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For Teens
Orthodontics for Teens
Braces, retainers, and everything else that you want to know about orthodontics!
You’ve just heard the three words that every teen dreads: “YOU NEED BRACES!”
Braces! What now?
Don’t worry! Braces aren’t nearly as scary as you may think. In fact, braces today come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, making life with braces much easier, more comfortable, and even more stylish than in the past.
How long will I have to wear braces?
The amount of time it takes to treat your smile with braces depends on three key factors:
Early treatment
Early treatment allows orthodontists to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Not everybody receives early orthodontic treatment, and in some cases it may be recommended that a patient wait until they are older to receive treatment.
What needs correction
The amount of treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently, so while it may take one patient only 12 months to complete their treatment, it may take another patient 24 months. Treatment times can vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect.
YOU!
Your willingness to use the appliances your orthodontist gives you plays a major role in the length of time it takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to take care of your braces and appliances; this truly will help make your treatment shorter!
Braces your way
Our practice offers a variety of braces, types, and styles to choose from. Some common options include
Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today’s braces make it easy to look good and feel good! Please contact our practice to schedule your next orthodontic checkup.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.