Braces for Teens in Edison, Millburn, & Union, NJ

Smile Solutions Orthodontics strives to help every patient achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Braces for teens are an excellent way to address your young adult’s orthodontic issues. Quality braces have a reputation for creating stunning results that stand the tests of time.

Dr. Chung and Dr. Epshteyn are the award-winning orthodontists leading our team. Our skilled team will provide the best corrective treatment for your teen’s orthodontic needs.

Our Process for Teen Braces

Corrective treatment for orthodontic problems at Smile Solutions Orthodontics will begin with a consultation with Dr. Chung or Dr. Epshteyn. They will thoroughly assess your teen’s mouth, teeth, and jaw and ask questions about problems they may have the biting, speaking, or chewing. Our orthodontists will also inquire about your child’s smile goals.

Our facilities in Edison, Millburn, and Union, NJ have high-quality orthodontic imaging equipment, so Dr. Chung or Dr. Epshteyn may take x-rays of your teen’s mouth to see the position of each tooth. We may also take a mold impression of the top and bottom rows to create a replica of their teeth. The images and information we collect during the consultation will help us decide the best orthodontic solution for your child.

What to Expect with Teen Braces

When your child first receives their braces, they may feel slight oral discomfort. They will need to see Dr. Chung or Dr. Epshteyn periodically to tighten the braces’ wire, which is responsible for gradually adjusting their teeth. The best way to alleviate the soreness is to take an over-the-counter pain reliever for a couple of days and eat soft foods.

If the brackets create discomfort by rubbing on the inside of your child’s mouth, you can apply wax to the offending tooth. The non-toxic wax will cover uncomfortable brackets, creating a smooth surface.

How Long Your Child Should Wear Teen Braces

Treatment time for teen braces depends on the needs of the child. In most cases, teens will wear corrective appliances for one to two years. Extensive orthodontic issues may require more prolonged treatment to ensure that the braces solve the problems.

Corrective treatment will continue after our orthodontic team removes your child’s braces. They will need to wear a retainer to prevent their newly positioned teeth from moving back to their original location. They should wear the retainer daily, take it out for meals and clean their teeth, but after four to six months, they will only need the device at night while sleeping.

Dr. Chung and Dr. Epshteyn carefully create treatment plans for every patient to address their specific orthodontic needs and smile goals. We understand that the general timeline for teen braces is vague, but our team dedicates itself to improving our patients’ smiles and oral health. Our orthodontists can give you a clearer idea of what to expect with the treatment during your initial consultation.

How to Protect Braces for Teens

Protecting braces for teens requires careful oral hygiene practices. Your teen will need to brush and floss daily, including the areas around the wires and brackets. Failing to take a little more time and care with oral hygiene can lead to plaque buildup and tooth decay.

If your teenager plays sports, they should wear a mouthguard. The oral device will protect the braces and their teeth from injury.

Another way to keep braces in excellent condition is to choose foods carefully. Your child should avoid popcorn because the kernels can get stuck between the metal. They shouldn’t eat hard, sticky, or chewy foods because they could break or pull the wires.

Treatment Options

Smiles Solutions Orthodontics offers several types of braces for teenagers, including the following:

• Traditional Metal Braces: These braces work by using stainless steel brackets on the front of individual teeth with a metal wire connecting the brackets. Tension from the wire causes teeth to shift into more appropriate positions.
• Ceramic Braces: Clear ceramic braces for teens work like traditional metal braces. However, the brackets are a tooth-colored ceramic material instead of stainless steel.
• Damon® Braces: These use a slide mechanism to hold the archwire, reducing the amount of pressure exerted on your teeth. This allows your teeth to move more freely, quickly, and comfortably. Available in metal or clear, these innovative new braces make achieving your perfect smile faster and easier than you ever thought possible!