Orthodontic treatment is a big deal for teens, and not just because of how they look. This is the stage where things can shift into place the right way or become harder to fix later. That’s why so many families in Grosse Pointe and Metro Detroit areas turn to LakePointe Orthodontics in St. Clair Shores. Dr. Frenchi, Dr. Jezdimir, and Dr. Daabous take a gentle approach that gives you information about the big picture, including facial development and airway health.
We work with teens every day who want to feel more confident when smiling, talking, and going about life. Whether it’s crowded teeth, spacing, or bite issues, this is the window of time when the body is adaptable, and that makes orthodontic treatment more effective.
Why These Years Matter
Most teens have lost all their baby teeth by now. Their jaws are still growing, which gives orthodontists a chance to guide things while they’re still flexible. That mix of timing and growth means treatment tends to go more smoothly and often faster. Braces at this stage can help with:
- Teeth that are overlapping or rotated
- Gaps that make flossing tricky or leave the smile uneven
- Jaw alignment problems, such as overbites or underbites
- Crowding that leads to uneven wear or hard-to-clean areas
This is also the point when habits start to lock in, which can be good or bad. Guiding the bite now means fewer issues with grinding, jaw tension, or uneven wear later on. Fixing these issues earlier can make a huge difference, not just in how your teen feels about their smile, but in how their teeth function for a lifetime.
Braces or Invisalign? You Have Options
Every teen is different. Some are on top of everything and want something low-profile. Others need something a little more structured. That’s where the team at LakePointe steps in. Our team will walk through everything with you and your teen so you can make a decision that fits, not just in terms of teeth, but in terms of lifestyle.
Metal Braces
These types of braces are strong, reliable, and good at handling complex issues. Today’s metal braces aren’t bulky or awkward. They’re smaller, easier to clean around, and they get the job done without slowing your teen down. Plus, if your kid wants to have a little fun with it, they can choose colors for the bands and switch them up whenever.
Invisalign for Teens
If your teen wants something, they can take out for eating or brushing, and they will wear it as instructed. Invisalign is worth considering. These clear aligners are custom-made and swapped out every week as the teeth shift. More and more of our patients are treated with clear aligners. Motivated teens with mild to moderate issues can experience a smooth transition to an improved smile.
What the Process Looks Like
There’s no guesswork here. Everything starts with a consultation, and the doctors give it to you straight. They’ll take digital scans, review what’s going on, and walk you through your options in plain terms. Here’s what to expect:
Consultation
You will meet the team, get pictures and digital x-rays of your teen, before sitting down with your board-certified orthodontist to learn and ask questions about your teen’s treatment options.
Treatment Planning
You will receive treatment options, an estimate of treatment timing, and a breakdown of the cost.
Getting Started
Once you’re ready, at your start appointment, you will learn about your appliances. We will walk you through the process of applying for the braces or Invisalign. After everything is on and comfortable, we will go over instructions, deliver your start kit, and answer any questions you may have about starting your new journey.
Check-ins
Your teen will come in for detailed adjustments and progress updates with the doctor and team. Our office utilizes dental monitoring technology to check our patients’ progress virtually weekly.
Aftercare
Once everything’s lined up the way it should be, they’ll move into retainers to hold the results. That part’s just as important as the braces or aligners themselves. Treatment time depends on the case, but most teens wrap it up within one to two years.
What Makes Treatment Successful
You don’t need to micromanage your teen to help them succeed with braces. There are a few things that go a long way:
- Use a small-headed brush and floss threaders to get around brackets
- Skip sticky or hard foods that could pop a wire
- Wear aligners for the full number of hours if you go with Invisalign
- Keep those check-in appointments, even if things feel fine
- Scan weekly with Dental Monitoring
It also helps to keep a few basics on hand like orthodontic wax for poking wires or a travel toothbrush for school. That way, your teen isn’t scrambling when something feels off. If something breaks or a bracket pops loose, call the office right away or message us on Dental Monitoring instead of waiting until the next visit.
What Works Best for Your Teen?
There’s no “right answer” that applies to every teen. It depends on what’s going on with their bite, how consistent they are with routines, and how much they care about appearance during treatment.
Some teens need something that stays put, like braces. Others do well with the flexibility of Invisalign. Either way, you’ll get support and clear direction. The doctors at LakePointe Orthodontics don’t just go through the motions; they make sure the plan makes sense for your teen.
You Don’t Have to Guess
If you’re in the Grosse Pointe or Metro Detroit areas and trying to figure out if now’s the time for orthodontic treatment, book a visit with LakePointe Orthodontics in St. Clair Shores. Dr. Frenchi, Dr. Jezdimir, and Dr. Daabous will walk you through everything and give you real feedback based on your teen’s actual needs.
You will know what to expect, what it will take, and how to move forward when you’re ready. No surprises. Just the support you need to help your teen get a smile that’s solid, functional, and built to last. Contact us for a free consultation to learn about the next step forward.
