1010, rue de la Lavatère
Laval (Québec) H7X 0C5
The teenage years are a time of big growth and big changes, physically and emotionally. At Orthodontie Face & Profil, we know a teen’s smile is key to their self-confidence during these years. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional orthodontic care for teens in Laval and surrounding areas. We believe every teen deserves a healthy, straight smile to be proud to show off.
When parents bring their teens to our office for an orthodontic consultation, they often have many questions about timing, options and what to expect. The teenage years are usually the best time for orthodontic treatment because all or most of the permanent teeth have erupted but the jaw is still growing. This allows us to address alignment issues and take advantage of natural growth to guide teeth into their perfect position. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct during the teen years than they would be later in life.
During the consultation at our Laval office, we take the time to get to know your teen and understand their specific orthodontic needs and concerns. We do a thorough examination which may include digital X-rays, photos and 3D scans of their teeth and jaws. This allows us to identify any alignment issues, bite problems or other orthodontic concerns that need to be addressed. We then explain our findings to both you and your teen in plain language so everyone can understand.
Traditional metal braces are still a popular option for many of our teenage patients. These braces use small metal brackets bonded to the front of each tooth, connected by wires that gradually move teeth into place. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable and less visible than ever before. Many teens even get to customize their braces with colored elastics that match their personality or school colors, making orthodontic treatment a form of self-expression.For teens who don’t like the look of metal braces, we have a few more discreet options. Ceramic braces work just like metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend with the tooth color. Another popular option is [Invisalign] which uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth without wires or brackets. Many of our teen patients love the almost invisible look and the ability to remove the aligners for special occasions, sports or to play musical instruments.
The decision between traditional braces and Invisalign often depends on several factors, including the complexity of the orthodontic issues, your teen’s lifestyle and their level of responsibility. While Invisalign has the advantage of aesthetics and convenience, it requires 20-22 hours of wear per day to be effective. During the consultation we will discuss if your teen is a good candidate for Invisalign or if traditional braces would be better for them. Our goal is always to recommend the treatment option that will give the best results for your teen’s specific situation.
Many parents wonder about the timing of orthodontic treatment for their teens. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, most teens start orthodontic treatment between 11 and 14 years old. This coincides with the loss of all primary teeth and the eruption of most permanent teeth. However, some teens may need earlier intervention, others later. At Orthodontie Face & Profil we evaluate each patient individually to determine the best timing for their specific needs.
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on the complexity of your teen’s case. Some teens achieve their desired results in 12 months, others in 24 months or more. During the consultation we will give you an estimate of how long your teen’s treatment will take. Factors that affect treatment time are the starting position of the teeth, how much movement is needed and how well they follow our recommendations for care and maintenance.Living with braces requires some adjustments to daily routines, especially when it comes to oral hygiene and diet. We take the time to educate our teen patients on how to brush and floss with braces and which foods to avoid to prevent damage to their orthodontic appliances. While these changes may seem challenging at first, most teens adapt quickly. Our team is always available to give tips and support throughout your teen’s treatment journey.
For active teens involved in sports or playing musical instruments we give guidance on how to continue these activities while wearing braces. Sports mouthguards designed for braces can protect both the orthodontic appliances and your teen’s mouth during athletic activities. Musicians playing wind instruments may need a brief adjustment period but most adapt quickly to playing with braces. For those who find it particularly challenging, clear aligners like [Braces for adults] might be a better option as they can be removed temporarily during performances.
After orthodontic treatment your teen will need to wear retainers to maintain their new smile. This retention phase is just as important as the active treatment phase. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift throughout life and retainers prevent them from moving back to their original position. We usually recommend wearing retainers full-time at first then gradually transitioning to nighttime wear only. Helping your teen develop good habits with retainer wear is crucial for their results to last for years to come.
At Orthodontie Face & Profil we understand that orthodontic treatment is a big investment for families. We offer various payment options to make braces more affordable for our patients. Many dental insurance plans cover some of the cost of orthodontic treatment for patients under 18 and our office staff can help you understand your benefits. We believe every teen deserves access to quality orthodontic care and we work hard to make it possible for families in our community.
The impact of orthodontic treatment often goes beyond just straighter teeth. Many of our teen patients experience a big boost in confidence as their smile transforms. This increased self-esteem can affect many areas of their life, from academic performance to social interactions. Parents tell us how they’ve noticed their teen smiling more, speaking up more confidently in school and generally feeling better about themselves throughout the treatment and especially after.Orthodontic technology is advancing and treatment is more comfortable and quicker than ever. At Orthodontie Face & Profil we stay up to date with the latest technology to offer our patients the best treatment options available. Our commitment to continuing education is part of our promise to deliver exceptional orthodontic care to every teen who walks through our door.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your teen, contact us today for a consultation. During this initial visit we’ll assess your teen’s needs, discuss your goals and help you decide which treatment is best. Our team is here to make your teen’s orthodontic journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Let’s help them get the smile they deserve.