Adolescent Orthodontics

Glance at a 7th grader’s yearbook, and your bound to see plenty of faces with braces!

Between the ages of 11 and 15 is the most common time for orthodontic treatment, and for good reasons. By 12, most if not all of the permanent teeth have erupted and are in place, and crooked teeth, gaps and bad bites can easily be detected. These problems will hardly ever correct themselves, so this is when most parents decide to seek orthodontic treatment.

This is also a good time for orthodontic treatment because many negative associations of braces are not present. Teens may be less apprehensive than adults about the appearance of wearing braces. At the office of Dr. Duane S. Shank, DDS, braces can come in a variety of colors teen patients can show off with style!

Additionally,  children at this age have high metabolisms, which can help shorten overall treatment time and reduce the discomfort of orthodontic treatment.

Contact our office for an initial FREE examination, and we will be able to determine the best time for the treatment and outline: the treatment plan, the treatment duration expected, and the approximate cost for the treatment.