At Huls Orthodontics, we're proud to offer compassionate, comprehensive care tailored to teens and preteens. Led by the experienced and kind Dr. Mark B. Huls, our team creates a relaxed, positive environment for young patients. Whether your child needs braces, jaw alignment solutions, or regular checkups, we're here to help them achieve a confident, healthy smile.
Read on to discover why early orthodontic treatment is so important and what to expect during your teen's visits to our Champaign office.
Routine Checkups and X-Rays
Routine dental checkups at your general dentist, ideally twice a year, are essential to monitor your child's oral health. During these visits, your general dentist will perform a thorough examination and take digital X-rays to detect any early signs of decay, misalignment, or developmental issues.
Early detection allows the treatment of cavities, providement of preventive care, and planning for orthodontic treatment if necessary. Regular visits also help your teen become comfortable in the dental chair, reducing anxiety over time.
Alignment Correction
Orthodontists provide devices to straighten your teen's teeth and improve their smile. Proper alignment can improve chewing and speech, and it can prevent damage to surrounding teeth. During orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist can determine which braces are best for your child. The most common braces are metal or ceramic braces; however, many clear aligners are popular among teens.
Metal or Ceramic Braces
Metal and ceramic braces are affixed to the teeth to gradually guide them into proper alignment. Most patients wear these appliances for around two years, followed by the use of a retainer to help preserve the final results.
Metal braces typically come in a standard silver shade, while ceramic options offer a transparent or clear color for a more discreet look. Based on your teen's specific dental needs, the orthodontist will recommend the most suitable type of braces.
Clear Aligners
During adolescent orthodontic treatment, the orthodontist may recommend clear aligners. These aligners are removable and make it easier for your teen to eat and brush their teeth. Instead of installing the braces onto the teeth, the orthodontist uses a mold of the teeth to create the clear aligners.
The orthodontist provides new clear aligners at each stage of the patient's progress. The clear aligners, like other braces, force the teeth into alignment. However, the clear aligners are less noticeable and could improve your teen's confidence, but also come with more responsibility. The clear aligners must be worn for the majority of each day to work properly. You can discuss this adolescent orthodontic treatment with the orthodontist and determine if it's the right choice for your child.
TMD and Jaw Alignment
Teens who have difficulty moving their jaw or notice clicking or popping may have TMD. Temporomandibular joint disorder is a dysfunction of the TMJ and connecting muscles. Adolescent treatment for TMD includes:
- Mouthguards
- Jaw exercises
- Surgery such as arthrocentesis or TMJ arthroscopy
- Botox
The orthodontist performs examinations and determines if a mouth guard can correct TMD or if surgery is necessary.
Orthodontic services are important for all teens and kids. Parents who understand the importance of adolescent treatment bring their teens for routine checkups to find underlying issues. Orthodontists provide braces, aligners, and retainers to correct alignments.
If you need adolescent treatment, contact us today for an appointment with Dr. Mark B. Huls in Champaign, IL, or Monticello, IL.