Orthodontics for Teens | Braces Suwanee

Invest in Your Teen’s Smile

The teen years (between the ages of 12 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment in Suwanee because most of your teenager’s permanent teeth will have grown in.

At Suwanee Orthodontics, we offer some solutions that make the treatment process much easier than ever before.

All About Teen Braces in Suwanee

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Kim can easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range. By this time, your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.

Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment at an earlier age, and are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.

Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health.

If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a complimentary consultation with Dr. Kim at Suwanee Orthodontics, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
Difficulty with chewing or biting
Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Protrusion of teeth

What Are Bad Bites?

Diagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems 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

Benefits of a Straight Smile

Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment have many benefits, including:

Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
Improving proper chewing and digestion of food

Choose Your Look

While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance.

Here at Suwanee Orthodontics, we offer:

Metal Braces

Today’s metal braces are more lightweight and comfortable than ever before.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces, with the added benefit of clear brackets.

Clear Aligners for Teens

Clear aligners like Invisalign for Teens are a clear alternative to traditional braces and offer flexibility that's second-to-none.

FAQs About Teen Orthodontics in Suwanee

How long does treatment take?

This question doesn’t have a firm answer, unfortunately. Every case is different at Suwanee Orthodontics, but the average length of the active stage of orthodontic treatment is anywhere from 6-36 months.

After this phase of treatment is complete, your teen will need to wear a retainer for as long as Dr. Kim feels necessary based on their individual case.

We work as a team with both parents and teen to create a smile that will last a lifetime.

Can teens still play sports?

Absolutely! If your teen athlete is wearing traditional braces, it’s crucial to protect their smile to stay on track with their treatment.

Suwanee Orthodontics strongly recommends that they use an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces, and their mouth, from any potential injury.

If your teen wears clear aligners, they can take their aligner out before practice or a game, and put it back in afterward.

What about band?

Make an Investment in Your Teen’s Smile Today

Although adults in Suwanee can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time.

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