The average age for adolescent treatment is between 11-13 years old. At Silver Smiles, we generally wait to begin braces until all of the permanent teeth have come in. Dr. Silver and Dr. Sturm work with both parents and teens to determine a treatment plan that will result in a beautiful and long-lasting smile.
Braces are certainly not boring at Silver Smiles!
We strive to make getting braces a fun and exciting experience for our patients. We constantly have contests and activities going on in the office and patients are encouraged to check our bulletin boards and social media pages to keep track of the fun.
We understand that braces may not be an ideal accessory for your teenager. Let’s be real. Teens are very conscientious of their appearance and braces are not always attractive. Thanks to advancements in technology, today’s teenagers have options when it comes to their orthodontic treatment.
Options for Teens
Clear Aligners
Some teens may be an ideal candidate for clear aligners which are virtually an invisible alternative to traditional metal or porcelain braces. Invisalign offers options for teens who wish to straighten their teeth without braces.
Braces
Having braces placed is easier than ever before. All of our brackets are “bonded” or glued directly to the teeth. This eliminates the need for spacers or metal bands. This type of bonding process makes having braces placed completely painless. We also utilize state of the art heat activated nickel titanium wires, which allow patients the ability to “chill the wires” which in turn reduces the pressure on the teeth, while a patient is getting used to braces. Simply drinking cold water can cause the wires to exert less pressure and offer relief from initial soreness. These wires also allow the advantage of longer intervals between appointments.
Porcelain Braces
Silver Smile uses the Reflections Ceramic Bracket System, a unique combination of aesthetics, function and strength. The clear bracket is a great alternative to the metal braces but still has the same low profile feature that makes them more comfortable than other clear brackets.
Traditional Braces
We use American mini twin brackets at Silver Smiles. They are low profile, smaller and more comfortable for our patients. To personalize the brackets, we offer an array of colors that patients can choose from to customize their braces. These can be changed at each appointment so our smiling patients can choose different colors throughout their treatment.
Wild Smiles
For teens who like to live on the wild side, WildSmiles is a great option. WildSmiles are special brackets that are shaped like stars, hearts, diamonds, flowers, or footballs. It’s just one more way to make braces fun!!
Appointments are usually conducted at 2-3 month intervals. Longer intervals between appointments mean less time missed from school or work, while still completing treatment in an average of 18-24 months.
There is not a better investment you can make than in your teen’s smile.
Request an Appointment
We look forward to meeting you on your first visit to our office. We understand that each patient’s orthodontic treatment is different, and we promise to give you the personal attention you deserve.
