Most adjustment appointments are quick (about 20-30 minutes) and occur every 4 to 8 weeks. We do our best to offer flexible scheduling so you can visit before or after school hours, or during a free period.

You can still enjoy most of your favorite foods, but you will need to temporarily avoid hard, sticky, and chewy items like caramel, hard candies, popcorn, and chewing gum, as these can easily break your brackets.

Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your bite and how closely you follow Dr. Hong’s instructions (like wearing your rubber bands!). On average, teen treatments last between 12 and 24 months.

Teens at Arch Orthodontics have several great options, including traditional metal braces (like the AO Mini Master system), clear ceramic braces (3M Clarity), and removable clear aligners (like Invisalign® or our custom Arch Ortho aligners).

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.