Braces & Invisalign for Teens in Ahwatukee, Phoenix
Braces for Teens
At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Gregory Olsen makes orthodontic treatment comfortable and positive for teens. With personalized treatment options designed for growing smiles and busy lifestyles, we'll help your teen build a healthy, confident smile that lasts.
Is It Time for Orthodontic Treatment?
The teen years are an ideal time for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth have arrived while the jaws are still developing. Dr. Gregory Olsen can identify concerns with spacing, crowding, alignment, and the bite and recommend treatment at the right time.
Teens who received early orthodontic care may also be ready for their next phase of treatment with braces, clear braces, or clear aligners.
Signs Your Teen May Need Treatment
Consider an orthodontic evaluation if your teen has:
- Crowded, crooked, or widely spaced teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Teeth that stick out
- A bite that doesn’t come together properly
- Jaws that shift or click
- Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth
At Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we can evaluate your teen’s smile and determine whether it’s time to begin treatment.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for Teens
The teen years are a great time to create a healthier, more confident smile. Most permanent teeth have arrived, but your teen is still growing, giving Dr. Gregory Olsen an ideal opportunity to address alignment and bite concerns.
Create a Healthier Bite
Orthodontic treatment does more than straighten teeth. Correcting bite and alignment concerns can help your teen’s teeth fit together more comfortably, making everyday activities like biting and chewing easier.
Make Brushing & Flossing Easier
Crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth can create spaces that are difficult to keep clean. Straightening the teeth can make brushing and flossing more manageable, helping your teen maintain good oral hygiene during treatment and beyond.
Build Confidence
A smile can play a big role in how teens feel about their appearance. Orthodontic treatment can correct gaps, crowding, and crooked teeth, giving your teen a smile they’ll be excited to share in photos, at school, and with friends.
Treat Problems at the Right Time
Because teens are still growing, orthodontic treatment can use natural growth and development to address certain bite and alignment concerns. Dr. Olsen will create a treatment plan based on your teen’s individual needs and stage of development.
Set Their Smile Up for the Future
The benefits of orthodontic treatment can continue well beyond the teenage years. With good oral hygiene and proper retainer wear after treatment, your teen can enjoy their new smile for years to come.
Treatment Options for Teens
No two teen smiles are exactly alike. At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Gregory Olsen will recommend a treatment option based on your teen's needs, goals, and lifestyle.
Traditional Braces
Reliable and effective, traditional braces can correct everything from crooked and crowded teeth to more complex bite concerns. Today’s braces are comfortable, durable, and a great choice for active, growing teens.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work like traditional braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in with your teen’s smile. They’re a great option for teens who want the effectiveness of braces with a more subtle appearance.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners use a series of removable, nearly invisible trays to gradually straighten your teen’s teeth. They offer a discreet, flexible option that makes eating, brushing, and flossing simple throughout treatment.
Teen Orthodontics FAQs
When is the best age for my teen to get braces?
There isn’t one perfect age for everyone. Many patients begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment between ages 11 and 14, once most of their permanent teeth have come in. Dr. Olsen will evaluate your teen’s teeth, bite, and growth to determine the right time to begin.
What orthodontic treatments are available for teens?
Depending on their needs, teens may have several treatment options, including traditional braces and clear aligners. Dr. Olsen will recommend an approach based on your teen’s smile, treatment goals, and ability to keep up with their treatment routine.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the type and complexity of your teen’s orthodontic needs. After an evaluation, Dr. Olsen can provide a more personalized estimate and explain what your teen can do to help keep treatment on track.
Can teens get clear aligners instead of braces?
For many teens, yes. Clear aligners can treat a variety of orthodontic concerns while offering a removable and less noticeable alternative to braces. Because aligners need to be worn consistently, they work best for teens who are ready to take responsibility for their treatment.
Can my teen still play sports with braces?
Yes! Braces shouldn’t keep your teen on the sidelines. For contact sports and other activities that risk impact to the mouth, an orthodontic mouthguard can provide extra protection for their teeth and braces.
What foods should teens avoid with braces?
Hard, sticky, and especially chewy foods can damage brackets and wires. Your teen should avoid hard candy, popcorn kernels, and chewing gum, and follow the specific food guidelines provided by our team.
How should my teen care for their teeth during orthodontic treatment?
Good brushing and flossing are especially important during orthodontic treatment. Teens with braces need to clean carefully around brackets and wires, while teens with aligners should brush their teeth before putting their trays back in whenever possible.
Will my teen need to wear a retainer?
Yes. After braces or aligner treatment, a retainer helps keep the teeth in their new positions. Following Dr. Olsen’s instructions for retainer wear is an important part of protecting your teen’s new smile.