Treatment for Teens
The optimal time to get braces is during the teenage years. At this point in life, the bones in the jaw are still actively growing and the adult teeth are fully developed. If your teenager gets braces during this dynamic phase of their development, their teeth are more likely to respond quickly to treatment.
Your teen’s smile is an important part of their well-being. Having misaligned teeth can negatively impact their social life, especially with the social media where they network with friends by showing their smiles. Braces could help them to be more confident with their smiles.
Also, many teenagers and their friends have braces at this time in their life. If your teen gets orthodontic treatment now instead of waiting until they are an adult, they can avoid feeling left behind their peers.
Orthodontic treatment for teens at Rad Orthodontics.
Our orthodontist will recommend the best treatment for your teen depending on factors such as their:
- Age
- Oral Health
- Oral Hygiene Habits
- Style Preferences
- Lifestyle Choices and Recreational Hobbies
Expander
An expander is an appliance used to expand (widen) the upper jaw. It is used when the upper jaw is narrow and doesn’t fit properly with the bottom jaw. The best time to use an expander is in growing children and younger teenagers, when the bones of the upper jaw are not completely fused. During the expansion process, a gap typically appears between the two front teeth, which concerns some parents. The gap is a good sign, showing that the expansion is actually happening. After the expansion is complete, the appliance stays in the patient’s mouth for about 6 to 9 months to prevent a relapse. When it is removed, depending on the age of the patient, either a retainer is given or braces are placed.
Separators
Separators a little circular rubber bands placed between the back teeth, usually molars. Their purpose is to separate the teeth and create a small gap between them. The pressure applied by the spacers can cause some discomfort, depending on each patient. They usually stay in place for a few days until the gap is large enough to place a band (ring) on the tooth. They are typically needed before a palatal expander or space maintainer is placed.
Braces
Orthodontic braces are composed of 3 parts:
– Brackets which are glued to the teeth
– Wires
– Ligature, which are colored little rubber bands that tie the wire to the bracket
The braces are used to align your teeth so that we can improve your smile and your bite.
The most common types of braces are metal or porcelain.
Many patients may also need to wear elastics on top of the braces to improve their bite and function.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners and is a discreet alternative to traditional braces for some patients.
More complex cases are typically best treated with traditional braces.
During our initial consultation we will discuss the pros and cons of Invisalign versus braces and recommend the best treatment alternative based on the
– Complexity of your treatment: More complex cases are typically best treated with traditional braces.
– Age: some changes in teeth and bones on the jaws cannot be achieved when we are not growing anymore.
– Lifestyle: The aligners need to be worn about 20-22 hours per day and It is recommended to remove them when eating and drinking hot/sugary drinks.
Retainers
After the completion of your orthodontic treatment, our patients typically get 2 retainers:
1- Fixed retainers (wire glued to the back of the front teeth)
2- Removable retainers, that are won part time or full time
The bonded or fixed retainer
The fixed retainer is a little piece of wire that is glued to the back of the front teeth. Its purpose is to prevent the shift of the front teeth so that they stay straight.
While you have them in your mouth, you need to pay special attention to:
-Your oral hygiene: brushing, flossing (or using your waterpik) and getting cleanings in order to avoid cavities between your front teeth
– Your eating habits: it is best to avoid biting into food or chewing sticky food with your front teeth. These can break or bend your fixed retainer, causing a shift of your teeth.
Removable retainers
The removable (typically clear) retainer that is given to patients needs to be worn only at night!
You just need to make sure that you brush your teeth before putting them and going to sleep.
They need to be cleaned every morning with some cold water and soap to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Expander
An expander is an appliance used to expand (widen) the upper jaw. It is used when the upper jaw is narrow and doesn’t fit properly with the bottom jaw. The best time to use an expander is in growing children and younger teenagers, when the bones of the upper jaw are not completely fused. During the expansion process, a gap typically appears between the two front teeth, which concerns some parents. The gap is a good sign, showing that the expansion is actually happening. After the expansion is complete, the appliance stays in the patient’s mouth for about 6 to 9 months to prevent a relapse. When it is removed, depending on the age of the patient, either a retainer is given or braces are placed.
Separators
Separators a little circular rubber bands placed between the back teeth, usually molars. Their purpose is to separate the teeth and create a small gap between them. The pressure applied by the spacers can cause some discomfort, depending on each patient. They usually stay in place for a few days until the gap is large enough to place a band (ring) on the tooth. They are typically needed before a palatal expander or space maintainer is placed.
Braces
Orthodontic braces are composed of 3 parts:
– Brackets which are glued to the teeth
– Wires
– Ligature, which are colored little rubber bands that tie the wire to the bracket
The braces are used to align your teeth so that we can improve your smile and your bite.
The most common types of braces are metal or porcelain.
Many patients may also need to wear elastics on top of the braces to improve their bite and function.
Retainers
After the completion of your orthodontic treatment, our patients typically get 2 retainers:
1- Fixed retainers (wire glued to the back of the front teeth)
2- Removable retainers, that are won part time or full time
The bonded or fixed retainer
The fixed retainer is a little piece of wire that is glued to the back of the front teeth. Its purpose is to prevent the shift of the front teeth so that they stay straight.
While you have them in your mouth, you need to pay special attention to:
-Your oral hygiene: brushing, flossing (or using your waterpik) and getting cleanings in order to avoid cavities between your front teeth
– Your eating habits: it is best to avoid biting into food or chewing sticky food with your front teeth. These can break or bend your fixed retainer, causing a shift of your teeth.
Removable retainers
The removable (typically clear) retainer that is given to patients needs to be worn only at night!
You just need to make sure that you brush your teeth before putting them and going to sleep.
They need to be cleaned every morning with some cold water and soap to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Happy Patients Testimonial
Tom F
Experienced Orthodontist, great staff, awesome new practice. Highly recommend!
Lana Silva
Sensational orthodontist.
Pari Ghanbar
Dr. Rad is an exceptional orthodontist. She is very personable, though very professional! She explains everything in a very simple language to her patients and treats them as her own family member. She has created beautiful smile for my son and I am so grateful for her great work.Her new office is the state of the art with all the new technology.If you are looking for a knowledgeable, skilled, seasoned and kind orthodontist, then Dr. Rad is the right one for you!
Natasha Silva
Dr Saman is an amazing ortho! She continues to excel in her profession and I appreciate her so much for being a great support to her patients. She has affordable rates in comparison to other orthos and provides hygienic materials and retainers. Not to mention my teeth look amazing and I always receive compliments on them. Dr goes beyond in assuring that her patients are content with their outcomes and she works with them in meeting their needs. Never a bad time with her, she is welcoming, caring, kind and patient! 10/10
Mischa Dan
Thanks to Dr.Saman Rad I have a beautiful smile and I managed to avoid jaw surgery just in time because of my overbite. A wonderfull staff, a new ultra modern and clean open space, I would definitely recommend. Her bright and happy personality made my 3 year treatment fly by. She is very talented and hard working and my parents are always happy to drive from Etobicoke to Richmond Hill just for an insight into her expertise.
Stepanie Lewis
Dr Saman is an amazing caring and very knowledgeable orthodontist. She explains the process as you are going along with treatment answers questions and address concerns. She is the reason I can smile again! I can’t thank her enough.
