Adolescent Ortho Treatment in Lancaster, PA

By around age 13, most teens have their full set of adult teeth, making it easier to spot issues with bite, function, or appearance. Early orthodontic care can set the foundation for a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, our skilled orthodontists in Lancaster, PA, are proud to offer personalized solutions for young patients in need of orthodontic care. We’re here to help your teen achieve their best and brightest smile yet. Call now to schedule a consultation and learn about your options.

Adolescent ortho treatments offer many benefits that go beyond just straightening teeth. They can address a variety of dental issues that impact both a teen's oral health and overall well-being. Some key advantages of treatment include:

• Fix issues like crowded, gapped, or crooked teeth
• Correct bite problems such as underbites and overbites
• Improve the overall look of their smile
• Make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene by properly aligning teeth
• Help prevent future dental issues
• Improve chewing and speaking for better functionality
• Boost self-confidence by creating a smile they’ll love to share

As we age, orthodontic issues can become harder to treat. While many adults still benefit from treatment, it’s generally easier to address these concerns during the teenage years. This is because their teeth and jaws are more adaptable, which can make treatment faster and more effective. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, we recommend bringing your child in for an orthodontic assessment around age seven. Depending on their needs, we may suggest braces or other appliances to address issues like:

• Bite problems, such as overbites, crossbites, open bites, or underbites
• Teeth that stick out
• Crowding
• Gaps between teeth
• Rotated or misaligned teeth

Adolescent ortho treatment typically begins around age 11, or when all of their adult teeth have come in. Using advanced 3D imaging and impressions of the upper and lower arches, our orthodontists create a personalized treatment plan for your teen. We’ll review the available options, which may include traditional metal braces, Spark™ (Ormco) clear aligners, or palatal expanders. Treatment duration varies based on their specific needs and how closely they follow the plan, usually taking anywhere from 6 to 30 months.

Maintaining a good oral health routine is essential for your teen’s orthodontic success. Braces, including brackets, wires, and bands, can easily trap food and debris. Without proper care, this can lead to tooth decay or discoloration. Our team can teach your teen how to care for their teeth when wearing braces, including the best ways to brush, floss, and rinse their mouth.

Once your teen completes their orthodontic treatment in Lancaster, PA, we’ll take impressions of their teeth and send them to a lab to create a custom retainer. Wearing the retainer for the recommended number of hours is important to maintain their new smile. For long-term oral health, we also suggest scheduling regular cleanings and dental exams at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates.

Some dental insurance plans may partially cover adolescent ortho treatments. Our administrative team at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates is happy to work with your insurer to confirm your coverage and estimate any out-of-pocket costs. If you don't have insurance, we can go over payment options, including medical financing.

What types of teeth-straightening treatments are available for my teenager?
We proudly offer several types of orthodontic treatments for teens in Lancaster, PA, including Spark™ (Ormco) and traditional braces. Learn more about these orthodontic treatments by calling Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates to schedule a consultation.

How long will my teen need to wear braces?
The amount of time your teen will need braces depends on their specific dental needs. In most cases, teens wear braces for 18 to 24 months.

At what age should my teenager see an orthodontist?
It's recommended for children to have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, though treatment typically begins between ages 11 – 14 when most of the permanent teeth have erupted.

Does my teen need a special toothbrush when they have braces?
While you don’t need a special toothbrush, our Lancaster, PA team recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush for brushing with braces. You might also find an interdental toothbrush helpful for flossing around braces.

How can I help my teenager maintain their braces?
Promote good oral hygiene by encouraging regular brushing and flossing, and remind them to avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage their braces. It's also important to schedule regular check-ups with your orthodontist at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates.

Is orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?
Orthodontic coverage depends on your insurance plan. Be sure to check with your provider to see what’s included and if there are any out-of-pocket costs for your teen’s treatment.

Help your teen achieve a healthy, confident smile with straight teeth that support their overall oral health. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates in Lancaster, PA, we’re here to help you decide if orthodontic treatment is the right choice for your child. Our team will create a personalized treatment plan designed to promote long-term oral health and keep your teen’s smile looking great for years to come. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.