Orthodontics for Teens: Getting a Great Smile Without Hitting Pause on Life

We know the teen years are busy! Between school, sports, music, and social life, you need a way to get a beautiful, healthy smile without adding stress. Our goal is to make this part of life easy, effective, and actually pretty cool. We’re here for you and your family at every step of your smile journey!

Today's treatment options are smaller, sleeker, and far more comfortable than ever before. We work with both parents and teens to create the kind of smile that will last a lifetime.

• Invisalign® Treatment for Teens: This system uses a series of fully customized, clear trays called Invisalign Clear Aligners that are nearly invisible and completely removable. It’s a comfortable orthodontic experience, with no friction or abrasions inside the mouth. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, the teeth gradually move into the desired positions.
• Modern Metal Braces: Traditional metal braces hardly need an introduction, but they may surprise you! The braces of today are far smaller and lighter than their past incarnations. They’re comfortable, and they’re easily customized by choosing from many colors of elastic ties on the brackets.

We want teens to keep doing the things they love!

• Sports: Absolutely! If your teen athlete is wearing traditional metal braces, it will be essential to protect their smile. We strongly recommend using an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces and their mouth from any potential injury. Because Invisalign clear aligners are removable, teens using this system can simply take their aligner out before practice or a game and put it back in afterward.
• Musicians: Traditional metal braces can potentially affect the way your teen plays some instruments. Invisalign treatment for teens is an excellent alternative, as removing the aligner before playing allows complete freedom for your teen’s music-making abilities.

Untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on a teen’s oral and overall health. If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a complimentary consultation with Dr. Kaplan, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment:

• Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth.
• Difficulty with chewing or biting.
• Jaws that shift or make sounds.
• Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth.
• Protrusion of teeth.

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. Teeth that are straight and well-aligned are:

• Less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma.
• Easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
• Great for improving proper chewing and digestion of food.

Plus, a successful treatment can help boost their self-confidence and allow them to smile freely. Ready to find the right treatment path for your teen? Book your free in-office exam to get started!