Make An Investment in Your Teen's Smile
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. By scheduling a free consultation, Dr. Hamer & Dr. Glassick will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you, as well as any of the risks with putting off or skipping treatment.
The teen years (between the ages of 12 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth will be in place.
Thankfully, some new solutions work to make the treatment process much easier than ever before.
About Teen Orthodontics
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Hamer or Dr. Glassick will be able to easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range.
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, ask for a free consultation with Dr. Glassick or Dr. Hamer, 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
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
Benefits of Straight Teeth
Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment carry a number of 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
Metal braces
Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets.
The braces we use 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.
Invisalign®
The Invisalign system is 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.