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Orthodontics For Teens · 

Orthodontics For Teens · 

Orthodontics For Teens · 

Orthodontics For Teens · 

Orthodontics For Teens · 

At Smiles, we offer state-of-the-art, digital orthodontic care for teenagers and adolescents in Los Angeles. We believe that a beautiful smile is a pathway to the heart, and a key player in building confidence and connections. If you are looking for an orthodontist for teens, we invite you to experience our dental home that values oral health and dental well-being as a foundation for crafting a perfect teen smile!

Many of our teenagers have successfully completed early orthodontics and are getting ready to fine tune and refine their ideal smile with a second phase of orthodontic care. Other teenagers are brand new to the orthodontic adventure and are eager to share their thoughts and desires about how they can enjoy a healthy, unique and dazzling smile for life. We value each client’s input along with parental considerations and aim to collaborate with our teenagers and their parents to help each tailored smile shine.

Interwoven Teenage Dental and Orthodontic care:

Our teenage and adolescent dental home serves our teenagers’ dental and orthodontic needs simultaneously and seamlessly. The hallmark of our approach is teamwork and collaborative communication. Our specialist pediatric dental/orthodontic doctor team and our dual-trained Smiles clinical team members work side by side to deliver excellent, easy, and efficient care to our teenage clients. Rather than booking two separate appointments, our busy teenagers can enjoy “all in one”, teen-centered experiences that save time and ensure comfortable dental care.

The Smiles Dental Team United:

Elevated in-house collaboration between the Smiles Team members, from doctors to dual-certified care coordinators has many wonderful benefits:

  • A comprehensive “think tank” approach for your teen’s dental well-being map.
  • Tailored visits that are customized to your teen’s specific dental and orthodontic needs.
  • Efficiently combined and comfortable pediatric dental and orthodontic visits that value your teenager’s schedule and your family’s time.
  • Collaboration that fosters a bond of trust between your teen and the Smiles Team

Teen Orthodontics/Phase II Orthodontics:

Phase II orthodontics begins when all the permanent teeth are in the mouth and involves final esthetic and functional detailing. As a pediatric dental home, we are big believers in the benefits of phase I or early orthodontics to set the stage for an easy phase II. Breaking up the process into two phases gives kids a break and allows nature time to catch up with the enhancements that early orthodontics creates. However, for some kids, early orthodontic needs can be minimal, and we may elect to postpone orthodontics and combine both phases in one treatment during the teenage years.

Readiness For Phase II Orthodontics:

A “Whole-istic” evaluation for Phase II Orthodontic readiness is part of every routine dental visit that your teen has with our team. To start this stage of orthodontic care, we prefer to have all the permanent teeth present (except for the 3rd molars or wisdom teeth, which will be checked in the later teen years). For kids who have completed the first phase of orthodontics, retainers are reviewed and adjusted as needed until the time comes to start Phase II.

Goals Of Phase II Orthodontics:

Phase II orthodontics aims to complete proper dentofacial development, enhance the alignment of all the permanent teeth, finalize the smile arch line and ensure excellent functional occlusion. Here are the goals of phase I orthodontic treatment:

  • Correct positions of misaligned permanent teeth
  • Correct and promote functional occlusion
  • Beautifully define and shape the smile arc
  • Ensure facial, lip and profile harmony

Conditions that benefit from Phase II Orthodontics:

  • Underbites: When the bottom front teeth are in front of the top front teeth.
  • Crossbites: When the top teeth are behind the bottom front teeth.
  • Functional shifts: When the lower jaw is forced to move sideways due to teeth hitting each other causing tooth and jaw changes.
  • Crowding: Overlapped teeth.
  • Spacing issues (Diastema).
  • Extra or missing teeth causing shifting and arch distortion.
  • Open bites due to aberrant tongue positions.
  • Jaw Alignment Issues (Class II, Class III)

Teen-centered Smile Enhancement:

Cosmetic and esthetic augmentations go together with mindful orthodontic care and are part of the broad spectrum of the teenage-centered dental care offered at our office. Teenage esthetic solutions include:

  • Whitening solutions
  • No-prep, 3D printed veneers that preserve precious tooth structure
  • Bonded bridges to replace missing incisors

Benefits Beyond The Smile:

Orthodontics can certainly craft beautiful smiles, but its benefits go way beyond esthetics to include overall long-term dental health and well-being. An aligned smile not only looks great, but it functions well too. Better tooth coupling ensures a healthy bite, correct jaw coupling/alignment and optimum musculature, keeping the temporomandibular (TMJ) joints happy and harmonious. Orthodontics improves oral health by facilitating oral hygiene resulting in the reduction of tooth decay, gum disease and periodontal issues. Orthodontic care promotes bone health, reduces teeth grinding (bruxism), improves speech, chewing function, and even sleep.

Teenage Digital Imaging Suite:

With digital orthodontic workflows and bespoke, ultramodern technology, our teens enjoy easy and comfortable orthodontic care at Smiles! It all starts with digital photography, intraoral sensors, hand-held imaging technology and the amazing Dexis OP 3D unit. Once digital data is captured with our Itero/Lumina or our Dexis oral scanners, smile design begins!

iTero Lumina

Technologies In Teen Orthodontics:

Our approach to adolescent orthodontics blends leading-edge technology with supportive and compassionate tactics that foster collaboration and ensure successful outcomes. When it comes to teen orthodontic appliances, ceramic brackets, and retainers, our teens know that we are here to back them up, empower them and cheer them on! Virtual orthodontic monitoring Systems allow us to track success while your teenager takes part in their full schedule of school, sports, extracurricular activities, and adventures. Our systems also keep parents abreast of progress and results so that whole family can celebrate along with us!

Our orthodontic designs utilize CAD/CAM technology, 3D oral scanning, 3D printing, digital orthodontic software and AI treatment simulations that can showcase end results before actually beginning any orthodontic treatment.

Treatment Options In Phase II Orthodontics:

Clear aligners for teens:

Aligners are practically invisible! Being removable, they make it easy for kids to brush and floss while achieving excellent orthodontic results. Invisalign aligners are designed to treat a wide spectrum of orthodontic conditions and can be combined with auxiliary buttons and attachments to address more issues than ever before.

LightForce Braces for teens:

Custom 3D printed, clear ceramic braces that are esthetic and durable. The bases or pads of these brackets are made to perfectly fit the surface morphology of every tooth. Boasting built in custom mechanics that move teeth in meticulous and studied movements, LightForce is leading the way on individualized, fixed orthodontics. Your teen can expect less adjustments and an accelerated treatment time while enjoying esthetic, metal-free, tooth-colored braces!

3D Printed Metal Fixed Palatal Expander:

Expansion appliances can still be utilized after the permanent teeth erupt if the dental development is accelerated and earlier Phase I Orthodontics was not possible. Printed metal expanders have a metal frame with or without resin pads. The device is activated with accelerated, daily activations using a small key that is inserted into the midline expansion screw. For teenagers, the use of TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices), placed in the bone of the palate, can be combined with an expander to help open the midline suture in the palate.

Retainers:

Appliances that maintain orthodontic results post treatment. These can either be acrylic appliances or 3D printed clear retainers.

Clear Aligners For Teens · 

Clear Aligners For Teens · 

Clear Aligners For Teens · 

Clear Aligners For Teens · 

Clear Aligners For Teens · 

Clear Aligners For Teens Explained:

Clear aligners are a modern approach to orthodontics that involves wearing a series of clear plastic trays or aligners that apply gradual and controlled pressure to the teeth. Each aligner sequentially moves teeth in desired movements to achieve an esthetic smile.

Clear Aligners for Teens

Benefits Of Clear Aligners For Teens:

  • Virtually Invisible Braces: Custom-made, clear plastic trays that fit snugly over teeth
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Nearly invisible, so teens feel confident during treatment.
  • Removable & Convenient: Teens can take them out for eating, brushing, and special occasions
  • Comfortable Fit: No wires or brackets, reducing irritation and discomfort
    Can be combined with elastics to achieve similar results to fixed braces
  • Easier Oral Hygiene: No food restrictions plus normal brushing and flossing
  • Fewer Office Visits: Less need for emergency appointments.
  • Predictable Results: Advanced digital planning ensures a clear path to a beautiful and healthy smile
  • Digital, at-home, remote monitoring allows us to support teens and track their progress
Orthodontic Dentistry for Teens

Timing Of Clear Aligners Therapy For Teens:

Clear Aligner therapy happens when teens are in permanent dentition and, ideally, have their second molars in place. This timing allows for the alignment of all the dentition with the exception of the 3rd molars or “wisdom teeth”, which may or may not be maintained, depending on their position and the available space in the dental arches.

Treatment Planning for Clear Aligners For Teens:

To being clear aligner therapy, our team starts with digital orthodontic records. These include digital 3D imaging, photography and a digital impression or oral scan. With our state-of-the-art oral scanners by Itero/Lumina and Dexis, oral scans are simple and comfortable. Once we have the data files, they are securely sent to the lab to begin the process of treatment planning for custom aligners. During this phase:

  • Ideal results in terms of tooth position, smile arc, soft tissue position and facial esthetics are planned
  • A simulation of the desired outcome is created for approval by our teens and their parents
  • A timeline of the expected treatment time is mapped out

Length of Clear Aligner Therapy For Teens:

  • Treatment length varies between 3 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of each case
  • Consistent Wear Matters: Aligners should be worn 20-22 hours per day for best results
  • Can Be Faster Than Braces: mild to moderate cases, clear aligners can be as fast, or faster, than traditional braces
  • Lost or Damaged Aligners are not a problem. Replacements are available, but consistent use prevents delays
Invisalign Setup

Timeline For Clear Aligners For Teens:

The timeline for clear aligner therapy is planned before the treatment begins. The digital design and setup during the treatment planning phase will generate a number of aligners. Considering that each aligner is typically worn for one week, the number of planned aligners will translate to the expected duration of orthodontic treatment. For example, if a case is treatment planned for 40 aligners, the treatment timeline is estimated to be about 9 months long for the first round of aligners.

Most cases will require a second round of aligners. These are called refinement aligners and ensure that all the predicted movements are fully expressed and achieved. Refinement aligners will add on a few more weeks of treatment time. We like to give an estimate that is as accurate as possible to our teens and families. This way, we can all keep cheering until the finish line celebration!

Placement Of Clear Aligners For Teens:

The placement of aligners requires small, tooth-colored attachments to be bonded on the outside surfaces of the molars and specific teeth needing facilitation in movement. These attachments allow the aligners to “clip” into place in the mouth. The attachments are easy to place and are polished off after treatment concludes.The placement is completed with the following steps:

  1. The fit of the first aligner is verified
  2. The teeth are cleaned with a professional dental prophylaxis paste and prepared to receive the tooth-colored attachments
  3. The attachments are created by filling small wells on the clear placement tray with a composite dental restorative material
  4. The clear placement tray is then placed in the mouth, the composite is light-cured and the tray is removed leavening the attachments bonded onto the tooth surfaces
  5. The first aligner is seated in the mouth
  6. Instructions for switching aligners and cleansing are discussed
  7. Set up for at home digital dental monitoring will be completed

Oral Hygiene With Clear Aligners For Teens:

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with diligent brushing and flossing is super important during the active and passive stages of clear aligner therapy. A wonderful aspect of clear aligners is that they are removable, so cleaning is no different than having no appliance at all. Aligners are rinsed with water and placed back in the mouth after teeth are brushed and flossed.

Food, Snacks And Clear Aligners For Teens:

Teens can continue to enjoy all of their favorite foods when in treatment with clear aligners. However, we do ask that super hard, sticky and chewy foods be avoided to protect the attachment for fracturing or debonding. The aligners must be removed for eating. We recommended brushing and flossing before placing the aligners back in the mouth when teens are at home. Otherwise, rinsing well with water to remove food debris is needed prior to placing aligners back in the mouth.

At-home Digital Dental Monitoring:

We know how busy teens get with school and after school activities, so we’ve tailored our orthodontic treatments to ensure efficiency and comfort. We support our teens with at-home digital dental monitoring to allow us to closely follow their orthodontic journey without the need for constant office appointments. Parents are also actively involved in this process through duplicate notifications and communications.

Using the Dental Monitoring Application and a sleek lens that attaches to a smart phone, teens can easily complete a weekly oral scan which is securely sent to our team. The scans allows us to check the progression of the orthodontic process, the coupling of each aligner and oral hygiene. Once the scan is checked, appropriate instructions and notifications are sent through the application to each teen and their parent. As teens continue to complete oral scans throughout the orthodontic treatment, they will be able to see a timeline video of the amazing changes that have occurred.

Dental Monitoring Orthodontics Dentistry for Teens

Office Visits During Clear Aligner Therapy For Teens:

Because of our at-home digital orthodontic monitoring system, our teens have less frequent office visits but maintain close monitoring of continued orthodontic progression. They also get to enjoy the support of our team throughout their weekly scans and communications. Teens in clear aligners are typically seen on a three month basis.

Post Treatment Period:

Once clear aligner therapy is successfully completed, retaining the achieved results is necessary. This can be completed with 3D printed retainers that resemble the aligners for a seamless transition. Retainers are worn full-time for the first 4-6 months after treatment to ensure results. Wear can then continue at night time.

Lightforce · 

Lightforce · 

Lightforce · 

Lightforce · 

Lightforce · 

LightForce Orthodontics 3D-printed custom braces for teens

LightForce Braces Explained:

Fully customized 3D printed, tooth-colored, esthetic, ceramic brackets that are designed specifically for each teen’s teeth creating an accurate fit and more precise tooth movement. “Braces but Better”, LightForce brackets are created with advanced orthodontic technology that simulates that desired results in advance and designs custom brackets to achieve the goal in less time and less adjustments. LightForce offers esthetic bonded orthodontics options for teens with the option of clear or colored orthodontic ties.

Benefits of LightForce Braces:

Custom Brackets for Each Tooth:

Unlike traditional braces, each bracket is custom 3D printed for a perfect, flush fit on each tooth surface

Personalized Tooth Movement:

Digital planning ensures controlled and efficient alignment

Fewer Adjustments Needed:

Pre-programmed movement reduces the number of in-office visits

Advanced 3D Technology:

Designed with AI-driven planning for more predictable results

Shorter Treatment Time:

More efficient movement may mean fewer months in braces

Esthetically pleasing:

Clear, tooth-colored brackets make braces less noticeable.

Timing For LightForce Braces For Teens:

LightForce braces for phase II orthodontics happen when teens are in permanent dentition and, ideally, have their second molars in place. This timing allows for the alignment of all the dentition with the exception of the 3rd molars or “wisdom teeth”, which may or may not be maintained, depending on their position and the available space in the dental arches.

Treatment Planning for LightForce For Teens:

To being LightForce therapy, our team starts with digital orthodontic records. These include digital 3D imaging, photography and a digital impression or oral scan. With our state-of-the-art oral scanners by Itero/Lumina and Dexis, oral scans are simple and comfortable. Once we have the data files, they are securely sent to the lab to begin the process of treatment planning for custom brackets. During this phase:

  1. Ideal results in terms of tooth position, smile arc, soft tissue position and facial esthetics are planned
  2. A simulation of the desired outcome is created for approval by our teens and their parents
  3. A timeline of the expected treatment time is mapped out

Length of LightForce Treatment:

  • Faster Than Traditional Braces: Many cases finish 4-6 months sooner than traditional braces.
  • Individualized Treatment Plan: Length varies based on complexity but is often more efficient.
  • Fewer Adjustments Needed: Efficient for the whole family!

LightForce Braces For Teens Timeline:

The timeline for LightForce therapy is mapped out before the treatment begins. The digital design and setup that happen during the treatment planning phase will translate into an estimated treatment length. Maintenance of the brackets and following care instructions is essential to avoid bracket deboning. This way, we can all keep cheering until the finish line celebration!

Fabrication Of LightForce Braces For Teens:

LightForce braces are individually, custom made brackets for every teen. Even more impressive, the customization is on an individual tooth level. This means that every tooth will receive a bracket that is ideal for the exact fit and movement that it needs. Once we have the data files, they are securely sent to Lightforce to begin the process of creating the custom brackets.

Placement Of LightForce Braces For Teens:

LightForce Braces come individually packaged and placed in special delivery trays to ensure an accurate fit. These delivery trays are sectioned trays that can deliver a series of brackets on the teeth comfortably. The trays couple with the occlusal surfaces to ensure perfect placement of the brackets. The placement is completed with the following steps:

  1. Orthodontic bonding cement is placed on the brackets in their individual delivery trays and then placed in a special box to prevent the cement from setting
  2. The teeth are cleaned with a professional dental prophylaxis paste and prepared to receive the LightForce brackets
  3. The trays are sequentially placed in the mouth, the orthodontic cement is light-cured and the tray is removed leavening the brackets bonded onto the tooth surfaces
  4. An orthodontic wire is placed through the bracket slots once they are bonded in place
  5. Elastic ties are placed to hold the orthodontic wire in place

Oral Hygiene With LightForce For Teens:

Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is super important for successful orthodontic treatment. Meticulous brushing, flossing and oral rinses are necessary to ensure the health of the dentition while achieving the desired orthodontic outcome. For optimum oral health, we recommend additional professional cleanings during LightForce treatment. The good news is that our dual-trained team can offer simultaneous pediatric dental care and cleanings at scheduled orthodontic visits.

Food, Snacks And LigthForce Braces:

With the goal of successful and timely orthodontic treatment, we ask our teens to be mindful of caring for the LightForce brackets to avoid debonds and fractures. Super hard, sticky and chewy foods should be avoided. Bite-size portions are recommended rather than biting into hard foods.

Office Visits During LightForce Braces for Teens:

Because of the high customization of the LightForce system, office visits are less frequent than those of traditional braces. Teens are typically seen on a 8-12 week basis rather than the usual 6-8 week checks. The total treatment time is also expected to be much more streamlined and efficient compared to traditional systems.

Dr. Ivy Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Post Treatment Period:

Once LightForce therapy is successfully completed, retaining the achieved results is necessary. This can be completed with 3D printed retainers that resemble aligners or with acrylic Retainers. Full-time wear is recommended for the first 4-6 months after treatment to ensure the stability of the orthodontic results. Teens can transition to nighttime wear after that.

Smiles’ Retainers · 

Smiles’ Retainers · 

Smiles’ Retainers · 

Smiles’ Retainers · 

Smiles’ Retainers · 

The Smiles’ Retainers explained:

With our 3D printing units, custom retainers are a breeze. Because we fabricate these in-house, we have full control over the fit and the time of fabrication. We also offer a Smiles Retainer Program that can be built in to orthodontic treatment plans to remake lost/broken appliances.

Orthodontic Retainers

Retainers After Orthodontic Treatment:

Our teeth are ever shifting but are most susceptible to shifting post orthodontic treatment. Retainer wear is a must to maintain the beautiful smile that has been achieved.

Dr. Ivy Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Types of Retainers:

3D Printed Orthodontic Fixed Retainers

Fixed printed retainers: 3D printed, esthetic resin retainers that are fabricated in house using our SprintRay printing units. These are bonded onto the teeth with composite

Teenage Esthetic Dentistry 3D Printing

Fixed printed retainers: 3D printed, esthetic resin retainers that are fabricated in house using our SprintRay printing units. These are bonded onto the teeth with composite

Removable Orthodontic Appliances

Fixed printed retainers: 3D printed, esthetic resin retainers that are fabricated in house using our SprintRay printing units. These are bonded onto the teeth with composite

Wear Schedule:

  • First 6 months: Full-time wear (except eating & brushing).
  • After 6 months: Nighttime wear to maintain results.
  • Lifelong Retention is Key: Teeth naturally shift over time, so long-term retainer wear is necessary.

The Smiles Steps To Starting Phase II Orthodontics:

Hover or tap to reveal steps

1
An enlightened consultation: A “Whole-istic” evaluation for Phase II Orthodontic readiness is part of every routine dental visit that your child has with our team. To start this stage of orthodontic care, we prefer to have all the permanent teeth present.

 

2
Digital orthodontic records: Utilizing our in-house Digital Imaging Suite, full photographic and radiographic records can be completed in one efficient appointment.

 

3
Goal setting and treatment mapping: With mindful understanding of your teen’s dental and orthodontic needs, we will map out “steps to success” and a clear timeline for tracking alignment and ensuring healthy results. Solutions and options are discussed so that the whole family is comfortably set for success.

 

4
Delivery of the orthodontic appliance: Digital technology allows for an accurate fit and an easy delivery for both aligners and 3D custom braces. During this visit we will introduce you and your teenager to our virtual orthodontic monitoring system so that we can support your family and cheer your teen on!

FAQs About Teen Orthodontics:

Why do teenagers need orthodontic care?

While orthodontics can happen at any age, results are easier to achieve and are more stable when completed before adulthood. During the teenage years, the face and jaw bones are still maturing and can be guided into favorable positions. Teens can experience orthodontic issues like overbites, underbites and crossbites that interfere with function as well as smile esthetics. Resolving these issues can foster dental health, improve oral hygiene, promote TMJ wellness and support self esteem.

How do I know if my teenager needs braces or aligners?

Your teenager may need braces or aligners if their teeth are misaligned, worn or not fully displayed when they smile. The best way to understand the benefits of orthodontic care is to take to closely look at your teenager’s teeth using our amazing oral scanners. Scans are a valuable tool to highlight your teen’s teeth, bite and proposed improvements. Within Minutes, we can display your teen’s smile on a computer screen and create a specific bite map, called a heat map, that shows the occlusal forces that each tooth is receiving when your teen bites down. The map can detect teeth showing wear and teeth that are not in contact at all. We will also look at smile design and have a clear conversation with you and your teenager to understand what esthetic goals are desired and how they can be achieved. We will then discuss treatment options of braces or aligners and decide together which method is a good match for your teenager.

Are clear aligners (like Invisalign Teen) a good option for my teen?

Clear aligners are a great choice for teen orthodontic care. The highlights of clear aligners are discreetness and removability. Easy oral hygiene is a plus and many aligners boast features like wear indicators to ensure proper tracking. We augment these benefits with our virtual orthodontic monitoring systems which keep our teens supported throughout the orthodontic adventures. For teens that are committed to the orthodontic process, clear aligners are a fantastic choice. For teenagers who feel they can commit to meticulous oral hygiene and would rather not keep track of wearing aligners, custom, fixed braces are a better match.

Can my teen play sports with braces or aligners?

With some mindful adjustments, athletes can certainly continue with their practices and competitions while in braces or aligners. We aim to match each teen with the best choice of orthodontic treatment with either fixed braces or aligners, depending on the type of sport they participate in and the level of their participation. Although they are not considered official mouthguards, aligners can offer some tooth protection during athletic games. For water sports and swimmers, braces may be a better option. Custom mouthguards can be fabricated over fixed braces to provide further protection.

Can my teen play a musical instrument with braces or aligners?

Yes. Many of our kids and teens in orthodontic treatment are in bands and play wind instruments. With some practice and a bit of getting used to, fixed braces and aligners can certainly be considered.

What foods can my teen eat or not eat with braces?

The teenage years are a time of growth and evolution. A balanced, healthy diet that includes whole foods such as grains and vegetables is key. Luckily these types of foods are orthodontic friendly! Fixed braces are bonded onto the teeth surfaces using a a dental adhesive. Aligner attachments are bonded on in a similar way. Hard and sticky foods can easily break off brackets and attachments. Repairs are doable but can cause delays in tooth movement and treatment completion. When teens understand this, it helps them embrace the necessary food adjustments to keep their orthodontic timeline on track. Nuts, hard candies, ice, corn on the cob, taffy, chewing gum and sticky candies are best on pause during orthodontic care. The good news is that alternatives are available to enjoy! Smooth nut butters, breath mints, and corn kernels off the cob are just fine.

How can my teen maintain oral hygiene with braces or aligners?

Maintaining oral hygiene with braces and aligners is super important because orthodontic appliances can act as food traps and barriers to natural oral cleaning. By increasing brushing time, paying special attention to brushing around brackets or aligner attachments and adding an extra professional cleaning (or two) during orthodontic treatment, teens can keep their teeth healthy and sound during orthodontic care.

How often will my teen need to visit the office during treatment?

On average, we see our teens every 10-12 weeks during orthodontic care. We are able to achieve this because of the unique setup that we have created. With our digital technology, our virtual orthodontic monitoring systems, and the possibility of piggybacking routine dental care with orthodontic care, your teen’s visits with us are designed to be efficient, comfortable and all-encompassing.

What if my teenager loses their aligners?

If your teenager loses a set of aligners, they can simply move on to the next set of aligners in the series of their treatment. The fit might be a bit snug, but they will quickly adapt and their treatment will not be interrupted. We usually recommend that teens keep all their aligners until the end of their orthodontic treatment. Sometimes we will use the very last set of aligners as whitening trays as we fabricate the final retainers.

My teen is self-conscious about smiling, can a straighter smile boost confidence?

The formative teen years are a time of wonder, exploration and excitement. Kids are getting to know themselves. Their emerging personalities and desires are taking shape. It is during this time of rapid change and transformation that compassion, support and understanding are most needed. A healthy smile can boost confidence and joy and is as much functional as it is beautiful. In our busy, fast-paced world today, it is more important then ever to nurture well-being on all levels.