Braces for teens are as common as school tests and going to the movies with friends. While we treat people of all ages at Montano Elevated Orthodontics, a day never goes by without many teenage patients stopping by our office. Many patients looking for information on braces for teens are excited at the prospect of showing off a happy, healthy new smile, while others come to us with questions about how braces will impact their day-to-day lives. Whether you’re a teenager yourself, or the parent of one, Dr. Montano is happy to answer any questions you have while deciding if teen braces are right for you or your loved one.

For six years running, Montano Elevated Orthodontics has been voted Best Orthodontist in the Bakersfield Californian’s Readers’ Choice Poll, and we have a long-standing reputation for “Creating Bakersfield’s Most Beautiful Smiles” . This is because the experience and results patients receive at Montano Elevated Orthodontics is second to none. We understand that no two patients are exactly alike, which is why we tailor each treatment plan to your individual needs. Our goal is to provide you with a treatment process that is as comfortable as possible, resulting in a beautiful, confident new smile that harmonizes with the rest of your unique facial features.

When Should a Teen Interested in Braces See an Orthodontist?

If you’re thinking of coming in to discuss orthodontic treatment for the first time, we recommend the sooner, the better. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that you should have your first orthodontist appointment at the age of seven! This is because an early orthodontic consultation, especially when your facial structure is still developing, allows your orthodontist to discover and treat potential issues before they become a larger problem in the future.

The Benefits of Braces For Teens

Having braces as a teenager means you’ll be undergoing orthodontic treatment during a natural period of extensive physical growth. During this important time, your orthodontist can use your braces to help guide your facial development, resulting in a natural, ideal smile that takes into account the shape and structure of your face.

The teenage years are also a time of emotional growth, and positive self-esteem is crucial. A winning smile that is properly aligned will give any teen the confidence they need as they grow into productive young men and women.

In addition, braces for teens can:

• Correct bite issues, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites
• Eliminate crowding or spacing of teeth
• Promote the long-term health of teeth and gums
• Transform the look of gummy smiles
• Properly align protruding “buck” teeth
• Alleviate breathing and other airway problems
• Correct chewing issues that impact digestion
• Create an environment that allows normal speech development
• And more!

Teen Braces: How Does Treatment Work?

Because no two teenagers are exactly the same, no two treatment plans are exactly the same. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Montano begins by offering you a FREE consultation where we can chat about your concerns, as well as your smile goals. From here, he’ll conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth, as well the rest of your facial structure, including your jaw, lips, cheeks, nose, and eyes. Why do we conduct such a thorough exam? Because we provide treatment that goes beyond your teeth. We focus on giving you results that not only enhance your look, but brilliantly complement it. There’s no doubt you want your entire face to benefit from your new smile, and Dr. Montano can make that happen.

Once we collect this information we can start developing your customized treatment plan. We can also take a look at the different orthodontic options available to you. We offer a wide variety of braces and orthodontic treatment options, including Invisalign^®. In fact, Montano Elevated Orthodontics is ranked among the top 1% of Invisalign^® providers in the entire country. This means that we are able to treat many of the most complex cases through Invisalign^® treatment.

Typically, treatment plans involving Invisalign^® or braces for teens take between 12 and 36 months to complete. Because each case is different, we recommend that you book a free consultation today to discuss your needs. Once you arrive, we can give you a clearer picture of how long braces or Invisalign^® will take, as well as information on the options available to you. Remember, your consultation is free, there’s no referral required, and you’re under no obligation. If you’re a teen who is thinking about braces, or the parent of a teen, there’s never been a better time to get started. Book your FREE consultation today!