There’s a reason you see so many teenagers with braces between the ages of 11 and 15—this is something of an optimal window for orthodontic treatment (though anyone can get them). Whether it’s braces or clear aligners, DiMarzio Orthodontics is here to tell all about orthodontic treatment for teens here in Quincy.
What Makes Teens Ideal for Braces?
The adolescent years present a golden opportunity for orthodontic treatment. During this time, your teen is still growing, and their bones are more responsive to orthodontic movement. By intervening at this stage, Dr. Marczak or Dr. DiMarzio can address problems like these more effectively:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Jaw misalignment
- Protruding teeth
These issues sadly don’t correct themselves, and if left untreated, they can lead to far more serious dental problems in adulthood. Earlier treatment sets the foundation for long-term oral health and a confident smile. In other words—it lets you be ahead of the game.
During your teen’s first visit, they can expect:
- A warm welcome from our friendly team
- Digital photos, scans, and X-rays of their teeth and gums
- A comprehensive evaluation by your teen’s doctor
- A discussion of treatment options and timelines
How Our Treatment Options Relate to Teens
While we offer three primary forms of treatment, they have special advantages depending on the patient. This also applies to certain age groups.
Traditional Metal Braces
These tried-and-true braces are more comfortable and efficient than ever before. Our metal braces are reliable, effective for complex cases, and even customizable with colorful bands that let your teen express their personality.
Clear Braces
For a more discreet appearance, we offer clear ceramic braces that blend in with the natural tooth color. They offer the same benefits as metal braces while being less noticeable.
Clear Aligners for Teens
Clear aligners like Invisalign Teen are a popular choice for those looking for a virtually invisible treatment. These removable trays straighten teeth without wires or brackets and are especially great for teens who are responsible and want to maintain their normal diet and oral hygiene routines.
Tips for Efficient Treatment Time
You can’t really rush orthodontics (we get asked this a lot!)—however, there are behaviors you can adopt to stay firmly on track and keep things moving smoothly. Because while accelerating treatment isn’t possible, delays are.
1. Keep All Appointments: Keeping up with regular check-ins allows us to track progress and make adjustments as needed. Missing appointments can delay treatment. If your teenager is of driving age, you can even encourage them to try and make a visit independently if they’re comfortable doing so!
2. Follow Instructions Carefully: Whether it’s wearing rubber bands exactly as prescribed or switching to a new set of aligners, following our instructions carefully is key to staying on track.
3. Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can lead to countless issues, like cavities and gum disease, which may delay treatment. Teens need to be diligent about brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. For braces, use floss threaders to get between the brackets.
4. Avoid Problem Foods: Sticky or hard foods can greatly damage the components of braces and lead to emergency visits. Encourage your teen to steer clear of gum, popcorn, ice, and chewy candies. There are plenty of amazing resources online for meal ideas that will work with orthodontic treatment.
5. Always Call if Something Breaks: In most cases, we can appreciate the spirit of resourcefulness, but not quite so much with braces. We discourage attempting to repair any damage all on your own. If a bracket comes loose or a wire breaks, don’t wait until the next appointment. Contact us for an emergency appointment so we can fix it and keep your teen’s treatment on schedule.
The Confidence Your Teen Deserves
Adolescence is a fascinating time of self-discovery and developing confidence. A straighter smile can make a world of difference in how your teen feels about themselves, in the present, and in the long run.
At DiMarzio Orthodontics, we see firsthand how life-changing orthodontic care can be for our teen patients. From prom and school photos to daily social events, we want your teen to feel proud of their smile every step of the way.
A Supportive Community
Our team considers it an honor to get to walk with kids and teenagers as they grow up and into their new smiles—it’s such a wonderful experience. If you’re a resident of Quincy or live nearby, we hope you’ll visit us for a free consultation at your convenience!