Adolescent Orthodontic Treatment

Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics specializes in orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment is used not only to align and straighten teeth, but also to improve appearance and a person’s bite. Orthodontics may be used to correct malocclusions, overbites, underbites, cross bites, deep bites, crooked teeth and other imperfections of the teeth and jaws.

Dental technology has improved over the years to include new options to help correct the above issues, and there are a number of techniques and products available that were not available just a few short years ago. The patient experience has improved and today’s options are less conspicuous than the full braces that were common in the past.

Traditional metal and clear braces are the most popular type of braces as they produce high quality results. Clear Ceramic braces are most popular with teenagers who want the results of braces without the look of metal. Your visit will begin with a consultation with the doctor to go over the best alternatives for your orthodontic care. Your orthodontist will address any questions you may have regarding your treatment and will provide a plan for orthodontic therapy.

Metal braces made from stainless steel brackets and wires remain the most popular choice for braces and are very effective.

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Several advantages clear brackets have over traditional metal braces and aligners: they are virtually invisible, they combine tieless braces with high technology arch wires that are clinically proven to move teeth fast and comfortably with truly spectacular smile and facial results. Available from skilled orthodontists, clear braces combine the best of traditional clear braces and invisible aligners to deliver a discrete treatment experience with results that go beyond straight teeth.

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Most young adults today do not want to spend their teen years wearing braces. With great features for young patients, we offer orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to straighten your teen's smile more comfortably and conveniently that other orthodontic treatments.

Invisalign® Teen aligners takes a modern approach to straightening teeth, using custom 3D computer graphics technology and a series of custom made aligners created for you and only you.  These aligner trays are made of comfortable and virtually invisible clear material that you wear over your teeth. With our our new blue compliance indicators, parents can  be confident that their teen is wearing their aligners enough.

Invisalign® Teen is the perfect solution for teens on the go. You can gently shift your teeth into place by wearing each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat or clean your teeth. Being able to remove the aligners whenever you like allows you to enjoy life without restriction or inconvenience. The best part is that Invisalign® Teen aligners are virtually invisible- so no one will ever know!

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Once treatment is complete, a retainer is worn for a period of time, usually just at night. The retainer helps maintain the new smile and also allows for small adjustments, if needed, once the braces have been removed.

Your orthodontist will go over the options with you and provide specific instructions on the use of your retainers.

Made with a plastic or acrylic base which holds a metal wire that fits flush against your teeth, Hawley Retainers are affordable and effective. The wire sits against your front teeth and it can even be adjusted to refine the alignment of your teeth if needed.

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Essix retainers are similar to invisible aligners in that they are thin, plastic trays molded to fit flush against your teeth. Unlike aligners, an Essix retainer doesn’t shift your teeth into different positions, but instead holds them in place or makes slight refinements to them as the final stage of orthodontic treatment.

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