Why Adolescence is the Optimal Time for Orthodontic Treatment
For many teens in Lansing, Michigan, getting braces is a key milestone. This period of rapid growth—including changes in stature, interests, and self-awareness—is also the ideal moment to correct alignment issues. The team at Schaefer Dental Group is focused on providing effective, timely orthodontic care that sets your teen up for a lifetime of confidence and better oral health.
Timing is Everything: Growth and Dental Development
There are several compelling reasons why adolescence is the best time for treatment. A critical factor is dental development: while the exact schedule varies, most children, typically between the ages of 11 and 13, have lost all their primary (baby) teeth, and the majority of permanent teeth have erupted.
This stage allows our dedicated dentist team to begin correcting issues like malocclusion (a bad bite), improper spacing, or poor alignment. Starting treatment now, while the face and jaw are still growing, is highly efficient.
The Long-Term Benefits of Timely Treatment
Orthodontic problems do not spontaneously improve with age; they only become more challenging to address. Treating many orthodontic issues is significantly easier during adolescence because the body is experiencing rapid growth. Whether we utilize standard braces or appliances like palatal expanders, noticeable improvements in appearance and function can be achieved in a relatively short timeframe.
In later years, once the bones of the face and jaw are fully mature, correcting these same conditions often requires more invasive and costly procedures. By addressing these issues now at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, Michigan, you are making a smart, long-term investment in your teen’s health.
Your Orthodontic Treatment Process
What should you expect when you begin orthodontic treatment with us? The journey starts with a comprehensive initial consultation to determine the specific type of care required.
The Initial Assessment
At your first appointment, we typically take radiographic (X-ray) images and detailed photographs of your mouth, along with impressions of your teeth to create a precise model of your bite. This crucial information allows the team at Schaefer Dental Group to formulate a personalized, effective treatment plan. The plan may include traditional braces, specialized appliances, or clear aligners.
Common Orthodontic Appliances We Utilize
Metal Braces
Today’s traditional metal braces are far smaller and lighter than those of the past. They are highly durable and, for a bit of personalization, can even be fitted with colored elastic ties on the brackets.
Clear Braces
Clear braces feature brackets made of ceramic or composite materials designed to blend seamlessly with the natural color of your teeth, making them far less noticeable. They are a viable option for many situations, though they may have a slightly higher cost.
Clear Aligners for Teens
A series of removable, virtually invisible plastic trays, clear aligners gradually straighten teeth as they are worn (approximately 22 hours per day). These were once primarily for adults but now include compliance indicators, making them suitable for many teens. The primary benefit is that they are practically unnoticeable!
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are completely hidden, offering the most inconspicuous form of treatment because the brackets are discreetly attached to the back (tongue side) of the teeth.
Specialized Appliances and Headgear
In rare cases where major jaw or tooth movement is required, other orthodontic appliances may be recommended. These can range from small internal devices to temporary external headgear. Rest assured, you will quickly adapt to these appliances, and their short-term use provides a significant long-term benefit.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
The duration of treatment is customized for every patient based on their individual needs. Generally, the active stage of orthodontic correction lasts between 6 and 30 months. Following this, a retainer will be worn for a period of months to ensure your teeth stabilize in their new, correct positions. When your treatment at Schaefer Dental Group, your trusted dentist in Lansing, Michigan, is complete, you will have a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.