The teenage years are one of the most common times to begin orthodontic treatment. Most permanent teeth have erupted, the jaws may still be developing, and many alignment and bite problems can be addressed before your teen reaches adulthood.
At Beyond Smiles Orthodontics in Syosset, Dr. Isaak Yelizar creates personalized treatment plans based on your teen’s teeth, bite, growth, lifestyle, and individual needs. With options ranging from traditional and ceramic braces to clear aligners and hidden orthodontics, we can find an approach that works for both their smile and their everyday life.
Straighter teeth can certainly improve the appearance of a smile, but teen orthodontic treatment is about much more than aesthetics.
Crowding, spacing, and bite problems can affect how the teeth fit together and function. Crowded or overlapping teeth may also create areas that are more difficult to brush and floss effectively.
An orthodontic evaluation allows us to look at the complete picture, including tooth alignment, bite relationships, jaw development, and remaining growth.
Common reasons teens receive orthodontic treatment include:
There is no single orthodontic appliance that is right for every teenager. Dr. Yelizar will recommend treatment based on the problem that needs to be corrected as well as your teen’s preferences and ability to care for their appliance.
Traditional braces remain a dependable and versatile option for teen orthodontic treatment. Brackets and wires give Dr. Yelizar precise control over tooth movement and can be used to address a wide range of alignment and bite problems.
Because braces remain attached to the teeth, teens do not have to remember to wear or keep track of removable trays.
Hidden orthodontic systems are positioned behind the teeth rather than across the front of the smile. They can be a great option for teens who want discreet treatment but would prefer a fixed appliance instead of removable aligners.
Beyond Smiles offers advanced hidden orthodontic options including Brava and C5. Dr. Yelizar can determine whether one of these systems is appropriate for your teen’s particular treatment needs.
Clear aligners provide a removable and discreet alternative to braces for appropriately selected teens. A series of customized trays gradually moves the teeth according to the treatment plan.
Because the aligners can be removed, teens can eat normally and brush and floss without brackets or wires in the way. However, successful treatment depends on consistently wearing the aligners as directed.
For teens who want fixed braces with a less noticeable appearance, ceramic braces use translucent or tooth-colored brackets that blend more naturally with the teeth.
They provide many of the same advantages as traditional braces while offering a more discreet look during treatment.
One advantage of evaluating orthodontic problems during adolescence is that some teens are still growing. When jaw development is contributing to a bite problem, the timing of treatment can matter.
Depending on your teen’s age, growth pattern, and diagnosis, treatment may involve more than simply straightening the teeth. Expansion, growth modification, or other orthodontic techniques may be considered when appropriate.
Dr. Yelizar will evaluate where your teen is in their development and explain whether remaining growth creates opportunities that should be addressed during treatment.
The appliance is only part of successful orthodontic treatment. Teens also need to take care of their teeth, protect their appliances, and follow the instructions provided throughout treatment.
That means maintaining good brushing and flossing habits, avoiding foods that can damage braces, wearing aligners or elastics as directed, and keeping scheduled orthodontic appointments.
Our team works directly with teens so they understand their role in treatment rather than leaving everything up to their parents.
