Adolescent Years (12-16)

This is a time of great enjoyment as we see our young patients blossoming into young adults! By this time, most permanent teeth are present in the mouth, and very close to their final non-corrected positions. This typically is the last chance that orthodontists have to influence growth and development. In some cases, especially in our young ladies, facial growth has already ceased.

This time becomes crucial to our final planning. Typically "braces" are used in most of these cases. Some patients may need rubber bands (elastics) or headgear. Our attempt is to place the teeth in their final position within the facial boundaries to maximize the cosmetic and functional results of treatment. Important decisions such as the removal of teeth vs. expansion of the mouth or orthopedic correction vs. surgery are being made. As part of our conservative approach, we make every attempt to minimize extractions of permanent teeth or facial surgery.