Braces and Invisalign for Teens in Northridge and Calabasas

The teenage years are the best time to straighten teeth. Between about 11 and 15, the last baby teeth fall out, the adult teeth are all in, and the jaws are still growing. That combination makes the teen years the most efficient time to fix a bite. Teeth move faster, growth can be guided instead of fought, and most treatment finishes in 12 to 24 months. If your teen has not been seen before, the first consultation is complimentary and includes a growth and airway check.

Teenage Orthodontic Treatment

Braces or Invisalign Teen?

At your complimentary consultation we'll talk through both options for your teen's case, a timeline for each, and have an honest conversation on whether we think one would have advantages over the other.

Braces are still the most reliable tool for complex corrections: a deep overbite, a crossbite, teeth that need significant rotation or movement. Today's brackets are smaller than the ones you might remember, and most teens like picking new colored bands at every visit.
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Invisalign Teen uses a series of clear aligners that are nearly invisible and come out for eating, brushing and sports. Invisalign handles mild to moderate crowding and spacing well, and when worn correctly it can handle most teen cases. Our practice is in the top 1% of Invisalign providers, so we're comfortable using aligners for cases a lot of offices would push into braces. The catch with teenagers is compliance: aligners only work for the 20 to 22 hours a day they're in, and a teenager who leaves them in a lunch bag is going to extend treatment time. Invisalign Teen trays have a small blue indicator that fades with wear, which helps parents and our office have an idea of what's happening between visits.

TEen orthodontic Treatment

What to Expect

Our complimentary consultation usually takes about 45 minutes. We take digital impressions (no goopy trays), photos and an X-ray, and Dr. Pair and Dr. Hoang will go over potential treatment plans, cost and answer any questions. If your teen already had Phase I treatment, this visit builds on records we already have.
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Once treatment starts, visits are every 6 to 10 weeks and usually take 20 to 30 minutes. We hold early morning slots starting at 7 am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so most appointments fit before school. Treatment ends with retainers, and we'll explain the wear schedule to your teen directly, because they're the one who has to follow it.

Orthodontic Treatment For Teens

Sports, Music and School

Teens in braces can play any sport with a mouthguard, and we'll show you the kind that fits over brackets. Aligners come out for games and go back in afterward. Wind and brass players usually adjust to braces in a week or two; aligners don't get in the way at all. Neither option requires missing school for routine visits.

Orthodontic Treatment For Teens

Paying for Teen Braces

Most families pay monthly. We offer in-house plans with a down payment and no-interest monthly installments, a discount for paying in full, and we'll check your dental insurance for orthodontic benefits before you commit. FSA and HSA funds can be used. The exact cost depends on the complexity of the case and range from $1900 to $4000 for minor correction and $4999 to $7000 for complete treatment with financing available to take monthly payments as low as $150 per month. We'll talk through the exact cost and financing options at your free consultation.

Teens FAQs

What is the best age for braces?

For the majority of cases, the ideal age is 11 to 14, once most of the adult teeth are in and while the jaws are still growing. Some kids benefit from earlier Phase I treatment, and plenty of teens start at 15 or 16 with excellent results.

How long do teens wear braces?

Most teen cases take 12 to 24 months. Simple crowding can be done in under a year. Bite corrections that rely on growth take longer. Wearing rubber bands as instructed is the single biggest thing a teen can do to finish on time.

Is Invisalign as good as braces for teenagers?

For most teens, yes, if they wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. For large bite corrections, braces are still more predictable. We treat a lot of teens with Invisalign and will tell you honestly which option fits your child's bite.

Can my teenager eat normally with braces?

For the most part, yes. Hard, sticky and chewy foods (ice, popcorn kernels, caramel, whole apples) can break a bracket, so they're off the list until the braces come off. Aligners come out for meals, so there are no food restrictions.

How much do braces cost for a teenager in Northridge or Calabasas?

It depends on the complexity of the treatment, so the exact answer comes after your free consultation. We offer monthly payment plans and will review your insurance benefits with you. In general, minor correction can be as low as $1900 and complete treatment ranges from $4999 to $7000 with payments as low as $150 per month.

Do teens have to wear retainers Afterwards?

Yes, at night. Teeth shift throughout life, and a retainer is what keeps the result. After the first few months of full-time wear, nighttime wear is enough. We tell every teen that the retainer is the part of treatment they're in charge of.