Teen Orthodontic Care – Long Beach, NY
Helping Teens Enjoy Straighter, More Confident Smiles
Many teenagers struggle with self-esteem issues, and having a mouth filled with crooked teeth certainly doesn’t help. Does your teen have a misaligned grin that leaves them feeling embarrassed? If you call Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth today, you can schedule an orthodontic consultation with our caring team in Long Beach. We can identify any orthodontic problems your teenager might be suffering from and help them find a solution that will give them plenty of reasons to smile.
Why Choose Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth for Teen Orthodontic Care?
- Experienced Board-Certified Orthodontist
- Image-Friendly Invisalign Treatments
- Variety of Insurance Plans Accepted
The Importance of Early Orthodontic Care
While orthodontic treatment is effective for patients of all ages, it’s usually best to have it done as early in life as possible. Doing so will help ensure that your teenager grows up with healthy, properly aligned teeth that allow them to speak and chew comfortably. It can also improve their self-esteem by giving them a smile that they don’t have to be embarrassed about showing off.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Teens
No two grins are alike, and as such different patients can benefit from different orthodontic treatments. At our office, we use both traditional braces and Invisalign to straighten teeth.
Traditional Braces
Many kinds of alignment issues can only be properly addressed with traditional braces. For this treatment, brackets and wires will be used to gradually move the teeth toward new positions. We’ll need to periodically adjust your teenager’s braces to ensure that the treatment stays on track. The average amount of time that braces need to be worn is somewhere between 1 and 3 years.
Invisalign
If your teenager only needs mild or moderate orthodontic corrections, they may be eligible for Invisalign. This is a convenient alternative to traditional braces that involves moving the teeth with clear plastic aligners. Said aligners are virtually invisible while worn; most people won’t even notice them if they don’t know what to look for. Additionally, your teenager will be able to take their aligners out during meals so that they can continue to enjoy all of their favorite foods.
Which Option Is Right for My Teen?
The kind of orthodontic treatment we recommend for your teen will depend on a variety of factors. Many patients prefer Invisalign due to the convenience and aesthetic advantages it offers, but it’s not always a viable option in cases where more complex care is needed. Additionally, Invisalign relies heavily on patient compliance. Your teen needs to be responsible enough to leave their aligners in their mouth for the required amount of time every day; otherwise, braces might be a better choice.
During your teen’s initial consultation, our team will examine their smile, consider their situation as a whole, and explain which orthodontic option is right for them.