Orthodontics | Teenagers

Does your teen avoid smiling due to crooked teeth? The way someone’s teeth look can have profound negative effects on a child’s self-esteem and social skills.

Most orthodontic patients begin treatment between 9 and 14 years of age. Adolescent years are the optimal time to treat orthodontic problems since teens have not finished growing yet.

Between ages 12-13, most teens will have a full set of adult teeth. This makes it an essential time for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics for teenagers is typically focused on the positioning of the actual teeth, in comparison to earlier treatment, which would focus on the growth and positioning of the jaw.

Braces and Invisalign for Teens

Invisible or clear braces, traditional metal braces, or Invisalign aligners are options to correct the bite and straighten the teeth. Understanding our patient’s needs and biases from our history of cleanings and appointments with one of our pediatric dentists will enable us to develop a truly custom treatment for orthodontic treatment.

In addition, we may recommend a panoramic X-ray of your child’s jaws to check the development of the third molars or wisdom teeth. If your child is experiencing any tooth or jaw pain, we’ll be sure to take care of it!

If you think that you or your adolescent child may need orthodontic treatment, contact our offices in East Greenwich or Coventry for a complimentary orthodontic consultation at Rhode Island Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics.