Orthodontics for Teens
This is one of Dr. Willes's favorite page topics. Check out why.
“One reason I love my job is because I like to work with teenagers. I love to see the change that happens throughout their treatment as they grow in confidence. With orthodontics, you can take someone who is quiet and shy and not so sure of themselves, and help them turn into a confident person who, even though there may be some hard things in their life, know they have a great-looking smile, and can use it confidently.” ~Dr. Willes
Check out some answers and insights about typical treatment. And feel free to contact us with any other questions or concerns you (or your teen) may have.
Braces! What now?
Don’t worry! Braces aren’t nearly as scary as you may think. In fact, braces today come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, which makes life with braces much easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish than in the past.
How long will I have to wear braces?
The amount of time it takes to treat your smile with braces depends on the following three key factors. But regardless of which ones apply to you, know that an important aspect of Dr. Willes's treatment philosopy is "to get the best smiles we possibly can... in the shortest amount of time we can."
- Early diagnosis — Early diagnosis allows Dr. Willes to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Not everybody receives early orthodontic treatment, and in many cases it may be recommended that a patient wait until later to receive treatment.
- What needs correction — The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently, so while it may take one patient only 12 months to complete the treatment, it may take another 24 months. Treatment times can vary, depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you desire.
- YOU! — Your willingness to use the appliances Dr. Willes gives you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to take care of your braces and wear any rubber bands or appliances diligently, as instructed; this truly will help make your treatment shorter!
Braces Your Way!
Our practice offers a variety of braces, types, and styles to choose from. Some common options include:
- Ceramic (clear) braces
- Clear aligners (Invisalign)
- Traditional metal braces
- Self-ligating brackets
Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many teens. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today’s braces make it easy to look good and feel good while you’re in treatment. (Plus, the colors are fun ; ). And when your treatment is complete and you have your healthy, fabulous new smile, you REALLY will feel incredible! Give us a call today to start your journey to your own awesome smile.