Helpful Guide To Teeth Straightening For Teenagers

Have you ever wondered why so many teens get their teeth straightened? Or maybe you’re thinking about getting your own teeth fixed but aren’t sure what to expect. This guide from Dr. Andrew DeHaan will walk you through everything you need to know about teeth straightening for teenagers in clear, simple terms.

The Science Behind Teen Teeth Straightening

Your teenage years are actually the perfect time to fix your teeth. Here’s why:

Between ages 11-16, most of your permanent teeth have come in
Your jaw is still growing, which makes moving teeth easier
Your face is still developing, so straightening teeth now can help your whole face look balanced
Your body heals faster now than when you’re older, which means less discomfort

Did you know? About 75-80% of teenagers need some form of teeth straightening. That’s 3 out of every 4 teens in your school!

How Teeth Move in Your Mouth

When pressure is put on a tooth for a long period of time, amazing things happen:

The bone on one side of your tooth slowly dissolves
New bone grows on the other side
This allows your tooth to move into a new position
Once in the right spot, new bone hardens around the tooth to keep it in place

This process is called “bone remodeling,” and it’s how all teeth straightening works, whether you have braces or clear aligners.

Today’s Teeth Straightening Options

You have better choices today than ever before:

Invisalign Teen: These are clear plastic trays that fit over your teeth.

They’re nearly invisible (hence the name!)
You change to a new set every 1-2 weeks
Each new set moves your teeth a tiny bit more
They can fix most of the same problems as braces
They have blue “wear indicators” that show if you’re wearing them enough

Modern Braces: These are much better than braces from even 10 years ago.

Today’s brackets (the parts attached to teeth) are smaller
Wires are thinner and more comfortable
Some braces can go behind your teeth where no one can see them
Colored bands let you show your personality
They work 24/7 since they can’t be removed

Both options usually take about 18-24 months to complete, though every smile is different.

Common Problems That Can Be Fixed

Teeth straightening can solve many different issues:

Crowded Teeth: When there’s not enough room for all your teeth, so they overlap or twist.

Makes teeth harder to clean
Can lead to cavities and gum problems
Fixing this gives you a straighter smile AND healthier teeth

Spaces Between Teeth: Gaps that occur when teeth are too small for your jaw.

Can trap food
May make you feel self-conscious
Closing spaces gives you a more even smile

Overbite: When your top teeth stick out too far over your bottom teeth.

Can lead to worn-down front teeth
Might cause jaw pain
Fixing this balances your bite

Underbite: When your lower teeth sit in front of your upper teeth.

Can make chewing difficult
Might affect how you speak
Correcting this improves function and appearance

Your Teeth Straightening Journey: What to Expect

Here’s what happens step by step:

First Visit: The orthodontist (teeth straightening doctor) looks at your teeth and takes pictures, X-rays, and models of your mouth.
Planning: Using these records, the orthodontist creates a plan just for your teeth. With computer technology, you can often see what your smile will look like when treatment is done!
Starting Treatment: You’ll get your braces put on or receive your first set of aligners. The appointment usually takes about an hour.
Regular Check-ups: You’ll visit the orthodontist every 6-8 weeks to check progress and make adjustments.
Finishing Up: When your teeth are in the right spots, the braces come off or you finish your last aligner. Most teens need to wear retainers afterward to keep their new smile in place.

Taking Care of Your Teeth During Treatment

Good habits make a big difference:

Cleaning Your Teeth:

Brush after every meal (even lunch at school!)
Use special brushes to clean around braces, or take out aligners to brush
Floss daily using floss threaders or water flossers with braces
Get regular cleanings at your dentist’s office

Food Guidelines:

With Invisalign: Eat normally, but always take aligners out first and brush before putting them back in
With braces: Avoid hard, sticky foods like popcorn, chewy candies, and whole apples
Drink plenty of water instead of sugary drinks

Dealing with Discomfort:

The first week is usually the most uncomfortable
Over-the-counter pain relievers like those you’d take for a headache can help
Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are easier to eat when sore
Orthodontic wax can cover any bracket that rubs against your cheek

Getting the Most from Your Treatment

Success depends partly on you:

Wear your aligners 20-22 hours every day (only taking them out to eat and brush)
Follow all instructions about rubber bands or other special parts
Keep all your appointments
Wear your retainer after treatment exactly as directed

Did you know? Teens who follow all their orthodontist’s instructions usually finish treatment faster and get better results!

Beyond Straight Teeth: The Benefits

Straightening your teeth does more than just improve your smile:

Makes teeth easier to clean, leading to fewer cavities
Reduces the chance of chipping or breaking teeth
Can improve speech problems
Creates a balanced bite that works better for chewing
Boosts confidence and self-esteem

Many of our teen patients say the best part of getting their teeth straightened wasn’t just having a nice smile – it was feeling confident about smiling in the first place!

Visit DeHaan Orthodontics and start your orthodontic treatment now!