Choosing braces or clear aligners for your teen starts with understanding their bite, goals, and daily routine. At Stellar Orthodontics in Gilbert, AZ, Dr. Stella provides personalized teen orthodontic care and helps families understand their options.
Schedule your teen’s consultation
When Should a Teen Start Orthodontic Treatment?
The right time depends on tooth eruption, jaw growth, and the problem being treated—not a birthday alone. Many teens are ready for comprehensive treatment once most permanent teeth have erupted. Others benefit from monitoring or a different sequence of care. If your child has already had Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, this visit can assess whether a second phase is needed.
What Can Braces for Teens Treat?
Orthodontic treatment can address crowded or crooked teeth, gaps, and bite problems such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Dr. Stella evaluates whether the concern involves tooth position, jaw relationships, or both before recommending treatment. The goals may include a more comfortable bite, easier cleaning, and a smile your teen feels good about.
Braces or Clear Aligners: What Fits Your Teen?
Metal and Ceramic Braces
Braces stay attached to the teeth, so there are no trays to remember to put back in after meals. They still require careful cleaning, food precautions, regular appointments, and any prescribed elastic wear. Ceramic brackets can offer a less noticeable appearance. Explore our types of braces.
Clear Aligners, Including Invisalign
Removable aligners make eating and brushing more flexible, but your teen needs to wear them consistently as prescribed, usually 20–22 hours daily, and keep track of the trays. They are removed for meals and drinks other than plain water. Suitability depends on the bite and treatment plan. Read more about Invisalign treatment in Gilbert.
How do we choose? Dr. Stella considers the movements needed, your teen’s preferences, and their ability to follow the care routine. Both braces and aligners require participation; the best choice is the one that fits the clinical needs and can be managed consistently.
What Happens at the Consultation?
Review your history
We review medical and dental history.
Examine teeth and bite
We examine the teeth and bite and recommend diagnostic records if needed.
Discuss next steps
Parents and teens can discuss timing, treatment choices, estimated fees, and next steps together.
See what to expect at your first orthodontic visit.
How Much Do Teen Braces or Aligners Cost?
Fees depend on the treatment plan and complexity of care. Ask for a written estimate showing what is included, including visits, retainers, and any replacement charges. Dental insurance benefits, age limits, and lifetime orthodontic maximums vary by plan. Our team can discuss payment options; see our orthodontic financing information.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
Your teen will receive an estimate after assessment. Timing depends on the bite, growth, treatment goals, appointment attendance, and appliance or elastic wear. The estimate may change as treatment progresses. Neither braces nor aligners are automatically faster for every patient.
Helping Your Teen Feel Comfortable With Treatment
Starting orthodontic treatment can bring a mix of feelings. Some teens feel reassured when friends or classmates also wear braces or aligners. Others may feel self-conscious about their appearance or unsure about what treatment will be like. Both reactions are understandable.
Give your teen a voice in the conversation. Encourage them to ask Dr. Stella about appearance, comfort, and everyday routines, and include their preferences when discussing clinically appropriate treatment options. Listening to their concerns and setting realistic expectations can help them feel more involved and supported throughout treatment.
Fitting Treatment Around School and Activities
- Meals: Follow braces food precautions or store aligners safely in their case while eating.
- Cleaning: Keep up with brushing, cleaning between teeth, and regular dental check-ups.
- Sports and music: Discuss an appropriate mouthguard and any adjustment needed for playing an instrument.
- Appointments: Plan follow-up visits with the team and contact the office if an appliance breaks or an aligner is lost.
Include your teen in decisions and build simple routines together. A travel care kit and reminders can help with responsibilities away from home.
What Happens After Braces or Aligners?
Retainers help maintain tooth alignment after active treatment. Dr. Stella will explain the recommended wear schedule and follow-up. Contact the team if a retainer is lost, damaged, or no longer fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teens and parents often have questions when starting orthodontic treatment. These answers can help you feel more prepared.
How Long Does Teen Orthodontic Treatment Usually Take?
Most treatments last between 18 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and how well instructions are followed.
Can My Teen Still Play Sports With Braces?
Yes. Teens can continue all normal activities, including sports. A mouthguard is recommended for contact sports to protect teeth and appliances.
Will Braces Affect My Teen’s Ability to Play a Musical Instrument?
There may be a short adjustment period, but most teens adapt quickly and can continue playing without long-term issues.
How Can Parents Help Teens Take Care of Their Braces?
Encouraging good oral hygiene, attending scheduled appointments, and following orthodontic instructions all help ensure successful treatment.
What If a Bracket or Wire Breaks Between Appointments?
If something breaks, send a photo to our office. We may schedule a comfort visit if needed, or we can wait until your next appointment. In the meantime, orthodontic wax can be used to reduce discomfort.