Orthodontics for Teens | Braces Warrior

Invest in Your Teen

The teen years (between the ages of 12 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment here in Warrior, AL because most permanent teeth will be in place by then.

At Warrior Orthodontics, we offer some new solutions to make the treatment process much easier than ever before.

All About Teen Orthodontics

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Abenoja have the skill to recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are developed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.

Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment at Warrior Orthodontics when they were younger, but are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.

Untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health that go deeper than cosmetic appearance.

If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a complimentary consultation with Dr. Abenoja at Warrior 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

Benefits of a Straight Smile

Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment have many benefits, including:

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

Bad Bites

Diagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems can have short-term and long-term benefits.

Problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment, including:

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

Choose Your Look

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

Here at Warrior Orthodontics, we offer:

Metal Braces

Braces have come a very long way in recent years. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets.

At Warrior Orthodontics, we don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance, rather braces that are lighter and more comfortable than previous models. This gives you a more comfortable treatment experience.

Ceramic Braces

Clear braces 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.

Since ceramic braces are slightly more prone to breaking, and a little more expensive than metal braces, they may not be recommended for everyone.

Invisalign® for Teens

The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.

Aligners are made of soft plastic that provides 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 shift into straighter positions.

Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues and may not be recommended 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. Abenoja feels necessary based on their individual case.

We work as a team with both parents and teen to create a smile that will last a lifetime.

Can Teens Still Play Sports?

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

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

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

If your teen has Invisalign, they can take their aligner out before practice or a game, and put it back in afterward.

What About Band?

Make an Investment in Your Teen’s Smile Today

Give your child the gift of a beautiful smile and self-esteem. We provide comprehensive treatment that addresses both dental and skeletal needs.

Correction with braces and other orthopedic devices may take up to two years, but often offers long-term improvement. Follow-up appointments are every four to six weeks.

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