How to Know When Your Teen Needs Braces

Like other parents, you want your child to have a happy, healthy smile. But it can sometimes be more difficult to determine when orthodontic treatment might be in order. When adolescents grow, their teeth and jaw alignment may develop as well, and observing these changes during early adolescence is critical to long-term oral health. If you’re wondering if your teenager might be ready for braces in Arizona, meeting with a Uptown Phoenix orthodontics professional can provide you with information on when the time is right to start treatment and make you aware of what to watch out for.

Among the most obvious signs that a teenager may require braces is crooked teeth. The eruption of permanent teeth may not leave enough space for the teeth to do so. This crowding can result in teeth that overlap, twist or are displaced making them more difficult to clean and to decay. Almost 75% of teenagers could benefit from some form of quality orthodontic treatment to alleviate problems associated with misalignment, crowding and bite irregularities as reported by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Early treatment can save more severe problems from developing down the road, like jaw pain or uneven wear on her teeth.

Anther indication that orthodontic assessment is necessary: bite misalignment This refers to overbites, under bites, crossbites or open bites. For instance, an overbite — in which the upper front teeth protrude forward over the lower ones by too much — may lead to uneven wear of the front teeth or difficulty when biting. Likewise, an underbite (in which the lower jaw protrudes ahead of the upper) has the potential to damage both facial symmetry and chewing mechanics. Orthodontists generally rely on diagnostic tools such as digital X-rays, 3D imaging and dental impressions in order to accurately diagnose these problems. With early detection, you get a better treatment and shorter normalizing period for correction.

Speech problems or mouth breathing can also be signs that a teenager’s jaw or teeth are misaligned. And if teeth don’t align properly, that could affect how the tongue moves during speech and result in lisping or an inability to pronounce certain words. Open mouth breathing, however, may indicate that there is some form of obstructive interference within the jaw. Statistics from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlight untreated orthodontic problems -- open bites, this may lead to serious long-term health issues including oral and respiratory problems. Talk to a Uptown Phoenix orthodontics expert who can see if orthodontic treatment would alleviate these issues and benefit your oral health.

Grinding, or clicking in the jaw when you chew can be other red flags. These are commonly signs of TMJ problems, which can result from misalignment or uneven pressure on your bite. Teenagers with TMJ symptoms may be affected by headaches, neck pain or the inability to open their mouths all the way. Orthodontic treatment can reposition the jaw to remove tension on the joint and avoid potentially serious complications during adulthood.

Apart from physical signs, there may also be emotional or social reasons for deciding it’s time for braces. At some point in time, most teens become self conscious about their smiles when they get to middle school or high school. Crooked, protruding, uneven teeth can have an impact on confidence levels and may make socializing or posing for a photograph uncomfortable. Orthodontic care is not only good for oral health but can do wonders for a smile and confidence too — something teens definitely need during these awkward years.

Timing is another important factor. While the typical orthodontist would advise an initial evaluation at 7-years-old, many teens start treatment from 11 to 15 as this is when most of their permanent teeth have emerged. This age provides the perfect opportunity because the jaw is still forming and can be guided more readily into proper alignment. Today’s braces and aligners are also far more comfortable and discreet than in years past, which reduces the stress on younger patients while undergoing treatment.

On a technical side, those who work in orthodontics employ a number of diagnostic devices to find out whether or not an adolescent requires braces. These are cephalometric analysis (a form of X-ray that displays the relationship between teeth and jaw), panoramic radiographs which give a view of tooth development, or digital scans to produce 3D models of the mouth. With these tools, Recognized Specialists in Orthodontics like Dr. Preda can measure spacing, fit, and bone growth with great accuracy so treatment plans are tailored just for you.

Also, it should be noted that braces are not purely aesthetics. Crooked teeth also contribute to low maintenance in the mouth and may lead to gum disease, wearing of uneven enamel. Overlapping teeth can result in plaque and bacteria becoming trapped in hard-to-reach places, leading to a higher risk of cavities. A well-aligned bites places chewing forces evenly across the teeth to protect teeth and jaw joints over time. Kenney Shedden Family Dentistry says that orthodontic treatment can thus lead to better oral hygiene and general health.

Many parents want to know how long their child might have to wear braces. When adolescents comply with orthodontic instructions, such as wearing rubber bands or alignment trays according to their dentist’s if & when recommendations, we are able to further determine the length of time your child will be in braces.20-22 Typically in adults, it can take up to 36 months before treatment is complete; a lesser number of months for adolescents. Regular checkups, continued care and good oral hygiene all lead to faster, more successful results.

Orthodontics considerably has come a long way in today’s day and age, far beyond the era of metal braces. Today, teens have choices like ceramic braces, lingual braces and clear aligners that are almost invisible. Such options offer more freedom to teens who are involved in activities like sports or music and would rather have inconspicuous options. Consultation with an orthodontic specialist can help you decide which appliance is the best choice for your teen, based on his/her dental condition and lifestyle.

If you’re seeing one of the signs mentioned here — crowds, jaw pain, speech issues or visible misalignment — it’s probably time to schedule an orthodontic consultation. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to safeguard your teen from more compromised dental problems in the future that may affect full confidence in smiling. Wherever your journey takes you–whether it’s just starting to look at options or if you want to begin treatment today, Uptown Phoenix orthodontics professionals are here to help.

Finally, determining when your teen needs braces is a mix of observing and evaluating – on the visual front and with professional help. Orthodontic treatment can make a world of difference — not only for the way you look, but for function and comfort as well. If you are concerned about your teenager having alignment or bite issues, contact professionals specializing in Uptown Phoenix orthodontics to keep their smile healthy and strong for years to come.