Straighten Your Teeth: Orthodontic Solutions for Teens and Beyond
By the time kids are around 13, they’ve usually lost all their baby teeth. Even before the last ones fall out, issues like crooked or crowded teeth often become noticeable. Starting orthodontic treatment at this stage can help them achieve a healthy, confident smile as they grow into adulthood.
Orthodontics not only improves the appearance of a smile but also supports better oral health. Misaligned teeth and an uneven bite can make cleaning challenging, cause discomfort, and even lead to headaches or jaw pain. Many of these concerns can be addressed with treatment, sometimes in as little as six months.
Could your teen benefit from orthodontic care? Look for these signs:
- Overbite: Upper teeth extend too far forward.
- Excessive spacing: Gaps between teeth.
- Underbite: Lower teeth extend forward.
- Crowding: Teeth overlap or are hard to clean.
- Crossbite: Bite feels misaligned or uncomfortable.
- Pain: Chronic headaches, jaw pain, or neck and upper back discomfort.
Give your teen the gift of a healthier smile and better oral health with orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic Treatment Choices
A variety of orthodontic solutions are available to suit different needs and budgets. Here are some of the most popular options:
Conventional Braces
Traditional braces might bring to mind large metal brackets and wires, but modern versions are much smaller, less noticeable, and just as effective. They’re also easier to maintain and designed for improved comfort.
Clear Brackets
For a more discreet option, clear brackets are a great choice. These are especially favoured by teens and young adults who want the benefits of braces without the prominent appearance.
Clear Aligners
A widely favoured orthodontic solution, Invisalign and similar aligners are designed to gradually shift teeth using customised, transparent trays. These removable aligners make it simple to eat, brush, and floss and are a great option for occasions like dances or presentations where you want to showcase your smile.
Orthodontic Treatment Costs in Calgary
The cost of orthodontic care in Calgary usually falls between $3,000 and $5,000+ with standard insurance coverage, though your out-of-pocket costs depend on your specific plan. For those without insurance, treatment typically ranges from $4,000 to $6,000+.
Several factors influence the overall expense of orthodontic treatment, including:
- Overbite: Upper teeth extend too far forward.
- Excessive spacing: Gaps between teeth.
- Underbite: Lower teeth extend forward.
- Crowding: Teeth overlap or are hard to clean.
- Crossbite: Bite feels misaligned or uncomfortable.
- Pain: Chronic headaches, jaw pain, or neck and upper back discomfort.
- Overbite: Upper teeth extend too far forward.
- Excessive spacing: Gaps between teeth.
- Underbite: Lower teeth extend forward.
- Crowding: Teeth overlap or are hard to clean.
- Crossbite: Bite feels misaligned or uncomfortable.
- Pain: Chronic headaches, jaw pain, or neck and upper back discomfort.
Every smile is different, so booking a consultation is the most effective way to determine the appropriate treatment and its cost. During your visit, we’ll carry out a comprehensive assessment and develop a tailored treatment plan with a clear timeline and cost estimate, ensuring you’re fully informed.
Get in Touch Today
to book your teenager’s first consultation & examination.
During this consultation, we’ll thoroughly assess your teen’s teeth, gums, soft tissues, and bite. Our goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of their oral health, the appearance of their smile, and how their mouth functions. We prioritize knowing your teen’s dental health goals to provide them with the best possible treatment plan to achieve their desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment times can vary, with minor adjustments taking as little as 6 months. For most patients, braces are typically worn for 6 months to 2 years. To get an accurate estimate, we recommend coming in for an evaluation.
Special tools like floss threaders and super floss are designed to make flossing with braces or permanent retainers easier. We’d be happy to show you the proper technique during your next visit.
Contact us right away! There’s no need to wait for your next scheduled appointment.
To prevent damage and maintain hygiene, avoid sticky or hard foods such as candy apples, caramel, gum, and popcorn. Sugary and acidic foods should also be limited as they can make cleaning more difficult. Be mindful that foods like beets, curry, and Kraft Dinner can stain clear braces.
Getting braces put on is usually painless. As your teeth begin to shift, you might feel some discomfort, which is more of a mild irritation than severe pain. If you experience discomfort, let us know! We can provide options to make your treatment more comfortable.
Younger patients, ideally before most adult teeth have come in and while the jaw is still flexible, are the best candidates for orthodontic care. Parents are encouraged to schedule a consultation for their teens or pre-teens. That said, adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment—it’s never too late to work toward the smile you’ve always wanted!
