Braces for Teens

Between the ages of 11 and 15 is the most common time for orthodontic treatment, and good reasons. By age 12, most (if not all) of the permanent teeth have erupted and are in place, and crooked teeth, gaps, and bad bites can easily be detected. These problems aren’t likely to correct themselves, so this is when most parents decide to seek orthodontic treatment. Additionally, at this age, teens can usually take care of the braces themselves and alert you or the orthodontist to any problems they may have.

Socially, teens are often accepting of braces, and negative associations often haven’t been introduced. In fact, with many teens undergoing orthodontic treatment at this age, it’s an easy time to fit braces into your teen’s lifestyle. Likely, several of their friends are also undergoing treatment.

There is a chance the older a child gets, the more aversion they may have to braces (although there are several ortho treatment options for adults, too!).

Besides the benefits of fitting in with their friends, children at this age are growing rapidly, and orthodontists can usually take advantage of these growth spurts to help shape the bite and teeth correctly. Children at this age have high metabolisms, which can help shorten overall treatment time and reduce discomfort.