Orthodontics for Adolescents

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats anomalies in the position of jaws and teeth. For younger patients, poor positioning can affect chewing, swallowing, speech and even breathing. For adolescents and young adults, being able to smile without embarrassment is important for building self-confidence. Adults may also benefit from orthodontic care for either aesthetic or oral health reasons.

Jaw mobility can restore a beautiful smile!

Conventional orthodontic treatments typically begin around age 10–11 and are performed on permanent dentition. The issue in adolescence is that teeth have reached their final size while the jaw continues to grow. This mobility allows the orthodontist to more easily correct tooth inclination, orientation and jaw positioning.

Conventional treatment is not only cosmetic: it helps limit oral pathologies. Before any orthodontic care, a complete record is created (photos, X-rays and digital impressions). A meeting is then scheduled with the orthodontist, the adolescent and the parents to present the diagnosis, treatment plan and overall cost.

New technologies exist that may allow the use of invisible aligners when the treatment plan permits.