Braces and Invisalign For Teens
Every year, millions of teens around the world undergo orthodontic treatment to help them achieve their best smile. While parents are often concerned about the cost and duration of the treatment, teenage patients generally have different questions running through their mind.
Firstly, orthodontic treatment is a common dental procedure for teenagers aimed at correcting the alignment of their teeth and jaws. It plays a crucial role in improving their oral health, appearance, breathing and well-being. Let’s delve deeper into the purpose, varieties, options, advantages, and disadvantages of orthodontic treatment for teenagers.
What is orthodontics, and what is it’s purpose?
Orthodontic treatment addresses dental issues that impact the alignment and positioning of teeth and jaws. These issues, known as malocclusions, can have significant implications for your teen’s oral health and well-being.
The first purpose of orthodontics is to correct misalignments in the teeth and jaws, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. These misalignments result in discomfort, difficulties with chewing, speech impediments, and aesthetic concerns.
Secondly, overcrowded or overlapping teeth creates challenges in maintaining proper oral hygiene. The tight spaces between teeth make it harder to clean effectively, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Orthodontics also corrects and closes gaps between teeth, known as diastemas, which impacts the aesthetics of a smile and can lead to functional problems.
Also, orthodontics can correct protruding front teeth, which is prone to injury and negatively impact self-esteem and confidence.
Essentially, orthodontic treatment for your teen will improve their oral health and overall quality of life. By correcting malocclusions, overcrowded or spaced teeth, and protruding teeth, orthodontists contribute to healthier, more confident smiles.
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment for teens?
Firstly, straight teeth greatly improves a teenager’s smile, boosting self-esteem, confidence and positively impacting their social and emotional well-being.
Secondly, properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. This leads to effective oral hygiene.
Additionally, straight teeth significantly improves a teenager’s ability to chew and speak properly, addressing issues like jaw pain and discomfort associated with malocclusions.
Dr Kamal Ahmed affirms that “addressing orthodontic issues during adolescence can prevent more serious dental problems from developing later in life, such as excessive wear on tooth surfaces and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders caused by misaligned bites.”
Dr Kamal adds that “In spite of the clear physical, mental and emotional benefits of orthodontic treatment for teens, as a dentist it is my job to be impartial and clearly state the considerations and drawbacks. Your teenager will likely experience discomfort or soreness, particularly in the initial days or after adjustments. This discomfort will diminish as the mouth adapts to braces or aligners and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Secondly, brushing your teeth can be more challenging due to the presence of brackets and wires. Thirdly, food that is hard, sticky, or excessively crunchy should be avoided to minimise the risk of broken brackets or wires. And finally, orthodontic treatment can last several months to a few years, depending on the complexity of your teen’s case. Achieving desired results requires patience and commitment from your teenager, yourself and the South Coast Orthodontics team. A lifetime of perfect smiles begins with a big commitment and a little discomfort.”
Why Choose South Coast Orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your teenager’s oral health and overall well-being. It’s a journey that can transform their smile and boost self-esteem. When embarking on this journey, choosing a qualified, experienced and empathetic orthodontist is crucial. Throughout his decade of experience, thousands of teenagers have benefited from Dr Kamal’s precision. You can read the consistent Google Five Star Reviews here.
Dr Kamal’s credentials, experience, excellent track record is matched by the advanced technology and techniques he implements everyday that will ensure your teen receives cutting-edge treatment. Additionally, the entire South Coast Orthodontics team acts as a support system for yourself and your child, easing the path toward success.
Importantly, orthodontic treatment is not a one-size-fits-all pursuit. Therefore, Dr Kamal and the team will uniquely develop a tailored treatment program for your teen. With open communication and warm empathy, South Coast Orthodontics will ensure that you and your teen are fully aware of the plan and progress, to ensure that all parties make objective and informed decisions throughout the treatment process.
Whether your teenager requires traditional braces or Invisalign, Dr Kamal will not only create a straighter and healthier smile, but will also teach and empower your teen to smile with confidence during the treatment journey, and both speak and eat comfortably.
Orthodontic treatment for teenagers under the care of Dr Kamal and the South Coast Orthodontics team is not just a dental journey; it’s a life-changing experience.
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