What Parents Need to Know About Orthodontic Treatment for Teens

If you’ve realized your teenager needs orthodontic treatment , it can be tough to know where to start. The good news is that you’re definitely in the right place with Brodsky Orthodontics. We bring decades of experience to treating patients of all ages, and we want parents and kids to be equipped with all the knowledge they need on teen orthodontics. 

Treatment Options Tailored to Teens

The majority of orthodontic offices offer three main choices for treatment: metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners. We offer these, but we also have a couple of other options that make sense for our teenage patients.

1. Metal Braces: The tried-and-true classic, modern metal braces are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than ever before. They allow for customization through colorful bands, which many teens enjoy as a form of self-expression. Metal braces are highly effective for treating even the most complex orthodontic issues, and they require less responsibility than removable options, which can be ideal for busy or forgetful teens.
2. Clear Braces: These work just like metal braces but use ceramic brackets that blend in with your teen’s natural tooth color. They’re a popular choice for teens who want a less noticeable treatment while still benefiting from the reliability of traditional braces.
3. Invisalign for Teens: Invisalign clear aligners are a removable, nearly invisible way to straighten teeth. They offer a variety designed for teenagers that comes with a blue compliance dot to help parents and orthodontists track usage. Teens enjoy the freedom to remove them for eating, brushing, and special events like dances or photos, but they do come with hefty responsibilities.
4. LightForce Clear Braces: LightForce braces are fully customized using 3D printing technology, creating a perfect fit for each tooth. We recommend these braces for teens who want a faster and more precise treatment plan with the added benefit of subtlety. Fewer appointments and more efficiency make this a parent-approved option as well!

Dr. Joel Brodsky , Dr. Charles Brodsky , or Dr. Jeremy Vistica will work closely with you and your teenager to select an appropriate appliance. They will take many variables into consideration, both clinically and in terms of your teen’s preferences.

The Parent’s Role in Teen Orthodontics

While teens are the ones wearing the appliances, your support plays a major part in treatment success. In many cases, you’ll be their main source of accountability throughout treatment. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

• Encourage Consistency: Whether your teen is wearing clear aligners or adding rubber bands to their braces, consistency is everything. Gentle reminders can go a long way.
• Get Creative: In terms of celebrating milestones or keeping track of maintenance, it can be helpful to use a digital application or some other visual resource. Doing this in combination with verbal reminders is often a solid way to stay on track.
• Keep Up With Appointments: Staying on top of scheduled check-ins helps us monitor progress and make timely adjustments. A portion of our teenage patients won’t have driver’s licenses yet, so they’ll be relying on you for transportation to our office.
• Support Oral Hygiene: Teens may need extra motivation to brush and floss properly, especially with braces. You can model good habits and keep them supplied with tools that make cleaning less difficult.  Feel free to partner with us if you need ideas or product recommendations.
• Rally Support from Others: Orthodontic treatment is so prevalent in this day and age that there’s a fair chance some of your teen’s friends or siblings have already had it. Connecting with these people to be a resource is a smart way to make treatment feel relevant and relatable for your teenager.
• Be Their Cheerleader: Having braces or clear aligners (even for non-teenagers) can bring on a range of emotions. Embrace the wins and support them through the challenges. Anything you can do to reinforce their confidence when it buckles is a huge help.

Keep Your Eye On the Prize

Orthodontic treatment is not something that pays off immediately. It takes patience and commitment, but it’s safe to say that the final results pack a punch. Let us know how our Brodsky Orthodontics team can actively support you, as you support your teenager. We’re always only a phone call or email away here in Lakewood!