For Teens
Orthodontics for Teens
The majority of our orthodontic patients are entering their teenage years.Whenever possible, Dr. Crump likes to wait until most of their permanent teeth have erupted. This helps to ensure that our teenage patients are in braces for the least amount of time possible, while achieving the best results.
Braces! What now?
Don't worry! Braces aren't nearly as scary as you may think. In fact, braces today come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors making life with braces much easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish than in the past.
How long will I have to wear braces?
The amount of time it takes to treat your smile with braces depends on three key factors:
- Early treatment — Early treatment (at a younger age) allows orthodontists to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Not everybody receives early orthodontic treatment, and in some cases, it may be recommended that a patient wait until they are older to receive treatment.
- What needs correction — The amount of treatment needed in order to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently, so while it may take one patient only 12 months to complete their treatment, it may take another patient 24 months. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect.
- YOU! — Your willingness to use the appliances your orthodontist gives you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to follow Dr. Crump's recommendations (like wearing rubber bands; keeping your teeth and braces clean; and wearing your retainers); this truly will help to complete your treatment as fast as possible!
Braces Your Way!
Our practice offers a variety of braces, types and styles, to choose from. Some common options include:
- Ceramic braces
- Invisible braces
- Traditional metal braces
- Invisalign
What can I eat while wearing braces?
You've probably heard from your parents, friends, and even your orthodontist, the long list of foods and beverages that you should avoid while wearing braces and while it may seem like you're giving up a lot, it is important to avoid eating certain foods. We also want you to enjoy your braces experience, so here's a quick list of foods to avoid while wearing braces.
Foods to avoid while wearing braces:
- Crunchy foods - popcorn, ice
- Sticky foods - caramel, taffy, "gummy bear" types of candy
- Hard foods - hard nuts, hard candies,ice cubes
- Foods that require biting into - corn on the cob, apples, carrots ( cut these foods into smaller pieces)
Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today's braces make it easy to look good and feel good! Please contact our office to schedule your next orthodontic checkup.