What Are Braces for Teens?
Braces for teens are orthodontic appliances that use brackets, wires, and bands to gradually shift teeth into proper alignment. Designed for adolescents ages 11 to 17, they correct crowding, gaps, and bite issues during the period when permanent teeth have erupted but the jaw is still growing and responsive to treatment.
At Dorfman Orthodontic Group, we make braces easy, affordable, and fun for Bensalem families. Your teen can choose from traditional metal braces or clear ceramic braces depending on their lifestyle and preferences. Treatment typically takes 12 to 24 months, and during that time, we correct crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites that affect both appearance and function.
The teen years are an ideal window because permanent teeth have erupted while the jaw is still growing. This combination allows our board certified orthodontist to guide teeth into ideal positions efficiently, often with results that feel natural from day one.
Why Are the Teen Years the Best Time for Braces?
Why are the teen years such a great time for orthodontic treatment? Your teenager’s jaw is still actively growing, which means teeth move more efficiently during this window. Bone remodels faster in adolescents, so treatment often progresses smoothly.
The benefits go well beyond straight teeth:
- Better oral health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, which reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- More self-confidence. A smile your teen feels good about can make a real difference at school and with friends during these socially formative years.
- Corrected bite function. Bite problems cause jaw pain, headaches, and uneven tooth wear over time. Fixing these issues now prevents bigger problems later.
- Improved speech and chewing.
- Lifetime results. With proper retainer wear after treatment, the results last. It’s an investment that keeps paying off long after the braces come off.
Early adolescence is often considered the best time for full orthodontic treatment because it takes advantage of natural growth spurts.
The Teen Braces Treatment Process at Dorfman Orthodontic Group
What happens when your teen starts braces? Here’s what to expect at our Bensalem location:
Step 1: Complimentary Consultation
Your teen’s treatment starts with a free evaluation. Digital scans and X-rays show us exactly what’s happening with their teeth, jaw, and bite. Goop-free, comfortable digital impressions make this process easy.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan
After reviewing the diagnostic records, Dr. Jake Dorfman, our Board Certified orthodontist, creates a custom treatment plan for your teen. We walk you through the case, timeline, and costs so there are no surprises.
Step 3: Braces Placement
The placement appointment takes about 60 to 90 minutes and is painless. Brackets are attached to each tooth and connected with wires. Your teen leaves with their new smile already in progress.
Step 4: Regular Adjustments
Every 4 to 8 weeks, a quick adjustment visit keeps treatment on track. Wires are tightened and progress is checked. These appointments usually take 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 5: Braces Removal
Once teeth have reached their final positions, the braces come off. This appointment is exciting. Your teen finally sees their new smile.
Step 6: Retainer Phase
Retainers keep teeth in place after braces come off. At DOG Ortho, our Smile Forever Guarantee includes retainers to ensure lasting results.
Cost and Candidacy for Braces for Teens in Bensalem, PA
Most teens between ages 11 and 17 are great candidates for braces. By this age, most permanent teeth have erupted, giving us a complete picture of what needs correction.
Signs your teen may need braces:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Visible gaps between teeth
- Teeth that stick out or appear crooked
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Jaw pain or clicking sounds
- Mouth breathing or speech issues
Both metal and clear braces work well for most teen cases. For responsible teens who want a more discreet option, Invisalign Teen clear aligners may be a good fit.
Comparing Teen Treatment Options
| Option | Visibility | Cost Tier | Durability | Ideal Candidate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Most visible | $ | Very high | Teens with complex cases or active lifestyles |
| Ceramic Braces | Less noticeable | $ | High | Teens wanting a subtler look with fixed appliances |
| Invisalign Teen | Nearly invisible | $ | Removable, requires compliance | Responsible teens who can wear aligners 22 hrs/day |
What does your teen need to commit to?
Good oral hygiene matters during treatment. They’ll need to brush after meals and avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage brackets. Teens who follow these guidelines get the best results in the shortest time.
Not sure which option is right? A complimentary consultation at our convenient Bensalem location gives you all the answers. Our team evaluates your teen’s specific needs and recommends the best treatment approach.
Why Families in Bensalem Choose Dorfman Orthodontic Group
When it comes to your teen’s smile, you want an orthodontist you can trust. Here’s what sets DOG Ortho apart:
Board Certified Expertise
Dr. Jake Dorfman is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. This certification reflects additional training, rigorous testing, and a commitment to the highest standards in orthodontic care.
The DOG Difference
Orthodontic care should be easy, affordable, and fun. Our DOG Kids Club rewards program keeps teens engaged throughout treatment with prizes and incentives for good oral hygiene and keeping appointments.
Smile Forever Guarantee
Every treatment includes our Smile Forever Guarantee with retainers. We stand behind our results.
Flexible Payment Options
Most major insurance plans are accepted, and payment plans help fit your family’s budget. Use our online Payment Calculator to estimate your monthly costs before your first visit.
Convenient Care
Broken bracket? Wire poking? Emergency care is available when your teen needs it. Flexible after-school and Saturday appointments help treatment fit around school and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Braces
How much do braces for teens cost in Bensalem, PA?
The cost of teen braces varies based on the complexity of your child’s case and the type of braces chosen. At Dorfman Orthodontic Group, we offer flexible payment plans with low down payments and zero interest. Most major insurance plans are accepted, and we handle verification for you. Your complimentary consultation includes a full cost breakdown.
How long will my teen need to wear braces?
Most teens wear braces for 12 to 24 months. The exact timeline depends on the severity of misalignment and how well your teen follows care instructions. Some cases finish faster, while more complex corrections take longer. We give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.
Do braces hurt?
Getting braces placed doesn’t hurt. After placement and adjustments, your teen may feel some pressure or tenderness for a few days. This is normal and means the braces are working. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during this adjustment period. Most teens adapt quickly.
Can my teen play sports or musical instruments with braces?
Yes to both. For sports, we recommend a mouthguard to protect the braces and your teen’s mouth. Many athletes wear braces without any issues. Wind instruments may require a short adjustment period, but most teens adapt within a few weeks.
What foods should teens avoid while wearing braces?
Hard foods like ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels can break brackets. Sticky foods like caramel and gum can pull wires loose. Chewy foods like bagels and licorice can also cause damage. We provide a complete list of foods to avoid and many braces-friendly alternatives.
Are clear braces or Invisalign Teen better than metal braces?
Each option has advantages. Metal braces are durable, effective, and often the most affordable choice. Clear ceramic braces offer a less noticeable look with the same effectiveness. Invisalign Teen uses removable clear aligners for more flexibility and discretion. Our Board Certified orthodontist helps you choose based on your teen’s specific needs and lifestyle.
Schedule Your Teen’s Free Braces Consultation in Bensalem
Ready to help your teen get the smile they deserve? Schedule a complimentary new patient consultation at Dorfman Orthodontic Group today. Same-week appointments are often available, including after-school and Saturday times that work with busy family schedules.
During your visit, we’ll take digital scans, answer all your questions, and create a custom treatment plan led by Dr. Jake Dorfman, our Board Certified orthodontist. Insurance verification is handled for you so you know exactly what to expect.
Our team at DOG Ortho proudly serves Bensalem families from our convenient Bensalem location, with a second office in Southampton, PA for added flexibility. Call us at (215) 935-4639 or use our online scheduling form to book your teen’s consultation.