What Are Braces for Teens?
Braces for teens are orthodontic appliances that straighten teeth and correct bite alignment during adolescence by applying gentle, steady pressure that guides teeth into proper positions over time. At Garlock Orthodontics, we provide braces for teens in Aurora, Colorado using modern systems built for comfort and lasting results.
The ideal window for teen braces falls between ages 11 and 15. During this time, most permanent teeth have erupted while the jaw is still developing. This makes teeth more responsive to movement.
Your teen has options. Each system has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on lifestyle, budget, and smile goals.
| Type | Appearance | Best For | Cost Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Stainless steel brackets and wires | All correction types; budget-conscious families | $ |
| Ceramic Braces | Tooth-colored brackets that blend in | Teens wanting a subtler look | $ |
| Self-Ligating Braces | Specialized clips instead of elastic bands | Fewer visits; efficient movement | $ |
| Invisalign Teen | Clear, removable aligners | Teens who want a nearly invisible option | $$ |
Most teens wear braces for 18 to 24 months. Some cases wrap up sooner. More involved alignment cases may take longer. Dr. Garlock will give you a realistic timeline during your free consult so you know what to expect.
Why start now? Teen jaws are still growing. Teeth move more efficiently during adolescence than in adulthood. Starting treatment during these years often means shorter treatment times and more predictable results.
Benefits of Braces for Teens
Straight teeth do more than look good. They’re easier to brush and floss, which means fewer cavities and healthier gums throughout your teen’s life. When teeth fit together properly, they wear evenly and last longer.
Improved Oral Health
Crowded or overlapping teeth create hiding spots for plaque and bacteria. Braces clear out these tight spots between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Your teen will have an easier time keeping their mouth clean, reducing their risk of decay and gum disease.
Boosted Confidence
High school is tough enough. A smile your teen feels proud of can make a real difference in how they carry themselves. We see it all the time at our Aurora office. Teens who once felt self-conscious about their teeth start smiling more, speaking up in class, and showing up differently in social situations.
Faster Treatment Response
Adolescent bones are still developing. This biological advantage means teeth often move more efficiently during the teen years compared to adulthood. Many parents are surprised by how quickly they see progress.
Bite Correction
Misaligned bites can cause headaches, jaw soreness, and trouble chewing. Some teens even develop speech changes from bite irregularities. Braces address these functional needs while straightening teeth.
Prevention of Future Issues
Treating alignment now heads off more serious dental work later. Impacted teeth, uneven wear, and jaw joint concerns are all easier to avoid than to fix. Think of braces as a smart commitment to your teen’s long-term oral health. Early correction also tends to reduce the need for extractions, surgery, or extended adult orthodontic care down the road.
Better Athletic Performance
A properly aligned bite can also improve breathing and reduce the risk of dental injuries during sports. Your teen can stay active throughout treatment with a protective mouthguard. Talk to our team about sports mouthguards if your teen plays contact sports.
Braces for Teens in Aurora: The Treatment Process at Garlock Orthodontics
Getting braces at our Aurora office is straightforward. We’ve helped families throughout Aurora, Centennial, Parker, and Southeast Denver understand what to expect at each step.
Step 1: Free Initial Consultation
Your teen’s smile goals start with a no-obligation visit to Garlock Orthodontics. We take digital images and examine your teen’s teeth, bite, and jaw alignment. No goopy impressions here. Our iTero digital scanning technology is quick and comfortable. Dr. Garlock or Dr. Smith will explain what they see and answer all your questions.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan
Based on the consultation findings, we build a custom treatment plan for your teen. Together, we’ll select the type of braces that fits their lifestyle and smile goals. You’ll receive a clear timeline and understand the expected results before any treatment begins.
Step 3: Bonding Appointment
This is the day braces go on. The visit takes about one to two hours. Our team places each bracket carefully and threads the archwire through. Most teens say it feels a little strange at first but doesn’t hurt. We’ll send your teen home with detailed care instructions and tips for the first few days.
Step 4: Regular Adjustment Visits
Every four to eight weeks, your teen comes back for a quick adjustment. These visits usually take 15 to 20 minutes. Dr. Garlock checks progress, tightens wires, and makes any needed changes. We schedule visits around school and activities so your teen doesn’t miss important commitments.
Step 5: Removal Day
The big reveal. Removing braces takes about an hour. Your teen will see their new smile for the first time. It’s one of our favorite moments in the office. We fit them with retainers to maintain their results and schedule follow-up visits to make sure everything stays in place.
Average Timeline
Most teen braces cases at Garlock Orthodontics take 18 to 24 months. Simpler cases may finish in 12 to 18 months. More involved alignment or bite cases sometimes require additional time. We give you an honest estimate upfront so there are no surprises.
Is Your Teen a Good Candidate for Braces?
Most teens between ages 11 and 15 are excellent candidates for braces. Here’s what we look for during evaluations at our Aurora, Colorado office.
Permanent Teeth Have Erupted
Braces work best once most adult teeth are in place. By age 12 or 13, most teens have their permanent teeth (except wisdom teeth). This allows us to move teeth into their final positions.
Visible Alignment Issues
Teeth that overlap or twist. Gaps between teeth. Teeth that stick out or sit behind others. These are all signs your teen could benefit from braces.
Bite Issues
Does your teen’s upper jaw sit too far forward (overbite) or behind the lower jaw (underbite)? An open bite happens when upper and lower teeth don’t meet at closure. A crossbite occurs when upper and lower teeth cross over each other. Braces correct all of these.
Chewing or Speaking Difficulties
If your teen struggles to bite into food properly or has developed speech patterns related to tooth positioning, braces can help address the underlying cause.
Commitment to Care
Daily brushing, flossing around brackets, and avoiding certain foods are all part of life with braces. Teens who are ready to take responsibility for their oral hygiene see the best results.
Early Evaluation Matters
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This doesn’t mean treatment starts that young. It simply allows our orthodontic specialists to monitor development and plan treatment for the right time.
Not sure if your teen is ready? That’s exactly what the free consult is for. We’ll examine your teen’s teeth and give you honest guidance about timing and how we help.
Why Aurora Families Choose Garlock Orthodontics for Teen Braces
Families throughout Aurora, Centennial, and Parker trust Garlock Orthodontics with their teens’ smiles. Here’s what sets us apart.
Specialized Orthodontic Training
Dr. David Garlock completed his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and went on to earn a specialty certificate in orthodontics, dedicating his career exclusively to orthodontic care. Dr. Logan Smith earned his Master’s in Orthodontics from Saint Louis University with specialized training in Invisalign. Both doctors are members of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association. Your teen receives care from doctors who focus exclusively on creating beautiful, functional smiles.
Modern Technology
We’ve invested in iTero digital scanning that eliminates uncomfortable impressions. Treatment planning happens on screen so you can visualize the expected results. Our Aurora, Colorado office uses current orthodontic technology to make treatment more efficient and comfortable.
Flexible Scheduling
We know your teen has school, sports, clubs, and social commitments. Our team works with you to find visit times that fit your schedule. We offer morning, afternoon, and select evening visits to minimize disruptions to your teen’s routine.
Low Monthly Payment Options
Braces are an investment in your teen’s future. We offer flexible payment plans to make treatment accessible for Aurora families. Our team handles insurance coordination and helps you understand your benefits. A payment calculator is available on our website so you can plan ahead.
The Garlock Experience
To us, you’re more than a patient with a set of pearly whites. We love people and love making them happy. Our team creates a welcoming environment where teens feel comfortable and parents feel informed. We go the extra smile for every family who walks through our doors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Braces
How much do braces for teens cost in Aurora, CO?
Braces costs vary based on case complexity and the type of braces selected. Pricing at our practice is in line with regional averages for orthodontic care along the Front Range. During your teen’s free consult at Garlock Orthodontics, we provide a detailed cost breakdown and discuss payment options. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer low monthly payment plans to fit your budget.
How long will my teen need to wear braces?
Most teens wear braces for 18 to 24 months. Treatment length depends on the severity of alignment concerns and how well your teen follows care instructions. Simpler cases may finish in 12 to 18 months. Dr. Garlock will give you a custom timeline during your consultation.
Do braces hurt?
Braces don’t hurt during placement. Your teen may feel some soreness for a few days after getting braces and following adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during this short adjustment period. Most teens find the soreness fades within a week.
What can my teen eat with braces?
Soft foods are best for the first few days after placement and adjustments. Things like pasta, yogurt, smoothies, eggs, and soft fruits work well. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods like popcorn, caramel, hard candy, and ice can damage brackets and should be avoided. Cutting apples and other firm foods into small pieces also helps protect the brackets.
Will my teen be able to play sports or musical instruments?
Absolutely. Teens with braces play sports and instruments every day. We recommend a protective mouthguard during contact sports. Wind and brass instrument players may need a short adjustment period, but most adapt within a few weeks. Braces won’t hold your teen back from activities they love.
Does insurance cover teen braces?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that help cover a portion of braces treatment. Coverage varies by plan. Our Aurora team verifies your benefits before treatment begins and helps you understand your out-of-pocket costs. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on your teen’s smile.
What’s the difference between metal, ceramic, and Invisalign Teen?
Metal braces are the most common and budget-friendly option. They’re durable and work well for all types of corrections. Ceramic braces function the same way but use tooth-colored brackets that blend in more naturally. Invisalign Teen uses clear removable aligners instead of brackets and wires. During your free consult, we’ll discuss which option makes the most sense for your teen’s smile goals and lifestyle.
Schedule Your Teen’s Free Braces Consultation in Aurora
Ready to help your teen achieve a confident, healthy smile? Garlock Orthodontics offers free consultations with no obligation. You’ll meet with Dr. Garlock or Dr. Smith, see our Aurora, Colorado office, and get answers to all your questions.
We often have same-week visits available. Getting started is simple.
We’re proud to serve families throughout Aurora, Centennial, Parker, and Southeast Denver. Our team accepts most insurance plans and offers low monthly payment options to make treatment accessible.
Your teen deserves a smile they’re proud of. Let’s make it happen together. Visit Garlock Orthodontics in Aurora, Colorado, and see what it means when we go the extra smile for your family.