Teen Orthodontics: A Complete Guide for Parents
Posted on September 16th, 2026 | GEkidds
The teenage years are one of the most common times for orthodontic treatment. By this stage, their permanent teeth have come in, the jaw is still developing, and concerns such as crowding, gaps, overbites, and crooked teeth are easier to evaluate.
Parents still have plenty of decisions to make, though. Does your teenager actually need orthodontic treatment? When should treatment begin? Are traditional braces still the best choice, or could clear braces or Invisalign work? How do you find the right orthodontist for your teen?
This guide covers the most important things parents should know about orthodontics for teens, from the first evaluation through post-treatment.
What’s Covered in Teen Orthodontics?
Teen orthodontics focuses on diagnosing and correcting problems involving the position of the teeth and jaws during adolescence.
Orthodontic treatment is not only about creating straighter teeth. Proper alignment can also improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together, make certain parts of the mouth easier to clean, and support better oral health.
An orthodontist may recommend treatment for problems such as:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Overbites and underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Teeth that have erupted in unusual positions
- Other problems involving tooth or jaw alignment
Every teenager’s smile develops differently, which is why an orthodontic evaluation is an important first step before deciding whether treatment is necessary.
At What Age Should My Teen Start Orthodontic Treatment?
There is no single age when teenagers should get braces or another orthodontic treatment.
In fact, we typically recommend orthodontic evaluation before your child reaches the teenage years. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. This does not mean that treatment needs to begin at 7. An early evaluation simply allows the orthodontist to identify any developing problems and determine the best time to address them.
For many patients, comprehensive orthodontic treatment begins between approximately ages 11 and 14, when most permanent teeth have already erupted.
The right timing depends on the problem being treated, dental development, jaw growth, and other individual factors. Some teens benefit from beginning treatment sooner, while others may be advised to wait.
If your child has already reached their teenage years without an orthodontic evaluation, it is not too late. An orthodontist can assess their current development and recommend next steps.
How Do I Know If My Teen Needs Orthodontic Treatment?
Some orthodontic problems are easy for parents to notice. You may see crowded teeth, large gaps, or teeth that appear noticeably crooked.
Other problems are less obvious. Your teenager’s teeth might appear relatively straight while their bite does not fit together properly.
Signs that it may be time for an orthodontic evaluation include difficulty biting or chewing, crowded or misplaced teeth, noticeable gaps, a jaw that appears out of proportion, or upper and lower teeth that do not meet properly.
You do not need to determine whether your teenager needs treatment on your own. An orthodontic consultation is designed to identify these concerns and explain treatment options.
What Happens During a Teen Orthodontic Consultation?
Your child’s first consultation gives the orthodontist an opportunity to evaluate your teenager’s teeth, bite, and jaw development.
Depending on your child’s needs, the evaluation may include an examination, photographs, digital imaging, or X-rays. These records help the orthodontist understand how the teeth and jaws are positioned and plan treatment accordingly.
Parents and teens should also have an opportunity to ask questions. If treatment is recommended, the orthodontist can explain the problem being addressed, available treatment options, estimated treatment time, financing and insurance options, and what will be expected from your teenager.
At Glen Ellyn kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Paul DiFranco provides orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults. Having orthodontics and pediatric dentistry in the same practice can also make coordinating a teenager’s ongoing dental and orthodontic care much more convenient.
What Are the Latest Orthodontic Treatment Options for Teens?
Traditional metal braces are still widely used, but today’s teenagers have several orthodontic options to choose from. Advances in orthodontic materials and clear aligner technology have made treatment more comfortable and less noticeable than many parents remember from their own teenage years.
The right treatment depends on the orthodontic problem, your teenager’s preferences, and how reliably they can follow treatment instructions.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional braces use brackets attached to the teeth and an archwire to gradually move the teeth into their planned positions.
Modern braces are smaller and more streamlined than older versions. Because they remain attached to the teeth throughout treatment, teens do not have to remember to put them back in after eating or brushing.
Braces can treat a wide range of orthodontic problems, including complex tooth and bite movements.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work similarly to traditional braces but use less noticeable brackets. They can be appealing to teenagers who want the benefits of fixed orthodontic treatment with a more discreet appearance.
Clear braces still require careful brushing and regular orthodontic appointments. Your orthodontist can determine whether they are appropriate for your teenager’s treatment needs.
Invisalign and Clear Aligners for Teens
Clear aligners like Invisalign provide another alternative to braces for certain patients. Invisalign treatment uses a planned series of removable aligners to gradually move the teeth.
Because aligners are removable, teens can take them out for meals and when brushing and flossing. They are also much less noticeable than conventional braces.
That flexibility, however, comes with additional responsibility. Aligners only work when they are worn according to the orthodontist’s instructions. A teenager who frequently forgets or loses their aligners may have difficulty keeping treatment on schedule.
Clear aligners can address many orthodontic concerns, but they are not automatically the best option for every patient.
Braces or Clear Aligners: Which Is Better for My Teen?
Braces may make sense for a teen who needs more complex adjustments or would rather not keep track of removable aligners. Clear aligners may appeal to teens who want a less noticeable treatment and are responsible enough to follow their wear schedule.
Consider your teen’s:
- Specific orthodontic diagnosis
- Treatment goals
- Daily routine
- Ability to follow instructions
- Oral hygiene habits
- Feelings about the appearance of braces
An orthodontist can explain which options can effectively treat your teenager’s particular orthodontic needs. If more than one option is appropriate, your teen can then have a meaningful role in choosing the treatment they prefer.
How Long Does Teen Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Orthodontic treatment time can vary considerably. Some relatively simple cases can be completed faster, while complex bite or alignment problems may require treatment for two years or longer.
Treatment length will depend on the amount of tooth adjustment needed, the type of problem being corrected, the treatment method, and how your teenager’s body responds to treatment.
Your teen’s habits matter too. Missing appointments, breaking appliances, or failing to wear aligners or orthodontic elastics as directed can delay their progress.
Your orthodontist should provide an estimated timeline after evaluating your teen, but it is important to remember that this is an estimate rather than a guaranteed completion date.
Does Getting Braces Hurt?
Orthodontic treatment should not cause constant pain, but temporary soreness is common.
Teens may notice discomfort when the braces are first placed, after adjustments, or when switching to a new set of clear aligners. This usually improves over a couple of days as their mouth adjusts.
Brackets can occasionally irritate the inside of the cheeks or lips, particularly at the beginning of treatment. Orthodontic wax can often help protect these irritated areas.
If your teenager experiences severe or persistent pain, contact their orthodontist right away for an evaluation.
How Should Teens Take Care of Their Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment?
Oral hygiene is even more important during orthodontic treatment.
Braces create additional areas where plaque and food can collect. Your teen will need to clean carefully around brackets and wires in addition to brushing the rest of their teeth. Flossing can sometimes require special tools or techniques.
Invisalign makes brushing and flossing easier because the aligners can be removed. However, teens still need to clean their teeth before replacing the aligners and keep the aligners themselves clean.
You should keep up with regular dental exams and professional cleanings throughout orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic appointments do not replace routine preventive dental visits.
What Can Teens Eat With Braces?
Most foods are still okay to eat during orthodontic treatment, but teens with braces need to be careful with foods that can bend wires or damage brackets.
They may need to avoid very hard, sticky, or chewy foods. Foods such as apples and raw carrots can often still be enjoyed when cut into smaller pieces instead of bitten into whole.
Clear aligners have fewer food restrictions because they are removed during meals. Teens should not eat while wearing their aligners and should follow their orthodontist’s instructions about drinking beverages while aligners are in place.
What Happens If a Bracket Breaks or an Aligner Is Lost?
Orthodontic mishaps happen, especially during the teenage years.
A broken bracket, loose wire, or lost aligner does not always constitute an emergency, but you should contact your orthodontic office for instructions about what to do. The team can determine whether your teen needs an earlier appointment or can wait until the next scheduled visit.
Do not attempt major repairs to orthodontic appliances at home. If a wire is irritating your teenager’s mouth, orthodontic wax can provide temporary relief until you receive further instructions.
Will My Teen Need a Retainer After Braces or Clear Aligners?
Yes, retention is an important part of orthodontic care.
Teeth naturally have a tendency to shift after active orthodontic treatment. A retainer helps maintain their new positions while the tissues surrounding the teeth adjust.
There are different types of retainers, including removable and fixed options. Your orthodontist will recommend an appropriate retainer and explain how often your teen should wear it.
Following those instructions is essential for protecting the results achieved during braces or clear aligner treatment.
How Much Does Teen Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on the complexity of the case, length of treatment, type of appliance, and insurance benefits.
When comparing orthodontic practices, parents should look beyond the initial price. Ask what the quoted fee includes, whether retainers are included, what payment options are available, and how the office handles orthodontic insurance benefits.
At Glen Ellyn kiDDS, we accept most major dental insurance plans and we offer convenient financing options. Our team can help families understand applicable benefits and treatment costs.
How Can I Find the Best Orthodontist for My Teenager?
When choosing an orthodontist for your teenager, look at the orthodontist’s education and training. You should also consider how clearly the orthodontist communicates with both you and your teen.
During your consultation, consider whether you receive clear answers to important questions.
For example, you should understand:
- What orthodontic problems were identified
- Whether treatment is necessary now
- Which treatment options are appropriate
- Why a particular option is being recommended
- Approximately how long treatment may take
- What your teenager will need to do at home
- How appointments, insurance, and costs are handled
The right practice should also make your teenager feel included in the process. Teens are responsible for much of the day-to-day work that makes treatment successful, from keeping their teeth clean to wearing aligners or elastics as instructed.
Why Choose Glen Ellyn kiDDS for Teen Orthodontics?
At Glen Ellyn kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, families can receive pediatric dental and orthodontic care in one convenient location.
Orthodontist Dr. Paul DiFranco, DDS, MS, completed his orthodontic residency and earned a master’s degree after dental school. His continuing education has included training involving Invisalign and Damon orthodontic systems.
Our clients appreciate that their children can receive personalized orthodontic treatment while continuing routine dental care in the same familiar, child-friendly practice. Our team communicates clearly with both parents and teens, offers convenient scheduling, and accepts most major dental insurance plans.
Most importantly, orthodontic recommendations are based on the individual teenager. The goal is to identify the treatment approach that can effectively address their specific tooth and bite concerns.
Help Your Teen Build a Healthy, Confident Smile
Teen orthodontics has changed significantly from the braces many parents remember. Today’s treatment options include traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligners, giving families more choices for addressing orthodontic concerns.
The best place to start is an orthodontic evaluation. An orthodontist can assess your teenager’s teeth and jaw development, explain whether treatment is needed, and help your family compare appropriate options.
At Glen Ellyn kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Paul DiFranco and our team provide personalized orthodontic care for teens in Glen Ellyn and the surrounding communities. Whether you are wondering when your teen should start treatment or trying to decide between braces and clear aligners, we can help you understand the options.
Call Glen Ellyn kiDDS at (630) 348-9888 to schedule your teenager’s orthodontic consultation today.
