Teen Orthodontics

How does teen orthodontics support dental health?

The teen years are the most common time for getting braces. At this age, their permanent teeth are in, so Dr. Watts can correct problems like overcrowded and misaligned teeth.

At the same time, their jaws are still developing, which makes it easier to guide teeth into alignment and prevent future problems.

The teen years are also a challenging time. They’re going through dramatic physical, mental, and emotional changes. Teens are especially sensitive to their appearance, which is where teen orthodontics can help.

While teens may be unhappy with the appearance of misaligned teeth, they typically dread the process of getting and wearing braces.

As a specialist in teen orthodontics, Dr. Watts is sensitive to the issues teens have with braces. He teaches them about their options and helps them find braces they’ll be proud to wear.

What problems does teen orthodontics treat?

Despite concerns about wearing braces, most teens look forward to improving their smile by eliminating problems such as:

• Crooked or twisted teeth
• Spaces between teeth
• Incorrect jaw alignment
• Overcrowded teeth
• Overbite (the upper teeth are too far forward, sticking out over the lower teeth)
• Underbite (lower teeth are too far forward in relation to upper teeth)
• Crossbite (one or more upper teeth can't close over the lower teeth properly)

The conditions listed above are all types of dental misalignment. In addition to affecting a teen’s appearance, misaligned teeth increase the risk of tooth decay, cracks, and gum disease.

What other services does teen orthodontics provide?

Dr. Watts completes a dental exam and discusses the options that will work best for restoring each person’s smile.

He offers several types of braces, including:

• Clear braces
• Invisalign
• Traditional braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Lingual braces

A bonus for many teens is that traditional and self-ligating braces are available with metal and clear brackets (the part that Dr. Watts attaches to each tooth).

Dr. Watts devotes time to teaching teens about how to care for their teeth while wearing traditional braces. He offers tips on how to clean their teeth around braces and which foods to avoid.

Aligners are easier to care for, and they don’t limit food choices. You can take them out for eating and clean them before putting them back in.

Ready to learn more about teen orthodontics? Call Montclair Orthodontics or request an appointment online today.