Teens’ Orthodontist McCalla, AL

What Age Do Braces Start?

Every parent wants their children to have healthy teeth and a smile they are proud of. Poor habits could lead to crooked teeth or jaw misalignment in younger people. If your child has orthodontic problems, we suggest visiting our clinic. Orthodontic treatment can effectively address dental issues, such as crowding, tooth spacing, improper bites, and more. Let us help your teen feel good about their smile through enhanced oral health and aesthetics. As a parent, you may be unsure about when the timing is right to start orthodontic care. Braces are a common orthodontic treatment that corrects bite misalignments and straightens teeth. While people of all ages can wear them, they are most frequently seen in teenagers. The ideal time for initiating orthodontic treatment is during the teen years. This period is ideal because most permanent teeth have erupted but the jaw is still growing. This growth phase enables orthodontists to move teeth into proper positioning more easily, offering more long-lasting and better results. Keep in mind there are other treatment options available if your teen does not want to use braces. As our knowledgeable teens' orthodontist explains, factors that determine the best time to start braces include:

• The rate of tooth growth and development: the rate of your teen’s teeth and bones growth determines when to start braces. If they are developing quicker, then you may start treatment sooner.
• The severity of the orthodontic problem: our orthodontists will determine when the ideal time to start braces will be. If the orthodontic issue is severe, you may start treatment sooner rather than later.
• The overall health of the teen and health influences: if your teenager has been struggling with their general health, then it may be best to delay treatment at this time.

Backus Orthodontics

Our team at Backus Orthodontics understands how important oral health and hygiene is. Teenagers in particular are at a certain age where if they need orthodontic care, it is best to start this earlier versus delaying it until adulthood. If you have questions about what our AL teens' orthodontist could do to help improve your teenager’s smile, then now is the time to contact us. We can begin through a consultation to learn more about your teen’s oral health concerns, then make recommendations for care plans. If you wait until your teen has reached adulthood, braces or other treatment options may be more difficult compared to beginning now. If you are possibly ready to get started, then reach out today!

Types Of Children’s Orthodontics We Handle

At Backus Orthodontics, we provide several treatment options for children and teens who need orthodontic care. Our goal is to help young patients achieve better function and appearance through safe, reliable methods. We look at every child’s individual needs, so we can recommend the right approach at the right time. Our treatment plans focus on long-term results, clear communication with families, and comfort for the child. Our McCalla, AL teens orthodontist can recommend the right treatment for your child.

We commonly see young patients with crowding, gaps, overbites, and underbites. These are often easier to treat when caught early. Timing matters, especially when permanent teeth start to come in. Some kids need early intervention, while others may benefit more from treatment during their teen years. Our team brings years of experience working with patients that include teens and children.

On Clear Braces

Clear braces are a great choice for kids and teens who want a less noticeable option. They work just like traditional braces but use ceramic brackets that blend in with the natural color of the teeth. Many of our teen patients feel more confident wearing clear braces, especially during school or activities where appearance matters. We know that feeling confident in your appearance can make a huge difference in a child or teen’s life. Clear braces are strong and effective, and they deliver consistent results while being more discreet than metal brackets.

Metal Braces

Metal braces remain one of the most reliable ways to treat alignment issues in children and teens. They’re strong, cost-effective, and work well for a wide range of orthodontic needs. We often recommend metal braces for younger children with more complex alignment problems or when faster adjustments are needed.

Kids can also choose different band colors, which adds a fun, personal touch to their treatment. For many families, metal braces are a trusted option that offers both durability and value. Dr. Jeff Backus has a Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and he knows how to help put teens at ease when undergoing orthodontic treatments.

Invisalign

Invisalign has become a popular treatment among teens who want to straighten their teeth without braces. It uses a series of clear aligners that gradually shift the teeth into better alignment. Invisalign is best for teens who can stick to wearing the aligners for most of the day and keep up with changing them on schedule. They can be removed for eating, brushing, and playing sports, which makes them very convenient. Our McCalla teens orthodontist can recommend ways to take care of your clear aligners.

Each child we treat has a unique path toward a healthier smile. Whether it’s through metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign, we stay focused on what works best for their age and stage of growth. If you're looking for a McCalla teens orthodontist, our team is just one call away. Call Backus Orthodontics today to set up an appointment!