Orthodontics for Teens

Invest in Your Teen

The most common time for orthodontics for teens around Flushing and Bayside falls between the ages of 12 and 16 because most permanent teeth will be in place.

Fortunately, at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics, you can find solutions to make the treatment process much easier than ever before.

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Wolf can easily recognize spacing issues, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range. Your teen's bone and jaw structure are also formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.

Some teens may have even started Phase I treatment at our Bayside office when they were younger, and now need to follow up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.

Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can impact your teen's oral and overall health.

If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a free consultation with Dr. Wolf at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics. 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

Bad Bites

At Stacy Wolf Orthodontics, we can diagnose and treat your teen’s bite problems to give your child short-term and long-term benefits.

Dr. Wolf uses orthodontic treatment to correct common bad bite issues, like:

- 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 at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics can grant your teen many benefits, including:

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

Choose Your Look

While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance. Here at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics, we offer:

Metal Braces

Metal braces have come a very long way, as recently as in the last decades. Say goodbye to the days of the bulky metal brackets that may come to mind.

We don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance. Many of the new braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before.

Ceramic Braces

Also known as clear braces, these work the same way metal braces do, but the brackets are made out of tooth-colored ceramic materials.

They blend in with your teen's smile, making them much less obvious. Since ceramic braces are slightly more prone to breaking and a bit more expensive than metal braces, they may not be best for everyone.

Invisalign® for Teens

The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.

They provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience thanks to the smooth plastic they're made from. They won't cause friction or abrasions inside your teen's mouth.

Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. Your teen's teeth will gradually move into the desired positions as they wear the aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day.

Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be an option if your teen needs more serious treatment.

FAQs About Teen Orthodontics

How long does treatment take?

This question doesn't have a concrete answer, unfortunately, because every case is different. 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. Wolf 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.

We strongly recommend using an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces, and their mouth, from any potential injury.

Your teen can play any contact sport if they use an effective orthodontic mouthguard designed for the sport they're playing.

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

What about band?

How To Keep Your Smile In Good Shape Between Appointments

Make An Investment in Your Teen's Smile Today

Invest in orthodontic treatment at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics, and you'll invest in your child’s future. By scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Wolf, she can discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you and any of the risks of putting off or skipping treatment.

Although adults can also see us for orthodontic treatment, your teenager's jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time at our office in Bayside. Be sure to check out the smiles of all our great patients and get office updates on our social media channels.