Adolescent Treatment

The most common time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment is between the ages of 11 to 15. By age 12, most if not all of the permanent teeth have erupted and are in place, and crooked teeth, gaps and bite problems can easily be detected. These problems usually do not correct themselves, so this is when most parents decide to seek orthodontic treatment.

Many children in this age range undergo orthodontic treatment, and children are very often able to be convinced to wear braces because they see their friends wearing them and want to fit in. The option to pick the colors for the braces makes it exciting and interactive for all patients who choose to match their braces with their school colors, favorite sports teams and holidays.

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. And children at this age have high metabolisms, which can help shorten overall treatment time and reduce the discomfort of orthodontic treatment.