For many teens, braces are a rite of passage—a part of growing up and growing into better versions of themselves. There are several reasons why the teen years are the optimal time to undergo braces or Invisalign with our Bettendorf, Eldridge, or Maquoketa, IA orthodontics team. Learn more about these benefits of adolescent orthodontic treatment below!
Tooth Development
The development of teeth is different for everyone. Generally, most people lose their remaining baby teeth and develop the last of their permanent teeth between the ages of 11 – 13. Once all baby teeth are lost and patients enter the teenage years, it becomes the optimal time for your orthodontist to work on correcting orthodontic problems such as:
- Bad bites (malocclusions)
- Improper tooth spacing
- Poor tooth alignment
Preventing Orthodontic Problems
Orthodontic problems don't improve with age—they simply become harder to treat. It's easier to treat orthodontic issues during adolescence because the body is still growing and is extremely receptive to change. In later years, when the bones of the face and jaw are fully developed, many orthodontic conditions become more difficult and costly to treat. Mack Orthodontics helps patients with orthodontic problems in Bettendorf, Eldridge, Maquoketa, and the surrounding areas with several kinds of orthodontic treatment:
- Metal Braces
- Ceramic Braces
- Lingual Braces
- Invisalign Teen
Treating Orthodontic Problems
The first time you come into our Bettendorf, Eldridge, or Maquoketa, IA office our team will take pictures and radiographic (X-ray) images of your mouth, and possibly make a model of your bite. Then your orthodontist will develop your treatment plan.
Types of Braces
Depending on your x-ray images, your orthodontic treatment may require different types of braces. The type of braces we utilize for adolescent treatment depends on the unique needs of every patient who visits our Bettendorf, Eldridge, and Maquoketa, IA offices. Here are some of the most common types of braces we use:
Metal Braces
Metal Braces need no introduction. But you might be surprised to learn they're smaller and lighter than ever before. Nowadays metal braces are more comfortable, and even offer some customizable options like colored elastic ties on the brackets. Our younger patients often enjoy customizing the colors of their ties to personalize their smile during each visit to Mack Orthodontics.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic Braces (sometimes called clear braces) feature brackets made of ceramic or composite materials that blend in with your teeth, making the braces harder to notice. Ceramic braces are suitable in many situations, but they are a little more costly.
Lingual Braces
Lingual Braces offer the most discreet form of orthodontic treatment because they are attached to the back (tongue side) of the teeth, where they cannot be seen at all.
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen utilizes a series of removable, clear plastic trays called aligners that gradually straighten teeth. Invisalign Teen comes with special features just for adolescents, like compliance indicators that tell your orthodontist how often you wear your aligners. Some advantages of Invisalign Teen include the aligners’ removability, their comfort, and the fact that they are practically invisible!
Other Orthodontic Appliances
Alternative forms of orthodontic appliances may be recommended when major tooth or jaw movement is needed. Such appliances can range from small devices that fit inside the mouth to external headgear. But don't worry, these types of treatments are temporary, and provide a long-term benefit in exchange for a short term of usage.
Getting Started at Mack Orthodontics
To begin adolescent orthodontic treatment and start your journey toward a straighter, more confident smile, contact our Bettendorf, Eldridge, or Maquoketa, IA office today. Our orthodontists and skilled team of specialists look forward to helping you develop a beautiful smile! Whether through traditional braces or newer technology like Invisalign, Dr. Mack and. Dr. Kadavy can improve the appearance of your smile and enhance its function with adolescent orthodontic treatment!