Expert Orthodontic Treatment in Oakland, NJ
At Loeb Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on providing premium, personalized orthodontic care with a focus on making the treatment process as efficient as possible. We understand that every patient has different needs, and as a premier orthodontist serving the Oakland and Franklin Lakes, NJ areas, we offer a wide array of treatments including traditional metal braces, Invisalign, and Invisalign Teen. We create a comfortable, professional environment in our office for the orthodontic treatment of children, adolescents and adults.
Braces & Invisalign for Teenagers in Franklin Lakes, NJ
For many teens, orthodontics is a rite of passage - another example of the changes adolescents go through at this time. Along with growth in stature, edgier tastes in clothes and music, and an increasing degree of self-awareness, orthodontics and adolescence seem to go hand-in-hand. But is there any particular reason why orthodontic appliances and teenagers seem to go together? Yes, and here are the main reasons why adolescence is the most common time for orthodontic treatment:
Permanent Teeth: For most children, the permanent teeth have mostly or fully grown in between the ages of 11-13. This makes adolescence an ideal time to adjust the alignment of teeth, as we can treat the teeth that will last a lifetime.- Metabolism: Teenagers have a high metabolism and experience growth spurts, both of which can help to increase the speed of tooth movement.
- Social Norms: Braces and Invisalign are extremely common among teenagers, which means most teens don't feel any social pressure to avoid orthodontics. In fact, some teens ask for braces or Invisalign so they can fit in with their friends.
How the Orthodontic Treatment Process Works
What can you expect when you come into our Oakland, NJ, office for treatment? It all depends on what kind of treatment you need. At your first visit, we may recommend taking pictures and radiographic (X-ray) images of your mouth, as well as making a model of your bite. Then, we'll develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you at your following visit. Here are some of our more commonly used orthodontic appliances:
- Metal Braces: Metal Braces need no introduction. But you might be surprised to find they're smaller and lighter than ever. They may even offer some customized options, like colored elastic ties on the brackets.
Clear Braces: Clear Braces feature brackets made of ceramic or composite materials which blend in with your teeth, making them harder to notice. They're suitable in many situations, and often preferred by patients who are looking for something a little more discreet than metal braces.
Invisalign Teen: Invisalign for teens is a series of removable, clear plastic trays that gradually straighten teeth as they're worn (for 22 hours per day). Formerly recommended only for adult patients, they now come with special features — like compliance indicators to tell how often you've been wearing them — that make them appropriate for teens in some situations. The advantage: they're practically invisible!
Other orthodontic appliances may be recommended in situations where major tooth or jaw movement is needed. These can range from small devices that fit inside the mouth to external headgear appliances. But don't worry because you'll get used to them (and they're temporary), but they provide a long-term benefit in a short time.
How Long Will I Wear Them?
There's no one answer that fits everyone since each patient presents differently. Generally, however, the active stage of orthodontic treatment lasts 6-30 months. Afterwards, you will likely wear retainers to maintain the new position of your teeth. When your orthodontic treatment is complete, the new smile we've worked together to create will be yours for a lifetime.
Schedule a Consultation for Orthodontic Treatment in Oakland, NJ
Whether with braces, Invisalign, or any other recommended treatment modality, adolescent orthodontics is an ideal way to achieve a healthy smile for a lifetime. If you or your child would like to start orthodontic treatment, Loeb Orthodontics would be happy to help. Request an appointment online today to schedule your consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams through convenient, efficient, and personalized orthodontic treatment.