Teen Orthodontics In Hillsboro

Invest in Your Teen

The teen years (between the ages of 12 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment at Laidlaw Orthodontics because most permanent teeth will be in place.

Luckily, there are new solutions that work to make the treatment process much easier than ever before for patients around Hillsboro.

All About Teen Orthodontics

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Laidlaw 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 may have even started Phase I treatment at an earlier age, and now wish to follow it up with full braces or other orthodontic 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 complimentary consultation with Dr. Laidlaw at Laidlaw Orthodontics, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.

Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
Difficulty with chewing or biting
Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Protrusion of teeth

Bad Bites

Diagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems can have both short-term and long-term benefits.

Problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized or fully corrected with the proper orthodontic treatment, 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 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

Choose Your Look

While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance.

Here at Laidlaw Orthodontics, we proudly offer the following options:

Metal Braces

Braces at Laidlaw Orthodontics have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people think of braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets.

We don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance, and many of the new braces are lighter and more comfortable than ever before. You even have the option of lingual braces that are attached to the back of your teeth for a completely unnoticeable treatment.

Ceramic Braces

Also known as clear braces, Clarity clear braces 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 breaking, and a little costlier than metal braces, they may not be the best fit for everyone.

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 for Hillsboro patients, 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.

FAQs About Teen Orthodontics in Hillsboro

How long does treatment last at Laidlaw Orthodontics?

This question doesn’t have a concrete answer, unfortunately. Every case is different, but the average length of the active stage of orthodontic treatment at Laidlaw Orthodontics is anywhere from 6-36 months.

After this phase of treatment is complete, your teen will need to wear a retainer for as long as Dr. Laidlaw feels necessary based on their individual case.

We work as a team with both parents and teens to create a smile that will last a lifetime.

Can teens still play sports?

Absolutely! If your teen athlete is wearing traditional metal or clear braces, it’s crucial to protect their smile in order to keep their treatment progressing.

We strongly recommend that they use an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces, and their mouth, from any potential injury.

Your teen can play any contact sport if they use the proper orthodontic mouthguard.

If your teen has Invisalign, they can take their aligner out before practice or a game, and put it back in afterward. Always be sure to store aligners somewhere safe and clean when they aren’t being worn.

What about band?

Invest in Your Teen’s Smile Today

Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s future. During your free consultation, Dr. Laidlaw 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 at Laidlaw Orthodontics, a teen’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time.

Orthodontics for Teens