Serving Children,
Teens, & Adults

Here at Selden Orthodontics, we believe everyone should be able to get quality orthodontic care and a beautiful straight smile. We’re proud to offer a full range of orthodontics for children, teens, and adults at our Charlotte and Huntersville offices.

Children, Teens, & Adults

Why Should You Think About Orthodontic Treatment?

Straight Teeth Are Healthy Teeth

When your teeth are properly aligned, it’s easier to keep them clean by flossing and brushing, which in turn helps to prevent other oral issues, including some that can affect your overall health.

A Straight Smile Builds Confidence & Self-Esteem

Successfully completed orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, give you a better quality of life, and allow you to smile freely for maybe the first time ever.

Untreated Oral Issues Will Get Worse

Delaying or refusing orthodontic treatment when it's needed can create long-term health issues that will wind up costing you more in the end.

Selden Orthodontics recognizes that children, teens, and adults will all have different dental needs, requiring a different level of attention and care. We work diligently with each patient to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for you in the most inviting environment.

Orthodontics for Children

Get a Head Start on a Beautiful Smile

 

Orthodontics for Children

As a parent, you want the best for your child. That includes healthy teeth and a pleasing smile. We'll treat your children like our own by giving them the best possible orthodontic care.

 Benefits of Two-Phase Treatment

Kids Should Get an Orthodontic Check-Up By 7

At that point, your child's teeth will have grown enough to notice minor issues with jaw growth and new teeth, even while some baby teeth remain.

This examination might show that your child's bite is good and they don't need braces.
Dr. Selden could also spot a potential issue but suggest watching your child's growth before deciding on treatment.

In some situations, Dr. Selden may see an issue that needs early intervention.

What Is Early Treatment?

Starting treatment early can stop bigger issues from developing, and could make later treatments quicker and simpler.

In certain situations, Dr. Selden can achieve outcomes that might not be feasible after the face and jaws are fully grown.

Signs the Bite's Not Right

Determining if your child needs braces or has orthodontic issues isn't always straightforward. Even seemingly straight teeth might conceal an underlying bite problem.

Here are signs that might suggest your child requires orthodontic evaluation:

  • Baby teeth falling out too early or too late
  • Trouble biting or chewing
  • Mouth breathing
  • Habitual thumb-sucking
  • Overcrowded, misaligned, or blocked teeth
  • Jaws positioned too forward or too backward
  • Cheek biting or biting the roof of the mouth
  • Teeth that stick out
  • Upper and lower teeth that don't align properly
  • An uneven facial look
  • Habitual teeth grinding or clenching

Choosing the Best Time for Treatment

Kids typically get braces between the ages of 9 and 14, though the exact age can vary.
Addressing some orthodontic issues early can make them easier to fix.

If Dr. Selden believes your child needs treatment, he will inform you of the best time to start. This allows the orthodontist to:

  • Direct jaw growth
  • Reduce the chance of injury to sticking out front teeth
  • Fix damaging oral habits
  • Boost your child's appearance and confidence
  • Help permanent teeth come in correctly
  • Achieve a better alignment of teeth, lips, and face

Orthodontics for Teens

Invest in Your Teen

 

Orthodontics for Teenagers

The teen years (between the ages of 12 and 16) are the most common time for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth will be in place. Luckily, some new solutions work to make the treatment process much easier than ever before.

When's the best time to get braces for you or your child? If you're asking this question, Dr. Selden is here to help!

All About Teen Orthodontics

Skilled orthodontists, such as Dr. Selden, can readily identify problems with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in teenagers. By this age, your teen’s bone and jaw are sufficiently developed for orthodontic treatment.

Some teenagers might have already undergone Phase I treatment when younger and are now progressing to full braces or other treatments.

Beyond how it looks, untreated dental issues can negatively affect your teen's oral health and overall well-being.

If you observe any of the points listed below, we advise scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Selden at Selden Orthodontics.

These could indicate that your teen might benefit from orthodontic care:

  • Unusual patterns in losing baby teeth, whether too early, late, or irregularly
  • Challenges in biting or chewing
  • Overcrowding or noticeable gaps between teeth
  • Jaws that move or produce noises
  • Regular cheek biting or biting the inner mouth
  • Teeth that don't align or meet irregularly
  • Jaws or teeth that seem disproportionate to the facial structure
  • Teeth that stick out

Choose Your Look

When creating a personalized treatment plan for your teen, we might suggest an orthodontic device. At Selden Orthodontics, we provide:

Metal Braces

While many envision braces as bulky metal fixtures, modern braces have evolved significantly, even in the last ten years. Our braces are far from bulky. The newer versions are lighter and offer increased comfort.

Invisalign

Invisalign consists of a series of tailor-made, transparent aligner trays. These aligners are almost invisible and entirely removable. Constructed from soft plastic, they promise a more comfortable orthodontic journey, eliminating any inner mouth friction or abrasion.

Your teen will transition to the next aligner in the sequence every week. By wearing them for the recommended 20-22 hours daily, their teeth will methodically shift to the intended positions.

Invisalign is optimal for mild to moderate orthodontic challenges, and might not be feasible if your teen requires a more intensive treatment.

Ceramic Braces

Also referred to as clear braces, they function similarly to metal braces but have brackets made from tooth-colored ceramic. These blend seamlessly with your teen's teeth, making them less noticeable.

However, given that ceramic braces tend to be somewhat more fragile and pricier than their metal counterparts, they might not be the right choice for every individual.

FAQs About Teen Orthodontics

Orthodontics for Adults

It’s Never too Late for a Beautiful Smile

 

Orthodontics for Adults

You’re never too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment or the confidence that comes with a straight smile and healthy bite. Adults make up about one in every five orthodontic patients at Selden Orthodontics.

Orthodontics Charlotte NC

More Adults Are Pursuing Orthodontics

There are plenty of great reasons why one in every five new orthodontic patients is an adult. Here are a few of them:

Looking Good

Orthodontic care can address misaligned teeth or gaps that you might have felt self-conscious about for a long time.

Such treatment can instill confidence and joy stemming from a beautiful, straight smile.

Your Teeth Can Shift

Surprisingly, teeth don't settle permanently in your youth. Teeth that appear straight during younger years can shift as you age.

Such movement can lead to jaw discomfort, challenges in brushing, or a smile you're not happy with.

Maintaining Dental Health

Neglecting misaligned teeth can lead to other dental issues, including tooth decay and gum disease.

Additionally, you might experience challenges in chewing or uneven wear on your teeth's surfaces.

Adult Orthodontics FAQ

Orthodontics Charlotte NC

Get Started

Start your journey towards a healthy new smile today and schedule your free consultation at our Charlotte or Huntersville office.

Let's talk about your orthodontic options and develop a treatment plan that's customized to your needs and smile goals.