to discuss orthodontic services for your teen if you notice any of the following problems:
- Permanent teeth are crooked or seem overcrowded
- Upper teeth stick out too far
- Lower jaw sticks out passed upper teeth
- One or more teeth on the upper are further inward than the lower teeth
- One or more permanent teeth do not appear to be growing in
- One or more permanent teeth are growing in where they should not be located
- There is a lot of space between teeth and it appears all the permanent teeth have come in
- There is a space or gap between the front permanent teeth
- Your teen is complaining about pain, stiffness or immobility in their jaw
- When there is an opening between the front upper and lower teeth when biting down
Before starting orthodontic treatment, a full set of orthodontic records (X-rays, photos and models) will be necessary for a full treatment plan to be developed. With this information, our dentist and team are able to determine what changes need to be made, whether braces alone or in conjunction with another appliance will accomplish these changes and the approximate time frame it will take to achieve the desired result. Once this has been determined, we will meet with you for a full orthodontic consultation to discuss all these areas and the costs for your teen’s treatment plan. We provide various financial options for orthodontics will go over this information as well during your consultation, in addition to any coverage you may have under your dental insurance plan.
Understanding Dental Braces
Dental braces are typically used on teens. At times, we also use various appliances in conjunction with braces to get the bite and teeth just right for a life-long nice smile. Although it varies, braces are usually worn for about two years followed by retainers. Monthly visits to our office are needed to make adjustments and keep things moving in the right direction.
Home Care During Orthodontic Treatment
During orthodontic treatment, it is especially important to keep the teeth and braces very, very clean! Braces make it easy for food and plaque to accumulate around the hardware and it takes special effort to keep this cleaned. When your teen has their braces put on in our office, we will provide them with a home care kit which includes a special type of toothbrush that helps clean these areas better. If your teenager is also wearing an appliance, they need to be sure to clean their appliance with a toothbrush and paste each time they brush their teeth.
We look forward to hearing from you about your teenagers’ orthodontic needs in Lenexa, Kansas! Give us a call at 913-631-2626 with questions or schedule an appointment.
913-631-2626