Orthodontic treatment often marks a major milestone for teenagers, as well as for parents. Lozman Orthodontics fully understands how complex this phase can feel, bringing excitement, anxiety, and plenty of questions. We’re going to explain how you can best support your teenager through their chosen orthodontic treatment to help put your mind at ease.
Advanced Treatment Options for Teens
Teenagers stand out from both kids and adults in terms of how they respond to treatment. At Lozman Orthodontics, our team understands that many patients lead highly social and active lifestyles, which we strive to accommodate with their chosen appliance.
Invisalign for Teens
Clear aligners are distinctly different from fixed appliances. They’re removable and allow your teen to continue eating their favorite foods and brushing without extra tools. Invisalign aligners are smooth and comfortable and come with wear indicators to help track usage. They’re ideal for teens who can commit to 20–22 hours of daily wear and stay on top of maintenance.
Allure Ortho Essence & 3M™ Clarity™ Braces
These clear braces blend with your teen’s natural tooth color and are perfect for those who want a low-profile look without sacrificing performance. They function just like metal braces, delivering consistent results for a variety of dental issues. Many older teenage patients view them as a great compromise between clear aligners and metal braces.
SPEED self-ligating braces are a modern twist on traditional metal braces—and they’re perfect for teenagers. These braces use a built-in clip instead of elastic ties, reducing friction and allowing teeth to move more freely and comfortably.
Why teens (and parents) love SPEED braces:
- Shorter appointment times, thanks to fewer adjustments
- Faster treatment progress in many cases
- Sleeker, smaller brackets that are more comfortable
- Easier to keep clean than braces with elastic ties
Because they require less maintenance and cause less irritation, SPEED braces are ideal for those busy teenagers involved in school, sports, and social activities. We regularly see amazing outcomes using this system.
Common Questions from Parents
In terms of how parents can provide support, this will largely vary from family to family. But we still hear a lot of the same concerns from parents in our office, and Dr. Robin Lozman and our team are committed to providing thorough answers.
Q: How often will we need to visit the orthodontist?
A: Most teens need to visit the orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments or progress checks. We may also be able to integrate virtual check-ups in some cases. These appointments are typically brief and can often be scheduled before or after school to minimize disruptions to your teen’s routine.
Q: My teen keeps forgetting to wear their aligners. What should I do?
A: Encourage them with gentle reminders and positive reinforcement. Aligners only work if worn consistently. Setting phone alarms or using a treatment tracker app can help.
Q: What if my teen is embarrassed about their braces?
A: It helps to let them know they’re not alone. Many of their peers are going through the same thing. If this is a major concern of theirs, we can definitely talk about Invisalign or clear braces as less visible alternatives during their consultation.
Q: Is it okay to delay treatment if my teen isn’t ready?
A: Every case is different. We’re happy to offer a free consultation and give honest feedback about timing, but in many cases, earlier treatment prevents more complicated issues later on. Being proactive is usually a positive practice in our field.
Q: How do I know which appliance is best?
A: Dr. Robin Lozman will explain the pros and cons of each treatment and help match your teen with the one that fits their lifestyle and orthodontic needs. Many teens and parents do independent research as well, which can help you be more active in our conversation.
Q: Will this be expensive?
A: Orthodontic care is an investment, but it doesn’t have to put an immense strain on you financially. We offer flexible payment plans and work with many insurance providers to make treatment as accessible as possible, to as many patients as possible.
Q: What happens after braces or clear aligners come off?
A: Once active treatment is done, your teen will need to wear a retainer to keep their teeth in place. Without one, teeth can shift back over time. Retainers may be fixed or removable, and most teens wear them full-time at first, then transition to long-term nighttime use.
A Team Effort
In these cases, orthodontic treatment is a collaboration between the parent, the orthodontist, and the teenage patient. Each person bears a different responsibility, but when efforts are combined, truly remarkable results can happen. If you live in or around Latham, the Lozman Orthodontics team would love to see you soon. Schedule your free consultation today!