ORTHODONTICS

Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment


Receiving orthodontic treatments as a teenager can help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile early on and avoid bite-related complications later in life.

We understand that teenagers lead busy, social lives, which is why we make sure your treatments fit your unique needs and do not interfere with your daily life.

  • A teenager’s mouth is still growing, which makes it easier to correct orthodontic problems
  • Adolescent treatment often reduces the need for tooth extractions later on
  • Shortened treatment time
  • We explain what you can expect during the treatment process
  • We provide instructions on how you can care for your smile and appliances during your treatment

Avoiding Future Complications

Orthodontic issues do not go away with time. In fact, they often get more difficult to treat as you age. Between the ages of 11 and 15, most teenagers have received all of their permanent teeth. At this point, most alignment issues can be diagnosed, and we can create a treatment plan. By treating these issues early on, teenagers can prevent any orthodontic issues from becoming more complex as well as avoid the complications that often come with these issues.

Teenagers are Still Growing

Because a teenager’s mouth is still growing, it can be easily manipulated and corrected. This often results in shorter treatment times.

Confidence

We understand that many teenagers lead a busy and social life that often includes participation in extracurricular activities, such as sports, music and dating. By achieving a straighter, healthier, aligned and more beautiful smiles, teenagers can go about their daily life with an increased confidence in themselves.


I am 100% happy

I am 100% happy with American Dental. They greet patients with a warm, caring smile. They were very gentle and concerned with my comfort. Everybody in the office is friendly. I highly recommend American Dental!


Brijesh Patel Chicago, IL

About Adolescent Orthodontics

Each orthodontic treatment is planned based on your teen’s unique needs and smile goals

Consultation & Treatment Planning

Before beginning any orthodontic treatments, your teenager will need to have a consultation with our orthodontist. During this visit, we will evaluate your teenager’s mouth to diagnose any problems and create a personalized treatment plan based on necessary treatments and your teen’s smile goals.

Treatment Time

Most treatments last anywhere between 12 and 18 months. Individual treatment times can vary depending on your needs and goals as well as your current condition. In addition, your teen may be able to speed up their treatment time by utilizing our advanced technology, including AcceleDent® Aura™. However, your teen can also lengthen their treatment time if they do not take care of their teeth or appliances.

Retention

The purpose of orthodontia is to move crooked or spaced teeth into their proper positions, and to move misaligned jaw into a proper bite. Once your teenager’s treatment is complete, it is important that they help retain their smile’s new look. In most cases, this involves wearing a retainer. It is important that your teenager follow any and all instructions that our orthodontist gives them, including how long they should wear their retainer.

Types of Adolescent Orthodontic Treatments

Getting orthodontics as a teenager can involve one or more treatments before achieving your ideal smile.

Braces

Braces are a time-tested orthodontic treatment that can both straighten your teeth and align your bite. Braces use a system of brackets that attach to your teeth and a wire that runs through every bracket. In some cases, your braces treatment may also include the use of elastics to help guide your mouth into position.

Invisalign Teen®

Invisalign Teen® uses the same technology of Invisalign®. With custom-made, clear plastic aligners, our orthodontist can gently guide crooked teeth and bad bites into their correct positions. Invisalign Teen® aligners are removable, making it easy to continue your day-to-day routine.

Palatal Expanders

If there is not enough room in your mouth to properly and comfortably fit all of your teeth, our orthodontist may recommend a palatal expander. This appliance attaches to the back teeth and, through a series of adjustments, gently widens the upper palate of the mouth to make more room for your teeth.

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