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Why Should a Teenager See an Orthodontist? A Parent's Guide
It is wise to begin orthodontic treatment during adolescence for essentially two reasons. First, adolescence is already a complex period, and the results of orthodontic treatment—a beautiful smile and aligned teeth—will help the teenager feel better about themselves.
Secondly, the benefits of this alignment will allow them to have healthier teeth in the future with potentially less need for various dental or orthodontic treatments as an adult. Thus, orthodontics has a dual objective: aesthetic and functional.
A poor jaw position, crooked teeth, or crowded teeth are the most common reasons justifying orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics can correct jaw malformations and tooth misalignments. Proper alignment of the teeth and correction of discrepancies between the upper and lower teeth will ensure good long-term oral health.
The Different Types of Braces for Teens
Based on their experience and expertise, the orthodontist can choose from several types of techniques for treating a teenager.
| Appliance Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Dental Braces | Brackets connected by metal archwires, sometimes with elastics. Visible but effective. |
| Lingual Braces | Metal brackets bonded to the inner surface of the teeth, making the appliance invisible. Rarely used for teens. |
| Clear Aligners | A series of clear trays worn 22 hours/day, changed regularly at home. Discreet and removable. |
Dental Braces
The most common orthodontic treatment involves the use of multi-bracket techniques, formerly known as braces. These brackets are connected by metal archwires and sometimes support elastics. This treatment is very common but can sometimes bother teenagers due to its unaesthetic appearance. To address this, ceramic brackets are available, which work in the same way as "classic" brackets but offer the advantage of being more discreet, though still visible.
Lingual Braces
Lingual orthodontic treatment involves placing metal brackets on the inner surface of the teeth, making the appliance invisible to others. The metal brackets are then connected by archwires. This appliance was originally designed for adults and is rarely used for teenagers due to its fragility and the tendency for teenagers to be less careful than adults.
Clear Aligners (Invisible Braces)
For several years, it has been possible to treat teenagers with clear aligner therapy, which is defined as invisible dental braces. A series of trays worn 22 hours a day and changed regularly (at home) allows the teeth to be moved to achieve a result similar to that of conventional treatment with brackets.
The advantages of this treatment are: discretion (the aligner is almost invisible), comfort (the appliance fits perfectly in the mouth), and the fact that it is removable. This system allows the teenager to eat whatever they want, play wind instruments, etc. In return, the teenager must be diligent in wearing the aligners to ensure the success of the treatment.
What Does Treatment During Adolescence Involve?
The first step is to perform a dental check-up to ensure there are no contraindications such as periodontitis, cavities, or weak tooth roots.
The duration of the treatment will depend on several factors, such as the teenager's cooperation with their orthodontic treatment and the complexity of the problem to be corrected. For a treatment to be effective, the most important thing is that the teenager cooperates by following the practitioner's recommendations. Thus, treatments can last from 6 months for the simplest cases to 30 months for the most complex.
Does Dental Insurance Cover the Costs?
The price of braces can vary significantly depending on the type of appliance the teenager will wear and especially on the complexity of the issue to be treated.
When orthodontic treatment is started before the age of 19 (in many plans), it is often partially covered by dental insurance. Plans typically have a lifetime maximum orthodontic benefit (e.g., $1,500 - $2,500) and will cover a percentage of the cost, usually 50%, up to that maximum.
It's crucial to check your specific insurance plan for details on orthodontic coverage for children and teens.
FAQ
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment for a teenager?
The scientifically proven benefits of orthodontic treatment for teenagers include:
- Aesthetics: aligning and harmonizing the smile's appearance.
- Functional health: preventing the worsening of poor tooth positions.
- Reducing the risk of cavities through alignment.
- Ensuring the longevity of the dentition.
- Optimizing jaw growth to correct discrepancies and improve chewing function.
What is the best type of dental appliance for a teenager?
The choice of appliance will depend on several factors, such as the severity of the orthodontic problem, the teenager's preferences in terms of aesthetics and comfort, and the orthodontist's recommendations. Clear aligners are often popular with teens for their discretion and removability, but in some cases, traditional braces may be necessary for optimal treatment.
How long does orthodontic treatment last for a teenager?
The duration of orthodontic treatment for a teenager varies depending on the complexity of the problem and the patient's cooperation. On average, treatments last between 18 and 30 months, but can range from 6 months for the simplest cases to 30 months for the most complex.