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Adolescent Treatment

Dr. Stormberg and his experienced team are proud to bring beautiful smiles to our teenage patients in La Mesa, El Cajon, and throughout San Diego county.

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Orthodontic Options for Your Teen

By using advanced orthodontic technology and creating an individualized treatment plan, catered to the specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle of our patients, we’re able to achieve results that will last a lifetime. Once you bring your child to our office for their initial consultation and complete any necessary early treatment, you’ll return when they reach adolescence to begin Phase II orthodontic treatment.

Why Is Adolescence The Best Time For Treatment?

Each child’s situation is unique, and sometimes additional intervention is needed to begin correcting orthodontic issues and prevent oral health issues down the line. However, the most popular time to begin treatment is anywhere between ages 9-12. During this time, most children have lost all their baby teeth and have a full set of permanent teeth with subsequent orthodontic problems. Braces and other orthodontic appliances work in tandem with the teenage growth spurt and higher metabolism levels, so that treatment is completed in an efficient and effective manner.

The Benefits Of Treatment

Adolescence is the perfect time to begin receiving treatment for the following reasons:

  • Improved Facial Appearance & Oral Health – As your teen progresses through orthodontic treatment, you’ll notice positive changes to their appearance and smile. Also, straighter teeth and a healthier smile are much easier to maintain, making trips to the dentist a breeze.
  • Positive Social Experience – Most of your teen’s classmates and friends will also have braces, making it that much easier to get your child to come to every appointment. They’ll be excited to wear braces with their friends, and go through the experience with their peers!
  • Saves Time & Money – The longer you wait to solve orthodontic issues, the worse they can become. Choosing to align treatment with your child’s natural growth and development will save you time, money, and minimize overall treatment time.

Popular Treatments At Stormberg Orthodontics

  • Traditional Metal Braces – When people think of orthodontic treatment, they think of metal braces. They remain one of the most efficient and cost-effective treatment methods, and today’s metal braces are smaller and more comfortable. Teens also enjoy customizing the colors of their braces.
  • Clear Braces – For a more discreet treatment option, we offer clear braces with brackets made out of a ceramic materials. It’s important for patients to pay special attention to their oral hygiene, as the elastic ties can discolor in between visits to our office.
  • Invisalign Teen – Invisalign is a series of clear, plastic removable trays that move teeth into optimal position over a period of time. Modern orthodontic technology has created specialized aligners for teens, with “compliance indicators” to show Dr. Stormberg if they’re being worn as prescribed. They’re nearly impossible to notice, and are great for busy teens. Dr. Stormberg is in the 1% Top Provider for Invisalign and Invisalign Teen in the world, with more than 20+ years of experience with Invisalign.
  • Orthodontic Appliances – If major tooth movement is needed, we may recommend other small devices to prepare the teeth for treatment. For example, we use rapid palatal expanders to expand the jaw and make room for growing teeth.

To ensure your treatment progresses as planned, it’s important to follow Dr. Stormberg’s instructions, recommendations, and list of foods to avoid.

Retention

After your teen completes treatment and has a beautiful, straight smile, it’s important that they understand the work isn’t over yet. Orthodontic retention begins right after treatment ends, and Dr. Stormberg will work with you to provide a retainer that fits your needs and lifestyle. We recommend wearing your customized retainer as much as possible for the first three to six months, then wear it each night for the rest of your life!

How it Works

1. Getting to Know You

Your first visit to our office is the beginning of your orthodontic journey, and we’re just as excited as you! We take complimentary Xrays and images of your teeth and Dr. Stormberg performs a thorough examination of your teeth, mouth, and gums. 

2. Custom Treatment Plan

Dr. Stormberg creates a customized treatment plan for each patient to ensure you reach your full smile potential! At Stormberg Orthodontics, we want to help you get the smile that you love with treatment as convenient as possible.

3. Your New Smile

We pride ourselves on giving our patients beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime and that dedication doesn’t end when your braces are removed. Stormberg Orthodontics offers a variety of retainer options to find the best fit for your smile and lifestyle.

Just Moved? We Are Accepting New Patients!

If you have already begun orthodontic treatment and you’ve recently moved to the area, don’t worry, we can help make the process of switching to, or from, our office as easy as possible.
  • Military Transfers
  • Job Transfers
  • College Students
  • FAQs from Dr. Kurt Stormberg

    How much will braces cost? Are financing options available? How does my insurance work?
    We can only determine treatment costs after your initial consultation is completed, as each patient’s case is unique. You can learn more about our Financing & Insurance policies on our website, or speak to one of our staff members at the office. We’ll review your financing options with you, and will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits.
    Will I need to have teeth extract for braces?
    It depends on your unique situation, but sometimes in order to achieve optimal results, teeth may need to be removed. However, advanced technology and methods have made this less common.
    Can I wear braces even though I have crowns and missing teeth?
    Yes, absolutely! A tooth will a crown will move just like a regular tooth, and treatment will aid in the alignment of the remaining teeth.
    Do braces hurt?
    Braces or Invisalign don’t “hurt,” but for the first couple days you may feel some slight discomfort. When there is soreness, Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen) can help ease the discomfort.
    Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
    Absolutely. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to return to your normal daily life.

    FAQs from Dr. Kurt Stormberg

    Will my teeth straighten as they grow?
    Unfortunately, no. Orthodontic issues, such as spacing and malocclusions, tend to worsen with age. It’s important to be examined as early as possible, to ensure these problems are corrected sooner rather than later.
    At what age should I schedule an appointment for an orthodontic screening?

    American Association of Orthodontists recommend you should schedule your child’s first appointment by age 7.  

    Orthodontic treatment and a child’s growth can complement each other.  By timing orthodontic treatment to predictable stages of dental development, the orthodontist may be able to take advantage of your child’s growth and development.  Some problems that can be treated quite well in a growing child may require corrective surgery or permanent teeth to be extracted if treated after growth has occurred.

    Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
    We do our best to schedule you for the most convenient times based on your busy schedule, but cannot make any guarantees. However, most appointments are scheduled 4-10 weeks apart, so you or your child will miss minimal work/school time.
    Can I drop my child off for an appointment?
    We completely understand your busy schedule and are happy to accommodate. Once you pick up your child, we will review what was accomplished at the conclusion of each appointment and what is expected to be accomplished at the next appointment.  We strongly recommend making the follow up appointments prior to leaving our office.
    Can orthodontic correction occur while a child has baby teeth?
    If an orthodontic issue is severe enough, then early intervention can occur while the child still has baby teeth. If your child isn’t ready yet, we’ll simply monitor their growth and development, and begin treatment when they’re ready.

    FAQs from Dr. Kurt Stormberg

    Can I still play sports
    Of course! We do recommend that you use a mouthguard to protect your mouth during treatment.
    Can I return to school the day I receive my braces?
    Absolutely. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to return to your normal daily life.
    Will my teeth straighten as they grow?
    Unfortunately, no. Orthodontic issues, such as spacing and malocclusions, tend to worsen with age. It’s important to be examined as early as possible, to ensure these problems are corrected sooner rather than later.
    Can I schedule all of my appointments after school?
    We do our best to schedule you for the most convenient times based on your busy schedule, but cannot make any guarantees. However, most appointments are scheduled 4-10 weeks apart, so you or your child will miss minimal work/school time.

    FAQs from Dr. Kurt Stormberg

    Is it too late to have braces if I am already an adult?
    Adult orthodontics is becoming more common, as orthodontic treatment helps increase overall happiness level, health, and self-esteem. It’s never too late for a beautiful smile!
    Can I still play sports?
    Of course! We do recommend that you use a mouthguard to protect your mouth during treatment.
    What is an emergency appointment? How are those handled?
    If your braces are hurting you or your child severely, or if one of your appliances breaks, you should call our office. We can solve most orthodontic emergencies over the phone, but will make time for you if your issue requires an office visit.

    FAQs from Dr. Kurt Stormberg

    How long do I have to wear the aligners?

    Because each patient is different, treatment time with Invisalign varies. You could be in treatment for as little as 6 months or as long as 24 months – it all depends on the specific type of orthodontic problem you have and how compliant you are wearing your aligners and keeping your scheduled appointments.

    Do I have to wear the aligners even at night?

    Yes. In order for Invisalign to work as it’s designed, you must wear your aligners for up to 22 hours each day. You can remove them when eating and when brushing & flossing. You can also take them out temporarily for those special occasions such as interviews or school photos as long as you put them right back in afterward.

    Are there certain foods I must avoid eating that might break my aligners?

    Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed when eating. One of the greatest benefits associated with Invisalign is the fact that there are no food restrictions whatsoever. You can continue enjoying all your favorite foods including hard-crusted breads, corn-on-the-cob, etc. as long as you take your aligners out before eating, but be sure to at least rinse, if not brush and rinse, before replacing your Invisalign trays. Any foods with color or food coloring (coffee, tea, red sauce, curry, sodas) can be on your teeth and slowly stain your attachments and/or trays.

    Will my speech be affected?

    When you first start wearing Invisalign, you may notice that your speech is not as clear as it normally is. This is nothing to panic about, as you simply must get used to wearing the aligners. Just spend a bit of time speaking or singing out loud while wearing your aligners and before you know it, your speech will return to normal.

    Can I chew gum?

    No, chewing gum is not a good idea because it will stick to your aligners and make a big mess.

    FAQs from Dr. Kurt Stormberg

    Is it required that my family dentist schedule my appointment with the orthodontist?
    It’s not required, but often times our patients are referred by their family dentist. However, patients also are referred by family members and friends, and take the initiative to schedule an appointment themselves.
    Why should I choose an orthodontic specialist?
    Orthodontic specialists have the education, training and experience to effectively alter teeth, jaw, and facial structures to help patients achieve optimal oral health. It’s critical that treatment is personalized to each individual and properly completed, and choosing a specialist, like Dr. Stormberg, ensures that everything is done correctly.
    How do I schedule an appointment for an initial exam?
    You can schedule an appointment by calling our La Mesa office at (614) 462-4462, or you can complete an appointment request online. One of our staff members will take down some of your basic information, and let you know what you need to bring to our office for your appointment.
    What will happen at the initial examination appointment?
    Before you leave, be sure to have all the necessary information needed to complete our new patient forms, including your insurance information. Then, Dr. Stormberg will complete the examination, which can include X-rays and photographs, to properly diagnose you or your child’s condition. If you want to learn even more about what happens, you can find more information on our First Visit page.
    How often will I have appointments?
    Treatment time varies from patient to patient, depending on the severity of the orthodontic issues. The average patient wears appliances anywhere from 18-24 months, and total treatment time ranges from about 12-30 months.
    Do you give shots?
    No, as shots are not necessary for orthodontic treatment.

    What are you waiting for?

    Smile Brighter Today!

    We have treatments to bring out the best in any smile. Learn about your options at your complimentary visit.
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