Orthodontics for teens

Invest in your teen’s smile

The teen years (between the ages of 12 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment at Jennings Orthodontics because most permanent teeth will be in place.

Thankfully, some new solutions help Dr. Jennings to make your teenager’s time in braces much easier than ever before.

Teen orthodontics in Louisville & Mt. Washington

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Jennings can easily recognize spacing issues, crowding bite, and alignment in this age range. Your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow for safe orthodontic treatment.

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Signs your teen needs treatment

A straight smile is about more than just the way teeth look. Untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health.

If you notice any of these issues, we recommend a free consultation with Dr. Jennings at Jennings Orthodontics:

  • Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth

  • Difficulty with chewing or biting

  • Crowding or extra spacing between teeth

  • Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all

  • Jaws that shift or make sounds

  • Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth

  • Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face

  • Protrusion of teeth

Benefits of a straight smile

Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment at Jennings Orthodontics have many benefits.

Straight teeth are:

  • Able to properly chew and digest food
  • Easier to keep clean, preventing cavities and tooth decay
  • Less likely to wear, tear, and chip
  • Less likely to develop gum disease
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Teenage bite problems

If Dr. Jennings can diagnose and successfully treating certain bite problems, it can have short-term and long-term benefits. Problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment, including:

  • Crooked or crowded teeth
  • Missing or extra teeth
  • An overbite or underbite
  • Incorrect jaw position
  • A disorder of the jaw joint

Braces options for teens

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  • Metal braces

    Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of bulky metal brackets. We don’t use this type of appliance at Jennings Orthodontics. Modern braces like our Rhodium options are more comfortable and lighter than ever.

  • Ceramic braces

    Sometimes called clear braces, these work the way as metal braces but feature tooth-colored ceramic materials. They blend in with your teen’s smile, making them much less obvious. Since ceramic braces are slightly more likely to break, they might not work for everyone.

  • Clear aligners

    Clear aligners are a series of customized, clear trays, made popular by Invisalign®. They’re made of soft plastic and provide a comfortable orthodontic experience. Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues and may not be an option if your teen needs more serious treatment.

FAQs about teen orthodontics

Invest in your teen today

Orthodontic treatment at Jennings Orthodontics is an investment in your child’s future. During your free consultation, Dr. Jennings will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment as well as the risk of putting it off.

Although Louisville and Mt. Washington adults can also finish orthodontic treatment successfully, your teen’s jaws and teeth will respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, and shorten their total time in braces.

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