At About Faces & Braces, Dr. Shawn, Dr. Candice, and the entire team are all about your smile, and we’re all about your teen’s smile, too! There’s a lot that goes into teen orthodontic treatment, and it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be! Let’s get into your need-to-know right here.
When Is the Right Time for Orthodontic Treatment?
Every teen’s smile is different, but there’s a common window when orthodontic treatment tends to work best. Understanding that timing can help you support your child’s long-term dental health and give them a boost of confidence along the way.
A good rule of thumb? Ages 11 to 15 are usually the prime time for orthodontic care. At this stage, most permanent teeth are in, and the jaw is still growing, which makes it easier to guide healthy alignment. If you wait too long, that window of opportunity can start to close, making treatment more complex later on.
Early Signs to Look For
You don’t have to wait for a dental referral or visible discomfort to take action. Many parents first notice signs like crowding, noticeable gaps, or crooked teeth when helping with brushing. Your teen might also complain about headaches, jaw clicking, or difficulty biting and chewing.
Even if things look fine, it’s a good idea to schedule an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That doesn’t mean treatment starts right away—it just helps catch potential issues early and allows your orthodontist to monitor development as your child grows.
Why the Teenage Years Matter
Teen smile development happens fast. Bones are still forming, and teeth respond more predictably to braces or aligners than they do in adulthood. Catching issues during this time can reduce treatment length and prevent bigger problems down the line.
What’s more, many teens are socially aware of their appearance. Starting treatment at the right time can improve self-esteem while setting the stage for lifelong oral health.
Skip the Referral, Schedule Direct
If you’re wondering whether it’s time, don’t wait for your general dentist to say so. At About Faces & Braces, you can schedule a free consultation directly. We’ll walk you through your options and let you know if it’s the right time to start.
Braces, Clear Aligners, or Something Else?
Teen orthodontic treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. At our practice, we offer a full range of options, including modern metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign for teens, so your family can choose the path that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Metal Braces: Still a Top Choice for Teens
Tried, tested, and trusted—metal braces are still the most common choice for teen orthodontic treatment. They’re efficient, durable, and effective for everything from mild crowding to complex bite corrections.
Plus, modern braces aren’t the clunky gear of the past. Today’s brackets are smaller and more comfortable. And with colorful rubber bands, your teen can customize their look at every visit, making treatment feel more fun and less clinical.
Clear Braces: A More Subtle Alternative
If visibility is a concern, clear ceramic braces blend in more naturally with your teen’s teeth. They offer the same mechanics as metal braces but with a sleeker look. Clear braces hit a great middle ground for teens who want something less noticeable but still hands-on.
They’re especially popular for school photos, performances, or teens who feel self-conscious about their smile. Just keep in mind they’re slightly more delicate than metal, so they may require a little extra care.
Clear Aligners: Flexibility Without the Hardware
Clear aligners, like Invisalign Teen, are growing in popularity for a reason. They’re nearly invisible, completely removable, and often more comfortable than brackets and wires. For motivated teens who can commit to wearing them 20–22 hours a day, aligners offer both freedom and great results.
They also make it easier to keep teeth clean, so your teen can brush and floss normally without needing to work around wires. That means fewer hygiene issues during treatment, and a healthier smile when it’s all done.
What to Expect During Treatment
Orthodontic care is a journey, not a single visit. Here’s what you and your teen can expect from start to finish—and how we make it as smooth as possible.
The First Visit
During your teen’s first visit to About Faces & Braces, we’ll do a full smile assessment, including X-rays and photos. We’ll talk through your options, answer questions, and recommend a plan that makes sense for your teen’s needs and goals.
Whether you move forward with braces or aligners, we’ll give you a clear timeline, a breakdown of the process, and info on what to expect at each step.
Check-Ins and Adjustments
Once treatment begins, your teen will come in for regular checkups, usually every 6 to 8 weeks. These visits allow us to make adjustments, track progress, and keep everything on schedule.
It’s also a chance to make sure your teen is keeping up with care. Whether it’s changing out aligners or tightening wires, our team makes it easy to stay on track.
Treatment Length and Timeline
Most teen orthodontic treatments last between 12 and 24 months. That said, every case is unique. Some minor issues can be resolved in under a year, while more complex treatments take longer.
The good news? We keep parents in the loop the whole way, so you’ll never be guessing how things are going.
Supporting Your Teen Throughout Treatment
Orthodontic care is about more than just hardware, it’s about helping your teen feel confident, informed, and supported.
Encouragement Makes a Difference
Teenagers thrive with support. You don’t need to be an expert, but a little encouragement goes a long way. Remind your teen to wear their aligners, avoid sticky foods, and keep up with oral hygiene. And when in doubt, we’re just a call away.
Making It Fun
At About Faces & Braces, we create an environment that makes teens feel comfortable and seen. From friendly faces at the front desk to fun office contests and rewards, we want every visit to feel positive.
We also give your teen ownership of their treatment, whether that’s picking out bracket colors or tracking their aligner progress. When they feel in control, they’re more likely to stick with it.
Stay in the Know
We make communication easy. From appointment reminders to text updates and online portals, you’ll always know where your teen is in their treatment. And if something ever feels off, our team is quick to help.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Teen orthodontic treatment can feel like a big commitment, but it’s one that pays off for years to come. At About Faces & Braces, we’re here to make the journey smoother, more enjoyable, and fully customized to your teen’s needs.
Whether you’re ready to book or just have a few parent orthodontic questions, our team is here to help. Let’s build a confident, healthy smile your teen will love for life.
Schedule your free consultation today and take the first step toward a brighter, straighter smile.