Common Orthodontic Treatments for Adolescents

An adolescent can be defined as anyone between the ages of 10 and 19. This is a wide range of years during which many dental changes commonly occur. For example, this may be when wisdom teeth make their first appearance, when your child’s teeth begin to crowd, or when other things happen to your child’s dental health that requires intervention. Your child’s orthodontist in Shaker Heights, OH, may become your family’s best friend during these trying, adolescent years.

Common Orthodontic Problems During Adolescence

Most children have lost all their baby teeth by the ages of 11 through 13. That’s why these years may be especially busy for your orthodontist. Keeping permanent teeth from crowding, twisting, or developing gaps is important because these are the teeth your child will have for the rest of their life. Common orthodontic issues for adolescents include:

• Misaligned teeth
• Impacted teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Tooth crowding

These can all be corrected through early intervention and routine orthodontic care.

Treatment Options for Orthodontic Problems in Teens

Many of the issues your child will face during these years can be fixed by orthodontic appliances, such as braces, aligners, retainers, palatal expanders, or mouthguards. Your child’s orthodontist will examine their mouth and perform diagnostic tests such as X-rays, to determine which treatments will be most effective. At this time, they may recommend treatment options such as simple surgery to remove impacted wisdom teeth, orthodontic appliances to straighten teeth, or airway orthodontics that help your child breathe more easily.

Orthodontic Treatment in Shaker Heights, OH

For orthodontic treatment for your adolescent in Shaker Heights, OH, call McGuire Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics today. We’re happy to schedule a time for your child to come in for a comprehensive exam.

Sources

https://www.who.int/health-topics/adolescent-health#tab=tab_1