Invest In Their Future
Holland Maness Orthodontics offers a number of low-profile treatment options so your teen can actually be excited about their orthodontic treatment!
About Teen Orthodontics in Walterboro
Between the ages of 12 and 16 is the most common time for orthodontic treatment because this is when most permanent teeth begin to settle into place without losing too much mobility.
Started once the majority of adult teeth emerge around ages 11-12, comprehensive treatment through braces or clear aligners will make your child beam with confidence in time for their senior photos, sweet sixteen, quinceañera, or whatever big day awaits!
Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment, or treatment that begins before their permanent teeth have erupted, at an earlier age, and are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.
Whether they’re on Phase I or Phase II treatment, new orthodontic solutions and technologies make the treatment process much easier than ever before.
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Maness will be able to 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.
Signs Your Teen May Need Treatment
Appearance and self-confidence aside, 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 free consultation with Dr. Maness at Holland Maness 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
Bite Problems
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, and include:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Missing or extra teeth
- An overbite or underbite
- Incorrect jaw position
- A disorder of the jaw joint
Benefits of Braces & Invisalign
Orthodontic treatment at Holland Maness Orthodontics may have many benefits to your teeth, gums, and oral health, including:
- Preventing 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
The Treatment Process at Holland Maness Orthodontics
While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance. Here at Holland Maness Orthodontics, we offer:
Metal Braces
Braces have come a very long way, and are improving every day. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky and uncomfortable metal brackets.
Today’s braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before. They use low-profile NiTi brackets and wires to gently shift your teeth into more optimal positions over time.
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.
Since ceramic braces are slightly more prone to breakage, and a little costlier than metal braces, they may not be suitable for everyone.
Clear Aligners
Whether you choose Invisalign or ClearCorrect, both clear aligner systems you can get at Holland Maness Orthodontics 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 and ClearCorrect work best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be recommended if your teen needs more serious treatment.
Questions About Teen Orthodontics in Walterboro
An Investment in Your Teen’s Smile
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. Dr. Maness will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you at your teen’s free consultation, as well as any of the risks of putting off or skipping treatment.
Although adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth tend to respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, thereby shortening their total treatment time and allowing them more time to show off their new smile!