If you have a teenager, you’ve probably had the conversation. Maybe they brought it up first, pointing out a crooked tooth or a gap in the mirror. Maybe you noticed during a family photo that their smile looks a little crowded. Either way, you’re both wondering the same thing: when should orthodontic treatment start, and what are the options?
At Bella Smiles in Roslyn, we help local families answer those questions every day. The good news is that there’s never been a better time to be a teen needing orthodontic care. Today’s options are more comfortable, more discreet, and often faster than what you remember from your own teenage years.
Most orthodontic treatment begins between ages 12 and 16. By this age, most permanent teeth have come in, but the jaw is still growing. That’s a sweet spot. Orthodontists (and dentists trained in orthodontics) can use that ongoing growth to guide teeth into better positions more easily than they can in adults.
However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That sounds early, but some problems are easier to correct when baby teeth are still present. An early evaluation doesn’t mean early braces. It just means we can monitor development and time treatment for exactly when it will be most effective and efficient.
For teens, signs that it might be time to start include:
Gone are the days when metal braces were the only option. Bella Smiles offers several paths to a straighter smile, and we’ll help you and your teen choose the best fit.
Traditional Metal Braces. These still work wonderfully. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and less noticeable than the “metal mouth” braces of past decades. They’re also the most affordable option and can correct even the most complex alignment issues.
Clear (Ceramic) Braces. These work exactly like traditional braces, but the brackets are tooth-colored or clear, blending in with the teeth. They’re much less noticeable from a conversational distance. The main trade-off is that they can be slightly more fragile and may require a little extra attention to keep clean.
Invisalign Teen. This is the clear aligner system you’ve probably seen advertised. Instead of brackets and wires, your teen wears a series of custom-made, removable clear trays that gradually shift the teeth. Invisalign Teen is incredibly popular for good reasons: nearly invisible, no food restrictions, easier brushing and flossing, and fewer emergency visits for broken wires or brackets.
Invisalign Teen also includes special features for teenagers, like compliance indicators that show whether the aligners are being worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day. Plus, replacement aligners are included if one gets lost, a lifesaver for busy teens.
There’s no single right answer for every family. Some teens love the freedom of Invisalign. Others prefer the reliability of braces they don’t have to remember to put back in. Some need the heavy-duty correction that only braces can provide.
At your consultation in our Roslyn office, we’ll take digital images and walk through the pros and cons of each option based on your teen’s specific smile. We’ll talk about treatment length, cost, and what daily life looks like with each choice.
Your teenager has so many milestones ahead: homecoming, prom, graduation photos, college interviews. A smile they feel good about can boost their confidence through all of it.
If you’ve been wondering whether now is the time to start orthodontic treatment, let’s talk. Call our Roslyn office at (516) 217-6668 to schedule an evaluation. We’re ready to help your teen love their smile.
Summer on Long Island means sandy toes at the beach, lazy afternoons by the pool,…
You're on an incredible journey. Between picking out nursery colors and brainstorming baby names, your…
You want a brighter smile. But you do not want sore, burning, or strangely white…
When you think about sleep apnea, you probably think about loud snoring, restless nights, and…
Do you ever find yourself covering your mouth when you laugh or hesitating before smiling…
If you’re living with a missing tooth, or several missing teeth, you already know it…