Adolescent Ortho Treatment in Lancaster, PA

Being a teenager causes several significant changes in their life, and often, kids feel concerned about what they wear and their perception of themselves during this time. For many teens, wearing braces is almost like a rite of passage, but this time in their lives is perfect for orthodontic care. Typically, at age 13, most teens have lost their baby teeth, and all the adult teeth have come in. Because of this, many teens may benefit from treatments that address bite problems, function, and appearance. While it may not seem like fun to them, it can create a beautiful, healthy smile that helps them throughout their life. Our skilled orthodontists in Lancaster, PA can help your teen with issues, such as teeth that are crooked, stick out, or overlap, with a wide selection of orthodontic appliances. Please schedule a consultation for your teen to learn more.

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 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 the orthodontist 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 have a healthy, stunning smile with straight teeth that improve their overall oral health. Our team at Lancaster Pediatric Dental Associates in Lancaster, PA can discuss if orthodontics works best for treating your child’s oral health concerns. Please schedule a consultation to learn more about their treatment options and help them for years to come.