Teen Orthodontics in Springfield, OR

Teen orthodontics can help guide growing smiles, improve bite function and make crowded or misaligned teeth easier to care for. Dr. Matthew Epperson provides personalized teen orthodontics in Springfield, OR, with treatment plans based on each patient’s teeth, bite, growth and daily routine.

With experience treating approximately 700 teen orthodontic cases, Dr. Epperson evaluates each teen individually and recommends the treatment approach that can provide the most predictable result. Call 541-852-2552 today to schedule a consultation with our orthodontist and learn more.

What Is Teen Orthodontics?

Teen orthodontics focuses on straightening teeth and improving bite relationships during adolescence. By the teen years, most permanent teeth have erupted, while the jaws may still be growing. This creates an important opportunity to address tooth alignment and, when appropriate, guide developing bite and jaw relationships.

Teen orthodontic treatment may address:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth

• Spaces between teeth

• Crooked or rotated teeth

• Overbite, underbite or crossbite

• Teeth erupting out of position

• Bite concerns related to jaw growth

• Alignment changes after previous orthodontic treatment

Treatment may include traditional braces, elastics or additional orthodontic appliances depending on your teen’s needs.

When Is Teen Orthodontic Treatment Recommended?

The right time to begin treatment depends on your teen’s tooth development, bite and growth rather than age alone. Our orthodontist will evaluate how the permanent teeth are erupting, whether enough space is available and how the upper and lower jaws relate to one another before recommending treatment.

Some bite concerns can benefit from treatment while a teen is still growing. Dr. Epperson commonly uses growth-modification treatment during the preteen and teen years, when growth potential may help support correction of certain jaw relationships.

If treatment is not yet necessary, monitoring may be the better option. The goal is to begin orthodontic care when it can provide meaningful benefit rather than starting treatment simply because a patient has reached a certain age.

Braces for Teens

Traditional braces are the primary treatment approach Dr. Epperson recommends for most teens. Because brackets and wires remain in place throughout treatment, they provide consistent control over tooth movement without relying on the patient to remember to wear a removable appliance.

Braces can be used to address a wide range of teen orthodontic concerns, including crowding, spacing and more involved bite correction. They can also be combined with elastics or other appliances when additional jaw or bite correction is needed.

In Dr. Epperson’s experience, teens generally do very well with traditional braces because treatment can progress consistently without depending on daily aligner compliance.

Are Clear Aligners an Option for Teens?

Clear aligners may be appropriate for selected patients, but they are not usually Dr. Epperson’s first choice for teen treatment. Aligners need to be worn for approximately 20–22 hours each day, and inconsistent wear can prevent the teeth from moving as planned.

Our orthodontist will consider the complexity of the required tooth movement as well as whether a patient is likely to wear removable trays consistently. For most teens, traditional braces offer a more predictable approach.

Growth Modification and Bite Correction

Because many teens are still growing, orthodontic treatment may sometimes involve more than moving the teeth. Certain jaw relationships can be addressed with appliances designed to guide growth or improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

Dr. Epperson has experience treating approximately 150 cases involving growth modification or functional appliances. He commonly uses MARA appliances for more significant lower-jaw deficiencies and traditional elastics for less severe corrections. These approaches are typically most effective during the preteen and teen years, when growth is still occurring.

When appropriate, palatal expansion may also be recommended to address a narrow upper jaw and create additional space for the developing teeth.

How Teen Orthodontics Works

Teen orthodontic care begins with a comprehensive evaluation so treatment can be planned around your teen’s individual needs.

Initial evaluation: Our orthodontist examines the teeth, bite and jaw relationships and reviews the appropriate diagnostic records.

Digital records: A Medit i700 intraoral scanner can create a detailed digital model of the teeth without traditional impression material.

Personalized treatment plan: We explain the recommended treatment, treatment goals and any appliances that may be needed.

Starting treatment: Braces are placed or another recommended appliance is provided.

Progress visits: Regular appointments allow our orthodontist to monitor tooth movement and make adjustments as needed.

Bite correction: Elastics or other appliances may be used when the treatment plan includes jaw or bite correction.

Retention: Retainers help protect the new tooth positions after active orthodontic treatment is complete.

Teen Orthodontics for School, Sports and Activities

Orthodontic treatment should not prevent teens from participating in the activities they enjoy. Most patients can continue playing sports, participating in school activities and playing musical instruments throughout treatment.

There is usually an adjustment period of about a week after braces are placed. During that time, the teeth may feel tender and the lips and cheeks may need time to get used to the appliances. After that initial period, many patients report that they notice their braces much less during everyday activities.

Our team also provides guidance on brushing, flossing and caring for braces so teens can maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout treatment. For contact sports, a braces-friendly mouth guard can help protect the teeth and appliances from injury.

Personalized Care For Teens

Teen orthodontic care works best when patients understand their treatment and feel comfortable asking questions.

Our orthodontist personally provides clinical care throughout treatment rather than delegating clinical responsibilities to an assistant. This allows Dr. Epperson to monitor each teen’s progress closely while giving patients and parents consistent one-on-one attention at their appointments.

We also take time to explain what teens need to do between visits, whether that involves oral hygiene, elastics, appliance care or protecting braces during sports.

Schedule a Teen Orthodontic Consultation

If your family is considering teen orthodontics in Springfield, OR, our orthodontist can evaluate your teen’s teeth, bite and growth and explain the treatment options that may be appropriate. Call 541-852-2552 today to schedule a consultation and learn how personalized orthodontic care can support your teen’s developing smile.