Invest in Your Teen’s Smile
The most common time for orthodontics for teens in Little Rock is between the ages of 12 and 16. That’s because most permanent teeth will be in place around this age, but they’ll still be loose enough to respond well to treatment.
All About Teen Orthodontics
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Daniel, Dr. Jones, and Dr. Walker can easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.
Some teens in Little Rock may have even started Phase I treatment at an earlier age and are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.
Choose Your Look
While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, our orthodontists might recommend an orthodontic appliance.
Here at Daniel & Jones Orthodontics, you have many modern treatment options.
Metal Braces
Braces have come a very long way from bulky metal brackets and uncomfortable, heavy headgear.
The good news is that we don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance at Daniel & Jones Orthodontics. Dr. Daniel, Dr. Jones, and Dr. Walker use smaller, lighter, and more comfortable braces than you’ve ever experienced before.
Iconix Brackets
You can even get stylish champagne, silver, and gold Iconix brackets at Daniel & Jones Orthodontics.
Their smaller brackets are tough like metal braces, and can blend in to your smile like clear braces or stand out with bold pops of color.
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, so they’re much less obvious to their friends around Little Rock. Since ceramic braces may break slightly easier and are a little more expensive than metal braces, our doctors may not recommend them for every patient.
Invisalign
Invisalign is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners that are nearly invisible and totally removable.
The aligners we use at Daniel & Jones Orthodontics are made of a soft, flexible plastic to provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, with less friction or abrasions inside your teen’s mouth.
Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. When your teen wears the aligners for the 20-22 hours per day recommended by the doctor, their teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be an option if Dr. Daniel, Dr. Jones, or Dr. Walker recommends more severe correction for your teen.
Benefits of a Straight Smile
Straight teeth that result from orthodontic treatment at Daniel & Jones Orthodontics give your teenager tons of benefits, like:
- Less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
- Easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Improving proper chewing and digestion of food
- Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
Watch for Orthodontic Issues
Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health, so talk to Daniel & Jones Orthodontics about any questions.
If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a free consultation with Dr. Daniel, Dr. Jones, or Dr. Walker, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment at our offices in Little Rock, Benton, or Bryant.
- Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
- Difficulty with chewing or biting
- Protruding teeth
- Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
FAQs About Teen Orthodontics
Make an Investment in Your Teen’s Smile Today
Orthodontic treatment at Daniel & Jones Orthodontics is an investment in your child’s future. When you schedule your free consultation, Dr. Daniel, Dr. Jones, and Dr. Walker will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you, as well as any of the risks of putting off or skipping treatment.
Although adults can also see us for orthodontic treatment, your teen’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time at our Little Rock, Benton, or Bryant offices.