For a lot of teens, having braces is just a natural part of growing up. Perhaps you’re a teen who’s about to get braces or a parent who had braces once — in which case, you can relate. Or maybe you’re wondering: why do adolescence and orthodontic issues always seem to go hand-in-hand?

There’s a solid reason for this: adolescence is usually an ideal time for orthodontic care. By the age of 11 to 13, most kids have lost their baby teeth, and their permanent teeth are in. This timing makes it a lot easier to address common dental issues that can cause misalignment or bite problems in teens.

In this article, we’ll be taking a comprehensive look at the top dental issues that adolescent orthodontics — including braces and Invisalign — can help treat. If you suffer from any of these dental issues and are thinking about getting orthodontic treatment, we’re here to help!

Crowded Teeth

Crowding happens when there’s not enough room in the mouth for all of the teeth to align correctly. This can cause some of your teeth to overlap or twist. Crowded teeth are not only challenging to clean but they can also affect a teen’s confidence.

Adolescent orthodontic treatments (like metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign) help to gently shift a teen’s teeth into a better position. This helps to create more room in the mouth, as well as a straighter smile. This correction reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues that are caused by overcrowded teeth.

Overbite

An overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth too much. While a small overbite is common, a large overbite can cause unpleasant issues (like jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and even speech problems in some cases).

Braces can be used to correct an overbite by gradually moving the upper and lower teeth into alignment. In some cases, rubber bands or other small appliances will be used along with braces to guide the teeth into their correct positions.

Underbite

In the case of an underbite, the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth. This misalignment can make it difficult to chew and may lead to jaw pain as well. Correcting an underbite often involves braces or sometimes even specialized devices to gently bring the teeth into proper alignment.

Addressing an underbite during adolescence tends to be especially beneficial because the jaw is still growing. This makes it much easier to achieve lasting results. Some orthodontists in Hammonton, NJ, specialize in treating underbites early on. It’s definitely worth checking out!

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when your upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly when you close your mouth. This condition can interfere with chewing and speech. It might also lead to a lisp in some cases. Adolescent orthodontics can help, though. Braces or Invisalign, for example, will help close the gap caused by an open bite.

Gaps Between Teeth

Some teens naturally have gaps between their teeth. While this doesn’t always cause physical issues, it can affect a teen’s self-esteem. Braces (especially clear aligners like Invisalign) can help close these gaps.

There are several options when it comes to orthodontists in Pittman, NJ, and the surrounding area, so if you’re interested in getting braces or Invisalign to close the gaps between your teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Crossbite

A crossbite is a misalignment where some upper teeth sit behind the lower teeth instead of in front. This can lead to a lot of uneven wear and tear on the teeth, gum issues, and even bone loss if left untreated.

Crossbites can be corrected with braces or sometimes with expanders, which gradually widen the upper jaw to help the teeth fit together properly. Orthodontists are trained to identify crossbites early, and will be able to recommend the best treatment plan for each patient.

Impacted Teeth

Sometimes, a tooth doesn’t come in properly and remains stuck in the gums. This is called an impacted tooth, and it’s especially common with molars and canines. Impacted teeth can lead to discomfort, infection, and alignment problems, so they’re not something to ignore.

In these cases, orthodontists will often recommend braces to make space for the impacted tooth and guide it into its correct position. By treating impacted teeth early, adolescent orthodontic care can help prevent future complications and help align the rest of the teeth as well.

Jaw Misalignment

Teens will also sometimes experience jaw growth issues that cause the upper and lower jaws to not line up properly. This can lead to several different issues — from difficulty chewing to speech challenges and even headaches.

Depending on the severity, jaw misalignment may require braces combined with rubber bands to gently guide the jaw into place. Early intervention with adolescent orthodontics can sometimes prevent the need for surgery later on, which is a huge plus.

Different Orthodontic Options for Teens

Here are some of the popular options that orthodontists might recommend for adolescents:

Metal Braces

Metal braces have come a long way and are now smaller and more comfortable than they used to be. Teens can even personalize them with colored bands if they wish to do so.

Clear Braces

Made from ceramic or composite materials, clear braces blend in with the teeth. They’re less noticeable than metal braces, so they tend to be a great choice for teens who want a more discreet option.

Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners have become super popular with teens. These aligners are removable, so it’s much easier to eat and clean your teeth than it is with traditional braces. Keep in mind that Invisalign requires consistent wear for 20-22 hours a day, however.

Conclusion

Adolescence is the perfect time for orthodontic treatment, since common dental issues (like crowding, overbites, and gaps) are easier to correct when a person’s teeth and jaw are still growing. Feel free to schedule a free consultation with Centerton Orthodontics if you’re interested in receiving adolescent orthodontic treatment.