Orthodontics for Teens | Braces Smyrna

Invest in Your Teen

The most common time for orthodontics for teens around Smyrna is between the ages of 12 and 16 because most permanent teeth will be in place.

Fortunately, at Evergreen Orthodontics, you can find solutions to make the treatment process much easier than ever before.

All About Teen Orthodontics

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Alena Lotz can easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.

Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment at an earlier age, and are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.

Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health.

If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a complimentary consultation with Dr. Lotz at Evergreen Orthodontics, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
Difficulty with chewing or biting
Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Protrusion of teeth

Bad Bites

Allow Dr. Alena Lotz to diagnose and successfully treat certain bite problems because this can give you short-term and long-term benefits.

See Evergreen Orthodontics to correct common problems classified as “bad bites” using orthodontic treatment, such as:

Crooked or crowded teeth
Missing or extra teeth
An overbite or underbite
Incorrect jaw position
A disorder of the jaw joint

Benefits of a Straight Smile

Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment at Evergreen Orthodontics give your teenager tons of benefits, like:

Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
Improving proper chewing and digestion of food

Options That Fit You

While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, Dr. Lotz might recommend an orthodontic appliance.

Here at Evergreen Orthodontics, we offer:

Metal Braces

Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people around Smyrna think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets.

We don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance at Evergreen Orthodontics, and many of the new braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before.

Ceramic Braces

Also known as clear braces, these work the same way metal braces do but feature brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials.

They blend in with your teen’s smile, making them much less obvious. Ceramic braces are esthetic and sleek, they are an excellent choice for treatment for all ages.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligner systems like Invisalign and Spark are made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.

Made of soft plastic, they provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with no friction or abrasions inside your teen’s mouth.

Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, your teen’s teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.

Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be an option if your teen needs more serious treatment.

FAQs About Teen Orthodontics

How long does treatment take?

This question doesn’t have a concrete answer, unfortunately. Every case is different, but the average length of the active stage of orthodontic treatment is anywhere from 6-36 months.

After this phase of treatment is complete, your teen will need to wear a retainer for as long as Dr. Lotz feels necessary based on their individual case.

Though treatment times can vary, we work as a team with both parents and teens to create a smile that will last a lifetime.

Can teens still play sports?

Absolutely. However, if your teen athlete is wearing traditional braces, it’s crucial to protect their smile to stay on track with their treatment.

We recommend that they use an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces, and their teeth, from any potential injury.

Your teen can play any contact sport if they use the proper orthodontic mouthguard.

If your teen wears clear aligners, they can take their aligner trays out before practice or a game, and put it back in afterward.

What about wind instruments, choir, etc.?

Make an Investment in Your Teen’s Smile Today

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. During your free consultation, Dr. Lotz will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment as well as the risk of putting it off.

Although adults can also come to Evergreen Orthodontics for orthodontic treatment, your teenager’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time at our office in Smyrna.