Teen Treatment

Teen Treatment for Your Young Adult

The teenage years are the most common time for kids to get braces. Our teen patients have many treatment options depending upon their specific needs and how they want look during treatment.

Some patients love to be creative and colorful. For these we have modern braces and colors galor!
Others want cosmetic braces or Invisalign clear aligners to keep their treatment as undetected as possible
The best time to "get braces" is after the last baby teeth are lost and the 12-year-molars are all in
Modern orthodontic treatment in our office requires less extractions, no headgear, and shorter treatment times

How long does treatment take?

The length of treatment is determined by the complexity of the problems. Generally speaking however, teen treatment usually lasts between one and two years.

Will I need headgear?

Headgear is one way to correct an overbite. It was very popular 25 years ago. Luckily there are now other options that are less noticeable and we haven't prescribed it in over 15 years.

Do I need teeth pulled for braces?

Most patients in our practice (about 80%) are able to be treated without removing teeth. There are some mouths however that are just too small to hold 28 teeth without making the patient have flared or "bucked teeth." In these cases an extraction option is presented so that you can achieve your best smile.

Does Invisalign work on teenagers?

We can straighten your teeth using either wires or clear plastic aligners. Except for some more complex cases, clear aligners are a great choice for responsible teen patients (who are totally willing to wear them full-time). Patients who are kind of forgetful or just don't want to worry about taking things in and out of their mouth may prefer cosmetic braces.