Adolescent Treatment
Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment In Johannesburg, Northcliff.
At the office of Dr. Sahide Choonara, we believe everyone deserves to have a beautiful smile. Our expert team of orthodontic specialists work tirelessly to treat every patient on an individual basis, working to create a treatment plan that perfectly suits your unique orthodontic needs and lifestyle. We treat patients of all ages, from young children to busy adult professionals - but without a doubt, the most common age for treatment is adolescence.
The Perfect Time for Treatment
During ages 11-15, most teenagers will have their full set of permanent teeth, along with subsequent jaw and alignment issues. Unfortunately, the majority of us aren't born with perfect teeth! The good news is misaligned jaws, bites, and crooked teeth are easiest to treat during adolescence, which is why it's best to intervene as early as possible. We take advantage of the naturally high metabolism and growth spurts of teenagers, that work in tandem with orthodontic appliances to move teeth faster and expedite treatment times.
Braces have become something of a right of passage for teenagers, that's highly socially accepted and desired. Many teens will actually be excited to start their journey to a beautiful smile, so that they can wear braces at the same time as their friends!
Adolescent Treatment Options
We offer a wide range of treatments to suit your teen's orthodontic needs, and create a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. After an initial consultation with Dr. Choonara, he'll make recommendations for your teen, which include:
Metal Braces: When most people think of orthodontic treatment, they think of metal braces. Made from stainless steel brackets and wires, they're a durable, reliable, and cost-effective way to straighten teeth.
Clear Braces: These are similar to traditional braces, but instead of stainless steel, the brackets are made from a clear composite material that blends in with teeth. This makes them less visible and more aesthetically appealing.
Invisalign & Invisalign Teen: Invisalign uses clear plastic trays, called aligners, to straighten teeth. The aligners are almost invisible when worn and can be popped in and out to eat, drink, brush, and floss, making them perfect for busy, socially-conscious teens. We also offer Invisalign Teen, a specialized form of Invisalign treatment designed just for teenage patients. The aligners have a Compliance Indicator, which lets us know if your teen is wearing your aligners as instructed.
Lingual Braces: These work the same as regular braces and are made from stainless steel, but they're completely invisible! This is because the brackets are mounted to the inside (tongue side) of teeth, making them impossible to see when your mouth is closed. They offer unparalleled aesthetics, but they're more difficult to get used to and cost more than regular braces.
Each case is different, and one size doesn't fit all. Sometimes early intervention is necessary, and other times, we can put braces on your teen quickly. No matter what the situation is, Dr. Choonara will present the most effective treatment plan possible.
Tips for Minimizing Treatment Time
We know that even a teen that's excited to get their braces will want to get them off sooner rather than later - and there are a few things that can help with that:
- Diet: During treatment with braces, it's critical to avoid foods that are sticky, hard, or packed with sugar. Foods like this can damage teeth and braces, putting your teen's treatment and oral health in jeopardy.
- Hygiene: Proper oral hygiene is especially important with braces, as the extra metalwork makes it easier for bacteria to hide and attack your teeth. During treatment, teens should brush their teeth 4 times per day: once after each meal and once before bed. They'll also have to floss daily, which requires the use of a floss threader.
- Wear Your Aligners: If teens are using Invisalign, oral hygiene will be much simpler for you - but it comes with a catch. While the aligners are removable, they only work when they're worn. Accordingly, you'll need to watch your teen and be especially diligent about making sure they wear them 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
Contact Our Johannesburg Office Today!
Adolescence presents a unique opportunity for a healthy smile, and if you or your child is ready to take advantage of it, we're ready to help. Feel free to give us a call at (011) 678-8090. You can also reach out to our practice at our contact us page with any questions, or schedule a consultation online. We're proud to serve patients in Johannesburg, Randburg, and Sandton. We look forward to hearing from you soon!