Invest in Your Teen
The most common time for orthodontics for teens in Cary is between the ages of 12 and 16 because most permanent teeth will be in place.
Fortunately, at Foley Orthodontics, you can find solutions to make the treatment process much easier than ever before.
All About Orthodontics for Teens
Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Foley 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 Cary 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, Dr. Foley might recommend an orthodontic appliance.
Here at Foley Orthodontics, we offer:
Metal Braces
Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people around The Triangle picture braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets.
The good news is that we don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance at Foley Orthodontics. Many of the new braces Dr. Foley uses are lighter and more comfortable than ever before.
InBrace Hidden Braces
Dr. Foley places these behind your teeth, so nobody knows you're in treatment. If you’re looking for a discreet treatment, InBrace hidden braces at Foley Orthodontics offer a fantastic alternative to normal braces.
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 Cary. Since ceramic braces may break slightly easier and are a little more expensive than metal braces, Dr. Foley may not recommend them 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, the aligners provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, at Foley Orthodontics, 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 your teen wears the aligners for the 20-22 hours per day recommended by Dr. John Foley, 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. Foley recommends more severe correction for your teen.
Benefits of a Straight Smile
Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment at Foley Orthodontics give your teen a ton 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 Foley Orthodontics about any questions you might have.
If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a free consultation with Dr. Foley, because they may be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment at our office in Cary.
- 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
Allow Dr. John Foley to diagnose and successfully treat certain bite problems because it can give you short-term and long-term benefits.
Foley Orthodontics can correct common problems classified as “bad bites” using orthodontic treatment, such as:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Missing or extra teeth
- An overbite or underbite
- Incorrect jaw position
- A disorder of the jaw joint
FAQs About Teen Orthodontics
Make an Investment in Your Teen’s Smile
Orthodontic treatment at Foley Orthodontics is an investment in your child’s future. During your free consultation, Dr. John Foley will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment as well as the risks of putting off or skipping treatment.
Although adults can complete orthodontic treatment too, a teenager’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time at our office in Cary, NC.