Teen Smile — a parents’ guide to braces.

It depends on the teeth and jaw development. Many families begin with an orthodontic assessment in the mixed-dentition years, and active treatment often starts during the teenage years — but the right time for your child is a clinical decision, not an age on a poster.

Only an examination can truly answer that. The signs worth watching for: crowded or overlapping teeth, a noticeable bite difference, difficulty chewing, or your child becoming self-conscious about their smile.

A proper examination, a plain-language explanation of what we see, and the options laid out — including the option of monitoring first. Fees explained in writing. No same-day pressure.

Both can work. Fixed braces do not depend on daily discipline; aligners demand it. Some teens manage aligners brilliantly — for others, fixed braces are the more honest choice. The assessment decides.

Most teenagers continue school and sports as usual. We discuss practical points at assessment: caring for braces during the school day, a mouthguard for sports, and which foods to be careful with — and we show the brushing technique that keeps brackets clean.

Adjustment visits are a regular part of treatment, and the rhythm is set by your doctor after assessment — based on the type of treatment, not on a template.

Contact the clinic. You will get practical guidance on the phone and, if needed, a repair visit. Breaks happen — they are part of real orthodontic life, not a crisis.

Ask for fees in writing and what they cover; who to contact when something breaks; what the expected visit rhythm looks like; and what happens after the braces come off. A good clinic answers all of these before treatment starts — we do.