Humphrey Orthodontics has orthodontic treatment for teens right here in Wentzville (and St. Peters), and we’re ready to help you explore your teen’s options. In this blog, Dr. Humphrey will let you know when to look into braces or clear aligners, the benefits of starting treatment in the teen years, and how to help your family get ready.
Why Teens in Wentzville Might Need Orthodontic Treatment
You know the teen years can be filled with growth spurts and changing habits. Teeth often shift as the jaw develops. If you notice that your teenager has crooked, spaced, or crowded teeth, it might be time to consider an orthodontic exam from Dr. Humphrey.
By addressing your teen’s bite or alignment at the right age, you can often avoid problems later. Early attention to spacing, overbites, and other alignment concerns may mean less complicated treatment down the road. Plus, improving your teen’s smile can have a big impact on self-esteem, which often matters a lot in these years.
Common Concerns You Might Notice
- Crowded Teeth: You notice overlapping or tight areas. This can make cleaning more challenging.
- Overbite, Underbite, or Crossbite: You see a jaw misalignment when your teen smiles or chews.
- Spacing: You spot extra space or gaps between teeth. Your teen might point out that it makes them feel self-conscious.
- Shifted Midlines: Sometimes, the center of the upper teeth doesn’t line up with the center of the lower teeth.
If any of these sound familiar, consider scheduling an evaluation at Humphrey Orthodontics in Wentzville or St. Peters. It gives you a chance to discuss your teen’s needs and see what treatment might look like.
Best Timing for Teen Orthodontic Care
The teen years are often a practical time to start braces or clear aligners. Many kids have most of their adult teeth by around age 13. By this point, your orthodontist can see how their bite is shaping up and whether treatment can help. While every child is different, most teens settle into orthodontic care well around this age range.
You’re also dealing with a stage when your teen is old enough to handle some responsibility. They can clean their teeth more thoroughly and follow instructions about rubber bands, aligner wear, and diet. This can help you breathe easier, knowing that your teen can take ownership of their treatment plan.
Choosing Between Braces and Clear Aligners
Teens in Wentzville and St. Peters have more orthodontic options than ever before. Dr. Humphrey’s braces and clear aligners both straighten teeth, but there are some differences between these appliances.
Braces
Metal and clear braces have brackets, wires, and tiny rubber bands. They stay on the teeth until treatment is done, which can last anywhere from 12 to 24 months on average. Your teen visits our Humphrey Orthodontics office for checkups and adjustments.
Benefits of Braces
- They work for many bite issues, including more severe cases.
- They stay on, so your teen can’t lose them.
- Colorful bands let your teen show some personality.
Things to Note
- Certain sticky or hard foods can cause wire or bracket problems.
- Extra brushing and flossing steps are needed around brackets and wires.
- Some teens feel a bit uneasy about having metal on their teeth, but many adjust over time.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, use removable trays. You switch to a new set of trays every week or two. The aligners are designed to shift your teen’s teeth in small steps.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
- They’re nearly invisible, which many teens like.
- Teenagers can remove them to eat and brush, so their routine has little change.
- They’re often comfortable since there are no wires or brackets.
Things to Note
- Your teen has to wear them most of the day (usually 20-22 hours).
- Forgetting to wear them can slow progress.
- Aligners might not work for every situation, but many teens are good candidates.
InBrace Hidden Treatment
InBrace is a system that places brackets and wires out of sight behind your teen’s teeth. It’s sometimes called lingual braces. They work like traditional braces but stay hidden.
Benefits
- Brackets and wires sit behind the teeth, so they’re not visible in daily life.
- Suitable for many alignment issues.
- Stays in place, so there’s no worry about losing them.
Things to Note
- Some teens need a bit more time to get used to brushing behind their teeth.
- Speech might feel odd for a few days, but most teens adapt.
- Not every situation fits lingual braces, so an evaluation is the best way to see if it’s a match.
Handling Day-to-Day Care
It can feel overwhelming at first, but your teen will likely settle into a routine quickly. Here are a few key points to keep in mind.
Oral Hygiene
- Brushing: Have your teen brush after each meal if possible. It’ll help get rid of food particles around brackets or under aligners.
- Flossing: Encourage flossing at least once a day. If your teen wears braces, threaders, or special floss, it can make the process easier. If they have aligners, they’ll remove the trays first.
- Mouth Rinse: A gentle mouth rinse can help keep teeth and gums clean.
Eating Tips
- With Braces: Avoid sticky candies, popcorn, and hard treats. These can bend wires or knock off brackets. Cut crunchy foods into smaller pieces so your teen can chew with ease.
- With Aligners: Your teen can still eat most foods. But they should remove the trays before meals or snacks. Remind them to brush before popping the aligners back in to avoid trapping food.
Managing Common Concerns
You might worry about how your teen will handle braces or aligners. That’s normal. Most teens are busy, and you don’t want them stressed out.
Here are a few thoughts that may help:
- Confidence: Remind your teen that many people go through orthodontic care. They might even see friends at school who are wearing braces or aligners. This stage is common, and the long-term benefits can feel worth it.
- Cost: Orthodontic treatment can be a big expense. Our Humphrey Orthodontics offices in Wentzville and St. Peters have payment plans. Ask Dr. Humphrey about insurance coverage, monthly options, or other ways to help manage the cost. Don’t be afraid to bring this up so you can find a setup that works for your budget.
- Time: A typical treatment might last one to two years, give or take a few months. That might feel like forever to your teen. You can keep them motivated by reminding them that each day brings them closer to a smile they’ll love.
- Office Visits: Checkups happen every few weeks with braces (including InBrace) and often every four to six weeks with aligners. You can schedule these appointments around school hours or sports schedules. You’ll stay in the loop about progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more about teen treatment? Here are some of the usual questions Dr. Humphrey gets.
- How long will my teen need braces or aligners?
Treatment length depends on your teen’s needs. Some treatments wrap up in a year, while others take two or more years.
- How often will we visit the office?
You might come to see us every four to eight weeks for braces. With aligners, you might have checkups every four to six weeks, but your teen will change the trays at home as instructed.
- Will braces or aligners hurt?
Your teen may feel mild pressure after adjustments or when they switch to a new aligner tray. This usually fades within a few days. A bit of over-the-counter pain relief can help if needed.
- What if a bracket or wire breaks?
Call our Humphrey Orthodontics team right away. We’ll fit you in for a repair appointment. In the meantime, you can assist your teen in placing orthodontic wax on the area to stop the wire from poking.
- Can my teen still play sports or instruments?
Yes. For sports, Dr. Humphrey recommends a mouthguard. For band practice, your teen might take a few days to get used to the feeling, but most adapt quickly.
- What if my teen loses an aligner?
Contact our office. We’ll tell you what to do next. Sometimes your teen can wear the previous tray until a replacement arrives, or they may move on to the next tray, depending on the situation.
Your Teen’s Next Step to a Better Smile
Teens in Wentzville and St. Peters have a convenient option with Dr. Humphrey at Humphrey Orthodontics. You can expect helpful conversations, regular check-ins, and a plan made for your teen. With the right support, your teen could be on the path to a straighter smile sooner than you think. Go here to schedule your free exam.