Adolescent Ortho Treatment in Lancaster, PA

Being a teenager comes with a lot of changes and concerns, including how they look and feel about themselves. Many teens see wearing braces as a rite of passage, and this stage of life is actually a great time for orthodontic care. By around age 13, most teens have lost their baby teeth and have a full set of adult teeth, making it the ideal time to correct bite problems, function, and appearance. While they might not be excited about wearing braces, early treatment can create a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates, our skilled orthodontists in Lancaster, PA offer a variety of orthodontic appliances to help teens with crooked, protruding, or overlapping teeth. Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help your teen achieve their best smile!

Orthodontic therapies in Lancaster, PA at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates provide numerous effective benefits to aid you in getting a dazzling new smile, like:

• Confronts crowded, gapped, and crooked teeth
• Remedies an underbite, open bite, or overbite
• Produces many therapy options to select
• Improves your overall appearance
• Fosters the health of your mouth
• Prevents dental issues and tooth damage
• Helps improve mastication and speaking
• Promotes self-perception

As we get older, orthodontic concerns can be harder to address. Not to say that many adults still don’t benefit from braces, but it does become more difficult. During the teenage years, the body is rapidly growing. Undergoing professional orthodontic treatment works best when the teeth and jaw are still easy to adjust. It makes the treatment time much shorter because of this rapid development period. However, some patients may still need early orthodontic intervention as children. Because of this, we recommend bringing your child in for an assessment around age seven. We generally recommend braces or other appliances to treat things, like:

• Bite issues, like overbites, openbite, crossbites, or underbites
• Teeth that stick out
• Rotated teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Gaps in between teeth
• Misaligned teeth

Orthodontic treatments during the teen years may start around age 11 or when all adult teeth have emerged. Our orthodontists will take 3D imaging of the jaw and teeth and create impressions of the lower or top arches. With the help of these diagnostic devices, we can personalize your son or daughter’s orthodontic plan and discuss the treatment options. Their plan may have traditional metal braces, Spark™ (Ormco) clear aligners, or palatal expanders. The treatment can take around 6 – 30 months, depending on the teen’s overall condition and the ability to follow the treatment plan closely.

Maintaining a good oral health routine is critical to the success of your teen’s orthodontic results. Brackets, archwires, bands, and other appliances can accumulate food really easily. If not properly cared for, your teen may run the risk of damaging or discoloring their teeth. We will show them how to properly care for their teeth, including brushing, flossing, and using a safe mouth rinse for braces.

After your teen completes his or her orthodontic care, we provide a retainer to hold the teeth in place. This will help their jaw and teeth get used to the new changes and encourage them to stay in their proper position. We take impressions for the retainer during this part and send the measurements to the lab for developing the retainer. To keep their new smile healthy and beautiful, parents should schedule routine cleanings and dental exams for long-term care.

Adolescent ortho treatments may be covered in part by dental insurance. Our team can contact your insurer to understand your coverage and figure out your out-of-pocket costs. If you are not using insurance, we can discuss the payments we accept, including medical financing.

What types of teeth-straightening treatments are available for my teenager?
We proudly offer several types of orthodontic treatments for teens, including Spark™ (Ormco) and traditional braces, at our Lancaster, PA dental clinic. To learn more about which orthodontic treatment may fit your needs and lifestyle best, call our office to schedule a consultation.

How long will my teen need to wear braces?
The length of time your teen will need to wear braces will depend on their unique oral needs. Generally speaking, many teens need to wear orthodontics for 18 – 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?
Though a special toothbrush is not required, our Lancaster, PA team recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing teeth with braces. An interdental toothbrush can also be used when flossing teeth with braces.

How can I help my teenager maintain their braces?
Encourage good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, and ensure they avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage the braces. Regular check-ups with your orthodontist at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates are also crucial.

Is orthodontic treatment covered by insurance?
Orthodontic coverage varies by insurance plan. Check with your provider to understand what is covered and any potential out-of-pocket costs for your teenager’s treatment.

Help your teen achieve a stunning smile with straight teeth that boost their overall oral health and self-confidence. At Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates in Lancaster, PA, our team is here to discuss whether orthodontics is the best option for addressing your child’s dental concerns. We’ll create a personalized treatment plan that supports long-term oral wellness and ensures your teen’s smile stays healthy and beautiful for years to come. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can help.