The Importance of Orthodontic Treatment for Teenagers
Orthodontist for Teenagers
It's no secret that adolescence is a time of tremendous growth and change, both physically and emotionally. This period of rapid development also encompasses the face, jaws and teeth, making it an ideal time for orthodontic treatment.
Well-timed orthodontic treatment provides important opportunities to correct tooth and jaw relationships while enhancing your child's smile. Depending on their unique orthodontic diagnosis, there may be distinct advantages to commencing comprehensive orthodontic treatment during your child's growth spurt, or while certain baby teeth and permanent teeth are still 'changing over'. Alignment and correction during your teens' formative years can ensure better, and more stable final results.
Owing to these advantages, the teenage years are a common time to have orthodontic treatment, if needed. People tend to associate traditional braces in particular with teen orthodontics, so you may find that your child will be open to considering a wider range of treatment options, simply because for many, orthodontic treatment for teenagers will feel a bit like a rite of passage.
If your child is apprehensive about the having teenage orthodontic treatment, it may help to let them know that it is highly likely some of their friends will end up sharing the journey with them at some point.
Furthermore, if your teen is not keen to wear braces, we may be able to consider alternatives. Technology has advanced to the point that discrete options (e.g., clear aligners like Invisalign) are now great alternative options in most cases. This will depend on your child's individual needs, however the majority of cases can be treated successfully with various options. This means that you can choose an orthodontic treatment option that will best suit your teenager, and will fit in best with your existing family routine.
Here at Fine Orthodontics, we are located in close proximity to a number of local schools. It is common for school friends to run into each other in the office, especially during our after-school checkup appointment times. These interactions add a sense of community to the warm, vibrant atmosphere of our practice, and helps teenagers to feel more comfortable about their orthodontic treatment.
Discover the New You. Reveal Your Hidden Smile
Orthodontic Treatment for Teenagers at Fine Orthodontics
Teenagers are well-supported at Fine Orthodontics. We strive to ensure that our office is open, bright, comfortable and fun, and our staff are friendly and supportive. We genuinely want your child to share in the excitement and in celebrating the positive changes that orthodontic treatment can bring.
From their first visit to the office, we believe that it is important that children and teenagers are actively involved, and that they have an opportunity for their questions and concerns to be heard.
Teenagers often love our digital technology, and they enjoy seeing themselves in a new way, thanks to our coloured 3D x-rays, scans and photographs. Our friendly team is passionate about not only providing excellent results, but also ensuring that you and your family enjoy your treatment journey, and that every visit with us is a positive one.
Read on to learn more about teenage orthodontic treatment and the various treatment options available, including:
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traditional metal braces;
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ceramic braces;
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clear aligners;
as well as what to expect during your orthodontic consultation and beyond.
Teen Orthodontic Treatment Benefits
Orthodontic treatment during the teenage years provides many benefits for your child's dental health and smile:
Enhanced Appearance:
Orthodontics can help achieve treatment goals relating to: the correction of crooked teeth, and the achievement of more balanced, harmonious facial appearance and smile.
Improved Self-Esteem:
A confident smile can be a significant morale booster during the sensitive teen years, as well as an asset once your teen moves to the next stage in their life as a young adult, for example when starting out in a new profession.
Optimal Oral Health:
Correctly aligned teeth and jaws are less prone to decay and gum disease.
Improved Bite and Functionality:
In some cases, correcting bite issues can enhance overall oral function, including speaking, chewing and lip posture.
Reduced Tooth Trauma:
Properly aligned teeth are less susceptible to breakage, chipping and other injuries.
Reducing Wear:
Misaligned teeth and jaws can lead to uneven wear and tear. A balanced bite ensures a more even distribution of force, minimising the likelihood of excessive tooth wear.
Book a free* teen orthodontic consultation now
At Fine Orthodontics, your teen can achieve a smile they can wear with confidence. We are here ready to discuss your goals and needs, and to find out how we can be the perfect fit for you and your family. From your first visit, to the unveiling of your teenager’s healthier, more radiant smile, we’ll be there to guide the way. Get in touch with us today to begin your journey:
Book Your Free Consultation with Fine Orthodontics Today!
Let us guide the way to a brighter smile. Secure your free* consultation now!
Orthodontics for Teens
- When is The Best Time to Start?
The facial growth spurt provides a unique window of opportunity for orthodontic interventions, and completing treatment in the teenage years rather than later in life sets your child on the best possible path for reduced tooth wear, as well as reduced risk of other dental issues like tooth chipping, tooth trauma, tooth decay and gum disease.
Despite the main course of orthodontic treatment usually starting about 11-13 (once most of the permanent teeth have erupted), it is recommended that your child comes along to see us for a first visit much earlier than this. This is for two reasons:
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Firstly, in some cases there is a great advantage to making some minor ‘early’ interventions, depending on your child’s unique needs. Early intervention is only considered if there is an overall benefit, such as reduced complications, and faster or better treatment overall.
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Secondly, if we take some baseline measurements and then see your child for quick checkups as they grow, we can monitor them for the best time to start treatment to suit their unique needs.
There is no charge for these quick check-ups, as starting orthodontic treatment at the right time tends to make treatment faster and easier, and therefore the best strategy for everyone involved.
For these reasons, we recommend that parents and guardians bring their children for a first visit at around 7 years of age, usually once the first few permanent teeth have begun to erupt.
Learn more about the role of early check-ups for your child's here.
Teenage Orthodontic Treatment
at Fine Orthodontics
At Fine Orthodontics, we have a variety of orthodontic treatment options for your teenager.
Braces for Teens
Traditional fixed braces remain a popular orthodontic treatment for teenagers. At Fine Orthodontics, we use only the best and latest available materials and technology to ensure that your teenager’s braces will be as comfortable and efficient as possible.
Here’s a closer look:
In some ways, these braces look quite similar to those you or your friends may have worn decades ago. There is more than meets the eye however.
With Fine Orthodontics’ metal braces, your teen will benefit from modern refinements in materials, as well as the addition of digital technology. Modern metal braces are more efficient and comfortable than ever before.
Traditional Metal Braces
Ceramic braces offer all the benefits of metal braces, while boasting a more subtle appearance.
At Fine Orthodontics, you can choose clear braces or tooth-coloured brackets for your teen’s upper teeth.
Ceramic Braces
Self-ligating braces are now included as standard at Fine Orthodontics whether you choose metal or clear braces for your teenager.
Self-ligating simply means the incorporation of a little ‘gate’ in each individual braces bracket. This gate holds the wire in place, meaning there is no need for an elastic or other type of ‘tie’. Self-ligating braces make adjustments easier, and tend to be easier to keep clean.
Self-Ligating Braces
For increased precision and comfort, at Fine Orthodontics your teen will benefit from digitally-customised wires.
The main advantage of custom wires is increased precision via computer-aided design. In practice this means less adjustments needed in the chair - you and your teenager can enjoy shorter, faster visits and be finished treatment sooner.
Customised Archwires
Invisalign® for Teenagers
Is your teenager not keen to wear braces? Clear aligner systems like Invisalign consist of a series of customised, removable plastic trays worn over the teeth to gradually shift them into place. Small clear or tooth-coloured ‘attachments’ are almost always required on a number of teeth to help the aligners grip certain teeth better in order to perform precise movements.
Clear Aligners will let your Teen show off their smile while their teeth are being straightened. No braces to be seen!
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Clear aligners are removable for eating, brushing, and sports.
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A high level of patient cooperation is needed - your teenager will need to wear the aligners around 22 hours a day to ensure treatment stays on track.
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No metal braces brackets or wires means more comfortable treatment for your teen.
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Aligner trays are changed every 1-2 weeks during treatment.
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Treatment time averages around 12 months.
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Home care - brushing, flossing and appliance maintenance is easy (compared to traditional braces).
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There are minimal food restrictions during treatment.
For added convenience and savings, Fine Orthodontics has an exclusive system of clear aligners - FineLine® - made at our own on-site lab in Bondi Junction.
Aligners offer you and your teeager an inconspicuous alternative to traditional braces.
If the goal is for nobody to notice that they're undergoing orthodontic treatment, we offer the option of Clear Aligners, like Invisalign®.
Orthodontic Treatment for Adolescents with FineLine®
In addition to offering clear aligners manufactured by external companies, Dr Fine has taken all that he has learned from decades of experience with clear aligners and developed his own clear aligner system, using his fully-equipped on-site lab.
FineLine can offer significant benefits along with considerable savings. FineLine uses the latest technologies and techniques along with the best available materials. If FineLine is an option for your teen, we will be sure to let you know!
Despite the array of options available, you are ensured the highest level of care, because no matter which treatment option you choose, all the movements will be designed and overseen by our experienced specialist orthodontist Dr Fine.
Learn more about Sydney orthodontics:
Review before-and-after images of orthodontic treatments to assess the outcomes.
Discover orthodontic appliances available at Fine Orthodontics.
Learn more about orthodontic jaw surgery in Sydney.
Read more about orthodontics cost and orthodontic payment plans for Fine Orthodontics patients.
Explore common orthodontic problems and solutions to fix them.
What is orthodontics? Learn more by reading our blog post.
Need orthodontic treatment? Check out our offer.
Read more about preventive orthodontics and preventive treatments.
Are you looking for top orthodontists in Sydney? Read our guide on how to choose the best orthodontists.
Discover how an orthodontic plate works.
Looking for the best orthodontist Bondi Junction? Call our clinic in Sydney.
When should my child see an orthodontist? Read tips from our clinic.
Considering orthodontic treatment for children? Learn more about our treatments.
Discover the difference between orthodontics and advanced orthodontics.
Any questions? Read our FAQs - Fine Orthodontics specialists cover all the most important topics.
Need emergency orthodontics? Contact us for immediate help.
New to orthodontics? Check our orthodontic appointment guide.
Discover how to fix abnormal eruption with orthodontics.
See tooth exposure treatment before and after photos taken at Fine Orthodontics.
Find out what the Wilckodontics treatment is.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist? Read our blog post.
Your Initial Teen Orthodontic Consultation
Starting the journey towards a beautiful and healthy smile begins with the all-important initial orthodontic consultation. This appointment is a cornerstone in understanding what treatments might be needed, and it provides an excellent opportunity for both you and your teenager to address any concerns or questions.
Here's what to expect:
Orientation and Welcome: You’ll be greeted by one of our friendly Treatment Coordinators who will guide you through your first visit. Your Treatment Coordinator will be a ready, listening ear regarding any special goals or wishes that you or your teen have for their smile.
Discussion of Findings: If treatment is needed, Dr. Fine will walk you and your teenager through any orthodontic challenges identified and explain the potential treatment routes, along with associated estimated treatment times. This open discussion ensures you're fully informed and comfortable with the proposed plan.
Comprehensive Examination: You’ll be introduced to specialist orthodontist Dr Martin Fine who will also be keen to understand any concerns or wishes you or your teenager have regarding orthodontic treatment. He will then thoroughly assess the alignment of the teeth, bite, and jaws. Advanced tools like X-rays, photos, and digital scans ensure accurate diagnostics.
Customised Treatment Options: Dr. Fine believes in a tailored approach. Based on the unique needs of your child, he will present a range of treatment options, from traditional braces to the latest in clear aligner technology. Dr Fine and your Treatment Coordinator will provide advice and answer any questions in order to help you to understand how the pros and cons or various options may relate to your teen’s needs and lifestyle.
Costs and Financing: We’ll provide a clear breakdown of potential costs. Plus, we offer flexible financing options to ensure treatments are accessible to as many families as possible.
Next Steps: If a treatment is recommended, further appointments may be scheduled for more detailed records, or to initiate the treatment process once custom appliances, braces, or aligner trays are prepared.
Don't Wait – Secure a Brighter Future for Your Teen's Smile Today!
Every beautiful smile starts with a single step. Ensure your teen gets the best start on their orthodontic journey. With friendly, expert care and a personalised approach from the Fine Orthodontics Team, your child is in the best hands.
Braces for Teens
Let Fine Orthodontics help your child to find their best smile. Secure your free consultation today!
Areas We Serve in Sydney
Fine Orthodontics is here to serve everyone in Sydney. We have two clinics - one in Bondi Junction and the other in Maroubra. Not just limited to these places, we also take care of patients from surrounding areas, offering them the best possible orthodontic care.
Bondi Junction
Level 8, 35 Spring Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022 Sydney
Maroubra
Level 1, 633 Anzac Parade
Maroubra NSW 2035
Sydney
Understanding that it's not always easy for everyone to visit, we've added a Remote Monitoring service. This means that even if you're far from our clinics, you can still get advice and checks from Dr. Fine. Just use a simple phone app to send us pictures of your teeth, and we'll keep an eye on your treatment.
For those living or working in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, our locations are super easy to reach:
Municipality of Woollahra
Waverley Council
City of Randwick
Bayside Council
City of Sydney
Including the following suburbs of Sydney:
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Bondi Junction
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Queens Park
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Dover Heights
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Bellevue Hill
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Double Bay
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Rose Bay
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Vaucluse
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Bronte
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Bondi North Bondi
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Bondi Beach
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Tamarama
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Clovelly
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Randwick
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Waverley
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Watsons Bay
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Elizabeth Bay
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Potts Point
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Rushcutters Bay
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Darling Point
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Edgecliff
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Woollahra
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Point Piper
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Woolloomooloo
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Centennial Park
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Moore Park
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Paddington
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Sydney CBD
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Darlinghurst
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Surry Hills
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Eastlakes
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Banksmeadow
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Botany
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Kingsford
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Daceyville
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Kensington
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Coogee
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South Coogee
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Maroubra
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Pagewood
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Chifley
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Eastgardens
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Hillsdale
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La Perouse
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Little Bay
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Malabar
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Matraville
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Phillip Bay
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Port Botany
If you're a staff member or student from Sydney University or the University of NSW, you'll find our offices very convenient to access.
Frequently Asked Questions
about Teenage Orthodontic Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions about Teenage Orthodontic Treatment
