Most of our patients are school age, so treatment at Bussick Orthodontics is planned around the school day and activities like band and orchestra. Dr. Timothy J. Bussick offers silver braces, clear braces, and Invisalign for teens at our Southwest and North Fort Wayne offices, and every teen starts with a free consultation so parents and students can weigh the options together.
Why Are the Teen Years a Good Time for Treatment?
For children who had early treatment, Phase II can begin once the 12-year molars erupt, and many teens start comprehensive treatment around the same stage. Where Phase I early treatment focuses on jaw growth, this stage is about achieving an ideal bite, with each tooth in the spot where it works in harmony with the lips, cheeks, tongue, and the rest of the teeth.
How long treatment takes is different for every patient. It depends on age, how complex the problem is, and, especially for teens, how well the patient cooperates with things like elastics and aligner wear. Dr. Bussick will give you a realistic timeline before anything begins.
Braces Teens Can Make Their Own
Braces today are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, and teens are no longer limited to standard silver. Dr. Bussick offers both traditional metal brackets and clear brackets. With your choice of elastic ties, you can customize your silver or clear braces and change colors at virtually every appointment. Braces work for nearly every bite, and visits are every six to eight weeks.
Is Invisalign a Good Option for Teens?
For many teens, yes. Invisalign for teens uses clear, custom-made aligners that are nearly invisible and come out to eat, so there are no food restrictions and brushing stays easy. The trade-off is responsibility: aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day to work as planned. Office visits are every 12 to 16 weeks, which means fewer trips and less class time missed. Dr. Bussick holds Diamond Top 1% Invisalign Provider status and will tell you honestly whether aligners or braces are the better fit for your teen’s bite.
How Does Treatment Work Around School and Music?
Patients are seen every six to eight weeks while in braces. Because most of our patients are school age, it is not always possible to see everyone after school, but we make every attempt to keep appointments to a minimum. Band and orchestra students can keep playing their instruments with braces, though there may be an initial period of adjustment.
Emergencies are rare. If a wire is irritating, orthodontic wax over the wire usually takes care of it, and a loose band or bracket can generally be left in place and repaired at the next visit. In most cases these issues can be resolved over the phone. Our orthodontic FAQ covers more of the everyday questions teens and parents ask.
What Are Ortho Bucks?
Ortho Bucks is our reward system for patients young and old. Each “A” on a current report card earns a punch (up to five), and so do being on time, excellent hygiene, cooperating with elastics, and wearing a Bussick t-shirt. Finish treatment without anything broken or loose and you earn ten extra punches when the braces come off. The full list is on the Ortho Bucks page. Treatment is more fun with friends, too: when someone you refer starts treatment, our refer a friend program sends you a $100 gift certificate to a local Fort Wayne restaurant.
What Happens After the Braces Come Off?
The big reveal is not the finish line. It can take at least four to six months for teeth to settle into their new positions, so wearing retainers after braces is what protects the result. Teens should wear their retainers every day for the first six months after treatment, then every night for the rest of their lives. If a retainer is lost or broken, call us so we can replace it as soon as possible.
How Do We Get Started?
Your teen’s first visit is a complimentary exam with Dr. Bussick, including digital x-rays and photos. Afterward, your treatment coordinator reviews the recommendation and the payment options, including interest-free payment plans, insurance filing, and HSA or FSA cards. No referral is needed. Book a free consultation at whichever Fort Wayne office is closer to school or home.