We Can Help
Invest in Your Teen's Smile
The teenage years (between 12 and 16 years old) are the most common period of time for orthodontic treatment in Lacey, Parkland, or Yelm.
Most of your teen’s permanent teeth will have grown in by this point, and luckily, Dr. Leavittuses newer treatment solutions to make the braces journey easier than ever.
All About Teen Orthodontics
Experienced orthodontists, like Dr. Leavitt, will also be able to easily recognize common orthodontic issues in this age range.
Your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to see spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment issues and Dr. Leavitt can begin orthodontic treatments.
Signs Your Teen Needs Treatment
Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health. If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a free consultation with Dr. Leavitt at Whitewater Orthodontic Studios.
These could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment at Whitewater Orthodontic Studios.
- Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
- Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
- Difficulty with chewing or biting
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Protruding teeth
- Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Bite Problems
Diagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems can have short-term and long-term benefits. Problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment at Whitewater Orthodontic Studios, including:
- 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 Whitewater Orthodontic Studios have many benefits, including:
- Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
- Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
- Improving proper chewing and digestion of food
The Treatment Process
While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, Dr. Andrew Leavitt might recommend an orthodontic appliance.
Here at Whitewater Orthodontic Studios, we offer:
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.
Made of soft plastic, they provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with no friction or abrasions inside your teen’s mouth.
Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, your teen’s teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be an option if your teen needs more serious treatment.
Metal Braces
Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets.
Dr. Andrew Leavitt doesn’t use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance, and 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 feature brackets made 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 breakage, and a little costlier than metal braces, they may not be suitable for everyone.
FAQs About Teen Orthodontics
Make an Investment in Your Teen’s Smile Today
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. During your free consultation, Dr. Leavitt will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment, as well as, the risk of putting it off.
Although adults can successfully complete orthodontic treatment, a teen’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker, shortening their total treatment time.