As parents, we wonder when our teens should switch to an adult dentist. It is a common question that arises as our children grow and their adult teeth start coming in.
Even though teenagers are no longer children, their oral health is still influenced by ongoing changes in their mouths, faces, and jaw. That's where our experienced pediatric dentists in Brampton come in. At Dentistry on Dusk, we understand your concerns. We say yes! Teens should definitely continue to see their pediatric dentist.
The pediatric dentists in our Brampton clinic are trained to address the unique needs of adolescents. From teaching them proper oral hygiene to offering orthodontic services for teeth-crowding, we can best take care of their dental needs.
Here, we discuss why it is important for your teen to keep seeing a pediatric dentist.
Teenagers should continue to visit their pediatric dentist. Here we explain why.
They Continue Growing Through Their Teen Years
Young people go through significant physical growth and development during their teen years. While their baby teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth, their jaw and face continue to grow and change. Their pediatric dentist is well aware of this ongoing growth and is trained to monitor and address these changes.
For example, consider a scenario where your teenager's jaw is still growing but their permanent teeth are erupting at a faster rate, causing overcrowding. A pediatric dentist can identify this issue early on and recommend appropriate orthodontic treatment to ensure proper alignment and prevent future complications. By closely monitoring the growth and changes in your teen’s mouth, their pediatric dentist can provide timely interventions and guide the development of a healthy smile.
Moreover, the growth of the face and jaw can impact the position of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). If a teenager's jaw growth is not in sync with the rest of their facial development, it can lead to TMJ disorders and related symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty moving their jaw. Pediatric dentists are trained to recognize such signs and can suggest suitable treatment options or refer the patient to a specialist.
The mouth finishes growing and developing between the ages of 18 and 22. By continuing to see their pediatric dentist through these years, young people can benefit from the specialized knowledge and expertise of their dental professional. Pediatric dentists understand the unique dental needs of adolescents and are equipped to provide comprehensive care during this crucial phase of growth.
Orthodontic Services May Be Required
During the teenage years,orthodontic treatmentbecomes a common consideration for many children. Besides tooth crowding, several other dental issues may require orthodontic services for teenagers. These include:
Reasons Why Your Teen Should Keep Visiting Their Pediatric Dentist in Brampton

- Malocclusion: This refers to a misalignment of teeth and jaws that can cause functional and aesthetic concerns. This includes issues like an open bite (when the upper and lower teeth don't meet when biting down), a deep bite (excessive overlap of the upper teeth over the lower teeth), or a crossbite (when some teeth are closer to the cheek or tongue instead of in their normal position). Orthodontic treatment can help correct these malocclusions and improve both the function and appearance of the smile.
- Protruding Teeth: Some teenagers may have front teeth that stick out prominently, which can be a source of self-consciousness and increase the risk of dental injuries. Orthodontic intervention can help bring these teeth into proper alignment and reduce the risk of accidents or trauma to the teeth.
- Jaw Misalignment: In some cases, a teenager's upper and lower jaws may not align correctly, leading to an uneven bite or facial asymmetry. Orthodontic treatment, in conjunction with the guidance of an orthodontist, can help correct these jaw discrepancies and improve the face’s overall balance and harmony.
- Speech Difficulties: Dental issues such as misaligned teeth or jaws can contribute to speech problems. Some teenagers may experience difficulties pronouncing certain sounds or have a lisp. Orthodontic treatment can help address these issues by aligning the teeth and jaws properly, allowing for clearer speech and improved confidence.