If your teen has crooked teeth, gaps, or a bite that doesn’t line up right, you’re probably wondering when to start a treatment plan. Good news: most teens between 11 and 18 are in the sweet spot. Their permanent teeth are in, their jaw is still growing, and that combination makes braces for teens one of the most effective treatments we offer. Teeth move into position more readily during these years, which often means shorter treatment times and better outcomes.
Elevation Orthodontics in Nashville, TN offers several options for teens: traditional metal braces, ceramic braces for a more discreet look, and Invisalign Teen for those who prefer clear aligners. Each option has distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your teen’s specific needs and lifestyle. Dr. Brice and his team at Elevation Orthodontics will walk you through every option during a free exam so nothing feels rushed or confusing.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that young people have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This early assessment allows orthodontists to monitor development and identify potential issues before they become more involved. That said, active treatment usually begins during the teen years when the mouth is ready for full correction. For Nashville-area families trying to figure out the right timing, that first free exam gives us a chance to look at where your teen is developmentally and map out what makes sense.
Nashville families trust Elevation Orthodontics because we take the time to understand each teen’s unique situation. We create treatment plans that fit your teen’s life, not the other way around. Getting alignment right now means fewer dental issues in their twenties and a smile they actually want to show off.
What Are the Benefits of Braces for Teens?
Braces for teens at Elevation Orthodontics in Nashville deliver more than a straighter smile. They improve oral health, correct bite problems, and build confidence during some of the most socially demanding years of a young person’s life. Teens who complete a treatment plan typically enjoy easier brushing and flossing, fewer cavities, reduced risk of gum disease, and better long-term jaw function. Here’s a closer look at why treatment during the teen years pays off.
Straighter teeth are easier to brush and floss properly, which means fewer cavities and a lower risk of gum disease. When teeth overlap or crowd together, food particles and plaque hide in spots that are nearly impossible to clean well. According to the American Dental Association, properly aligned teeth are significantly easier to maintain with routine hygiene, reducing the likelihood of decay and periodontal problems over time.
Braces also correct bite problems that many teens don’t even realize they have. Overbites, underbites, and crossbites can cause:
- Jaw discomfort and headaches
- Uneven wear on tooth surfaces
- Difficulty chewing food thoroughly
- Speech difficulties
- TMJ problems later in life
The confidence boost matters too. Teens are dealing with social situations, school pressures, and identity formation all at once. A smile they feel good about can make a real difference in how they carry themselves and interact with others.
Why not wait until adulthood? Because the jaw is still developing during the teen years, teeth respond more readily to orthodontic forces. That biological advantage is real. Adults simply don’t have it, and it’s one reason treatment plans for teens often wrap up faster.
Beyond the mouth, proper alignment improves chewing efficiency, which aids digestion. Corrected bites also reduce strain on jaw joints, potentially preventing chronic TMJ issues down the road.
In some cases where a narrow palate or crossbite affects airway space, teens notice improvements in breathing and sleep quality after treatment. Our Nashville team at Elevation Orthodontics sees these kinds of results with our teen patients every week.
The Teen Braces Treatment Process at Elevation Orthodontics
Getting braces doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We’ve built a straightforward process at our Nashville practice so you and your teen know exactly what to expect from day one.
Step 1: Free Initial Exam
Everything starts with a full evaluation. Digital imaging captures detailed pictures of the teeth, jaw, and facial structure. Our tech lets us show you exactly what’s happening and map out a treatment plan specific to your teen. You’ll leave this exam with a clear understanding of the recommended approach and a cost estimate. No surprises, no pressure.
Step 2: Braces Placement
The bonding visit takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Brackets go on each tooth using a special adhesive, then the archwire threads through them. It’s not uncomfortable, though your teen’s mouth may feel a bit crowded with all the new hardware. Pro tip: stock up on soft foods before this visit. Smoothies, yogurt, and mashed potatoes are your teen’s best friends for the first few days.
Step 3: Regular Adjustment Visits
Every 4 to 8 weeks, your teen will come in for adjustments. Quick visits, usually 15 to 20 minutes. We check progress, tighten or replace wires, and make any necessary modifications to keep things on track.
Step 4: Active Treatment Period
Most teen braces cases require 12 to 24 months of active treatment. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the issues being corrected. Some cases with mild crowding move faster. Others involving bite correction take longer. Expect a realistic estimate upfront, and we’ll keep you updated throughout.
Step 5: Braces Removal and Retainer Fitting
The day the braces come off is always a good one. We remove the brackets, clean the teeth thoroughly, and fit your teen with a custom retainer. Wearing the retainer as directed is essential for maintaining those hard-earned results.
For families interested in shortening treatment time, we offer accelerated orthodontics options. Ask us about these during your exam.
Is Your Teen a Candidate for Braces?
Most teens between 11 and 18 with crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, or open bites are good candidates for braces, especially once most permanent teeth have erupted. The treatment effectively addresses many common issues:
- Crowding: Teeth overlap or twist because there isn’t enough room in the jaw
- Spacing: Gaps between teeth from missing teeth or jaw size discrepancies
- Overbite: Upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth
- Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth when biting down
- Crossbite: Some upper teeth close inside the lower teeth rather than outside
- Open bite: Upper and lower teeth don’t meet when the mouth closes
The ideal time to start a treatment plan is after most permanent teeth have come in, usually between ages 11 and 14. Every teen develops differently, though. Some are ready earlier, while others benefit from waiting a bit longer.
During your teen’s evaluation, our orthodontist considers several factors beyond just tooth position. We look at overall dental development, current oral health, and lifestyle considerations. A teen who plays contact sports or a musical instrument, for example, might have different needs than one who doesn’t.
Not every teen needs traditional braces. Invisalign Teen works well for many cases, offering the advantage of removable clear aligners. We’ll discuss all appropriate options during your free exam in Nashville and help you figure out which approach makes the most sense. We also recommend checking out our orthodontic treatment options page for a broader look at what we offer.
Why Nashville Families Choose Elevation Orthodontics
Orthodontists aren’t the same as general dentists. After dental school, orthodontists complete an additional two to three years of specialized residency training focused exclusively on tooth movement and jaw alignment. This expertise matters when you’re trusting someone with your teen’s smile.
Dr. Brice brings that specialized training to every case, with a background that includes advanced education and specialty training focused on comprehensive orthodontic care. Because Elevation Orthodontics has only one orthodontist, your teen sees the same doctor at every visit. That consistency makes a difference.
Digital scanning means no messy impressions, and our treatment planning software lets us predict outcomes before we start. That precision shows up in the results.
We understand that a treatment plan represents a significant investment. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans that work with real family budgets. Our team handles insurance coordination so you get the maximum benefit from your coverage. During your free exam, we’ll provide a full cost breakdown with no surprises.
Parents appreciate that we explain everything clearly and keep them informed throughout treatment. Teens appreciate that we treat them like the young adults they’re becoming.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Braces
How long do braces take for teens?
Most teen braces treatments take between 12 and 24 months. Simple spacing issues might resolve in under a year, while complex bite problems could require closer to two years. We’ll give you a realistic timeline estimate during your exam.
Do braces hurt?
Braces don’t cause significant discomfort. Your teen may feel pressure for a few days after getting braces placed and following each adjustment. Over-the-counter relievers like ibuprofen handle it well. In our experience, most of our teen patients tell us the tenderness fades within a few days.
Can my teen play sports with braces?
Absolutely. We recommend wearing a protective mouthguard during contact sports and any activity where a ball or equipment could hit the face. Orthodontic mouthguards are designed to fit comfortably over braces while providing solid protection.
What foods should teens avoid with braces?
Hard foods like popcorn, nuts, and ice are off the table, along with sticky foods like caramel, taffy, and gum. Chewy foods like bagels and licorice can also cause problems. We’ll provide a full list and tips for eating comfortably with braces.
How much do teen braces cost in Nashville?
It depends on the type of braces and complexity of the case. Metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign Teen each have different price points. During your free exam at Elevation Orthodontics, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate specific to your teen’s treatment plan, along with information about payment options and insurance coverage.
What is the difference between metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign for teens?
Metal braces are the most traditional and durable option, effective for all types of corrections. Ceramic braces work the same way but blend in better with teeth. Invisalign Teen uses a series of removable clear aligners instead of brackets and wires, offering the most discreet option for eligible cases.
| Type | Material | Visibility | Removable? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Stainless steel brackets and wires | Most visible | No | All types of corrections |
| Ceramic Braces | Tooth-colored or clear brackets | Less visible | No | Teens wanting a subtler look |
| Invisalign Teen | Clear plastic aligners | Least visible | Yes | Eligible cases, active lifestyles |
Request Your Teen’s Free Exam in Nashville
So what’s the next step? Getting started is the easy part. Elevation Orthodontics offers a free, no-obligation exam that includes a full evaluation and a treatment plan built for your teen.
Request your spot online, call us at (615) 437-8620, or try a virtual exam if that works better for your family’s schedule. We’ll answer all your questions, explain your options, and provide a clear cost estimate.
Whether your teen needs metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign Teen, we’ll walk you through every detail so you feel confident about the plan. Request your free exam online or give us a call. We’ll handle the rest.