The teenage years can be busy, social, and full of change. Many teens are balancing school, sports, activities, friendships, and growing awareness of how they look and feel around others.
At Altera Orthodontics in Royersford, PA, Braces for Teens focuses on helping teenagers improve tooth alignment, bite function, appearance, and daily comfort in a way that fits real life. An experienced orthodontist could help determine whether braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances may be appropriate for your teen’s needs.
Many teens begin orthodontic treatment between ages 12 and 16. At this stage, most baby teeth are gone and many permanent teeth have erupted, which helps us evaluate spacing, crowding, and bite alignment.
During a teen orthodontic consultation, we may evaluate:
Every teen is different. Some may need braces, while others may be candidates for clear aligners or additional appliances depending on their bite, growth, and level of responsibility.
Teen patients often want to know how visible treatment will be. At Altera Orthodontics, options may include metal braces, ceramic (clear) braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign when appropriate.
Dr. Hashemi wants teens and parents to understand the pros and considerations of each option before choosing treatment, so families feel informed and comfortable with the next step.
Orthodontic treatment can also support oral health and function — better-aligned teeth are often easier to brush and floss, better positioned for chewing, and easier to maintain with retainers afterward.
Each option has different considerations:
Some teens need more than brackets or aligners to address bite concerns. When appropriate, Dr. Hashemi may recommend additional orthodontic appliances to help guide tooth movement or jaw relationship.
These may include:
Teen orthodontic treatment works best when patients understand their role. During treatment, teens may receive guidance on:
Parents also receive updates so they can help support home care, appointment timing, and treatment progress.
Teen orthodontic care should feel clear, supportive, and manageable. Whether your teen needs braces, clear braces, clear aligners, elastics, or another appliance, our team can explain the options in plain language.
To learn more about Braces for Teens, schedule a complimentary consultation with Altera Orthodontics in Royersford, PA. We will review your teen’s smile, bite, and growth, then explain what may make sense for their needs, routine, and lifestyle.
Treatment time varies by bite needs, tooth movement, growth, cooperation, and appliance care. Many teen orthodontic cases take about 18–24 months, but timelines can differ.
Yes. Some teens may be candidates for ceramic braces, also called clear braces, or clear aligners, depending on their bite, habits, and treatment needs.
Elastics may help improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together. They work best when teens wear them as directed.
Yes. Retainers are usually recommended after active orthodontic treatment to help maintain tooth position and support long-term stability.