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The most common time for orthodontics for teens in South Dakota is between the ages of 12 and 16 since most permanent teeth will be in place by this age.
Fortunately, at Meyer & Dana Orthodontics, you can find solutions to make the treatment process much easier than ever before at all of our offices in Rapid City, Spearfish, and Pierre.
Experienced orthodontists like our team at Meyer & Dana Orthodontics can easily identify issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are developed enough to start orthodontic treatment.
Some teens in Rapid City, Spearfish, and pierre may have even started Phase I treatment at a younger age and are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.
While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, our doctors might recommend an orthodontic appliance.
Here at Meyer & Dana Orthodontics, you can choose from the latest treatment options.
Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. Many people think of bulky metal appliances when they think of braces, but at Meyer & Dana Orthodontics, that isn’t the case!
We use self-ligating braces to decrease the friction placed on your teeth and increase your comfort. Since no adjustments are necessary, there are also fewer appointments required during treatment!
Also known as ceramic braces, these work the same way metal braces, but feature tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your smile.
These are a much less obvious way to straighten your teen’s smile. Since ceramic braces may break slightly easier and are a little more expensive than metal braces, we may not recommend them for everyone.
The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.
Made of soft thermoplastic, the aligners provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience at Meyer & Dana orthodontics with no friction or abrasions inside your teen’s mouth.
Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. When your teen wears the aligners for the 20-22 hours per day recommended by their orthodontist, their teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.
Invisalign and Spark work best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be an option if your orthodontist recommends more severe corrections for your teen.
Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment at Meyer & Dana Orthodontics give your teen a ton of benefits, like:
Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health, so talk to our Meyer & Dana Orthodontics team about any questions or concerns you may have.
If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a free consultation with one of our doctors, since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment at our office in Rapid City, Spearfish, or Pierre.
Allowing our team to diagnose and successfully treat certain bite problems can give you short-term and long-term benefits.
Meyer & Dana Orthodontics can correct common problems classified as “bad bites” using orthodontic treatment, such as:
This question doesn’t have a concrete answer, unfortunately. Every case at Meyer & Dana Orthodontics is different, but the average length of the active stage of orthodontic treatment is anywhere from 6-36 months.
After this phase of treatment is complete, your teen will need to wear a retainer for as long as your orthodontist feels necessary based on their individual case. In many cases, we will recommend wearing a retainer at night indefinitely.
Our Meyer & Dana Orthodontics team will work as a team with you and your teenager to create a smile that will last a lifetime.
Absolutely! If your teen athlete is wearing traditional braces, it’s crucial to protect their smile to stay on track with their treatment at Meyer & Dana Orthodontics. Our doctors strongly recommend using an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces and mouth from any potential injury.
Your teen can play any contact sport in the Rapid City, Spearfish, or Pierre area if they use the proper orthodontic mouthguard. If your teen has Invisalign, they can take their aligner out before practice or a game and put it back in afterward, but our Meyer & Dana Orthodontics team still recommends that Invisalign patients wear a protective mouthguard.
Traditional metal braces might affect the way your teen plays some instruments in school bands around South Dakota.
Invisalign treatment at Meyer & Dana Orthodontics provides an excellent alternative to braces because removing their aligner before playing removes limitations for your teen.
Braces treatment at Meyer & Dana Orthodontics is an investment in your child’s future. At your free consultation, our team will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment with both of you, as well as any of the risks with putting off or skipping treatment.
Although adults can complete orthodontic treatment too, a teenager’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time at our offices in South Dakota.
Rushmore Crossing
1165 Eglin St.