Concerned your teen may need orthodontic treatment? If so, it’s time to schedule a consultation with our orthodontist in Greenville and Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Herremans would be more than happy to evaluate your child’s smile to determine if they’re a candidate for teenage orthodontics.
Rest assured, orthodontics has improved since you may have needed braces. In fact, your child may even be eligible for or , as opposed to traditional metal braces.
Here’s what else you need to know about aligners and braces for teens.
How Long Will My Teen Need Orthodontics?
Each smile is unique and has different needs. For this reason, it’s essential that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Herremans to determine your child’s next steps. The length of orthodontic treatment will ultimately depend on the complexity of your child’s case, in addition to how well they follow our instructions for orthodontic care.
Another factor that affects length of treatment is whether or not your child received interceptive treatment while they were younger, typically between the ages of 6 and 9. Early orthodontic treatment can help correct issues before they have the opportunity to worsen, reducing how much time your child may need braces or aligners later.
What Can My Child Eat While Wearing Braces?
In general, your child will need to avoid foods that are sticky or difficult to chew.
Common foods to avoid with braces include:
- Chewy foods like licorice and bagels
- Crunchy foods like chips, popcorn, and ice
- Sticky foods like chewing gum or caramel
- Hard foods like nuts and hard candy
- Foods that require biting into, such as corn on the cob and whole apples
If you have any questions about what your teen should be eating during orthodontic treatment, please don’t hesitate to bring them up during their next appointment.