Braces for teens are orthodontic appliances that straighten teeth and correct bite issues during adolescence, typically between ages 11 and 18. Because the jaw is still developing during these years, teeth respond faster to treatment, making this the ideal window for a straighter, more confident smile. At Smile More in Athens, TN, our docs help teens get the smile they deserve with options that fit their lifestyle.
Most permanent teeth have come in by the early teen years, but bone growth is still happening. What does that mean for your teen? Their body is actually working alongside the braces to move teeth into better positions, often faster than it would in adulthood. It’s one of the biggest reasons families choose to get started during this window rather than waiting.
We offer three main options for teens: metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners. Each has its own advantages, and during a free consult, we help families figure out which fits their teen’s lifestyle and treatment needs best.
Here’s something many parents don’t realize: early evaluation can actually prevent more involved treatment down the road. If your teen hasn’t been evaluated yet, don’t worry. It’s not too late to get them on track for a confident smile.
Benefits of Teen Braces at Smile More
The main benefits of teen braces include faster treatment due to natural jaw growth, improved self-confidence, early correction of bite issues, multiple appliance options, and convenient same-day starts at Smile More in Athens, TN. Dr. Brad Jacobs and Dr. Kristen Jacobs design each teen’s treatment plan around their unique needs. Here’s a closer look at what your teen gains:
Faster results thanks to natural growth
Because teens are still growing, their teeth and jaws respond more quickly to orthodontic treatment. What might take longer in an adult often moves faster during adolescence. Many of our teen cases finish ahead of the original estimate, which is always a nice surprise for families.
A real confidence boost
Middle school and high school are hard enough without worrying about your smile. A straighter set of teeth helps many teens feel better about themselves, whether they’re taking photos with friends, speaking up in class, or heading to prom. That confidence boost is something parents tell us about all the time.
Fixing issues before they get bigger
Bite issues, crowding, and spacing don’t fix themselves. Correcting these during the teen years prevents more involved (and often more costly) treatment later in life. Think of it as an investment that pays off for decades.
Options that fit your teen’s life
Metal braces are a reliable, time-tested choice that works for just about everyone. If your teen prefers something less noticeable, clear braces blend in with their natural tooth color. For the right candidates, clear aligners offer flexibility for sports, band, and everything else. We help teens choose what works for them.
Here’s a quick comparison of the three options:
| Type | Visibility | Removable? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Visible | No | All case types, reliable results |
| Clear Braces | Tooth-colored, less noticeable | No | Teens wanting a subtler look |
| Clear Aligners | Nearly invisible | Yes | Mild to moderate cases, active lifestyles |
Same-day starts available
Getting started is easy, too. We offer free consults and same-day starts for qualifying patients. That means Athens, TN families can go from first visit to treatment in a single visit, without extra trips or long waits.
How Teen Braces Work: The Treatment Process at Smile More
The teen braces process at Smile More in Athens, TN includes a free consult with digital imaging, an optional same-day start, regular adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks, 12 to 24 months of active treatment, and a retainer phase. Here’s how each step works at our Athens, TN office:
- Free consult with digital imaging. We start with a thorough evaluation, including digital scans and X-rays. This gives us a complete picture of your teenโs teeth, jaw, and bite. Weโll explain what we see and walk you through treatment options, so you leave with a clear plan.
- Same-day start option. For teens who are ready to go, our team often places brackets and wires during that first visit. No need to schedule another visit and wait weeks to begin.
- Regular adjustment visits. Your teen will come in to Smile More every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments. These visits are quick, usually under 30 minutes, and make sure teeth are shifting on schedule.
- Active treatment phase. Most teen braces cases take between 12 and 24 months, depending on what weโre correcting. Some simpler cases wrap up faster, while more involved situations may take a bit longer.
- Retainer phase. Once the braces come off, retainers keep everything in place. Donโt skip this step. Teeth want to shift back to their original positions, so wearing retainers as directed protects your teenโs new smile for years to come.
Throughout the process, our team is here to answer questions, handle any issues (like a loose bracket), and make sure your teen feels comfortable at every visit.
Is Your Teen a Candidate for Braces in Athens, TN?
Teens with crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, or crossbites are common candidates for braces at Smile More in Athens, TN. Not sure if your teen needs braces? Here are some signs that treatment could help:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth that are hard to clean properly
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Overbite, where upper teeth stick out significantly over lower teeth
- Underbite, where lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
- Crossbite, where some upper teeth sit inside lower teeth when biting down
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when chewing
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, every child should have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This early check helps identify potential issues before they become more serious. The American Dental Association also recommends regular dental visits that can catch alignment concerns early. That said, most teens begin active treatment between ages 11 and 16, once most permanent teeth have erupted.
Every teen gets their own evaluation during a free consult at our practice. We see everything from mild spacing issues to more involved bite concerns, and we have treatment options for all kinds of cases. Your teen’s plan will be built around their specific needs, whether that means minor adjustments or a longer course of correction.
Not sure if it’s time? Come by for a visit at Smile More. There’s no pressure, and you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your teen’s orthodontic needs. Request a free consult.
Why Athens, TN Families Choose Smile More for Teen Braces
Athens families have options when it comes to orthodontic care, so why do so many choose Smile More?
We love being part of the Athens community. Our team knows this area, and we’re invested in helping local families smile more. Led by Dr. Brad Jacobs and Dr. Kristen Jacobs, our docs bring years of training and real-world experience to every teen case that walks through our doors. That kind of expertise matters when you’re trusting someone with your kid’s smile.
While we love working with teens, we treat people of all ages. That range of experience means we’ve handled just about every type of case, and we know how to adapt treatment to whatever your teen’s smile needs. From straightforward spacing fixes to more involved bite correction, our team has seen it all.
We also know that braces are an investment. That’s why we offer convenient options and work with insurance providers to make treatment accessible for Athens families. Our payment calculator helps you understand costs upfront, so there are no surprises.
Teens actually like coming here
We hear it from families all the time, and our patient reviews back it up. One thing that makes a real difference? No goopy impressions. We use digital scans that are quick and comfortable, which means your teen isn’t gagging on a tray of putty at their first visit. Digital imaging also means more accurate treatment planning and better results overall. Our team checks in with your teen throughout every visit, explains what’s happening, and keeps things relaxed. Because everyone deserves to smile more!
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Braces in Athens, TN
How long do braces take for teens?
Most teens wear braces for 12 to 24 months at Smile More in Athens, TN. Simple spacing issues may resolve in about a year, while more involved bite concerns can take closer to two years. During your free consult, we’ll give you a realistic estimate based on your teen’s specific situation.
What types of braces does Smile More offer for teens?
Smile More offers three main options for teens: metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners. Metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever. Clear braces work the same way but blend in with tooth color. Clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible, which appeals to a lot of teens. We’ll help you figure out which option makes the most sense.
Can my teen play sports with braces?
Yes. We recommend a protective mouthguard during contact sports, which fits over the braces and protects both teeth and soft tissue. Ask us about mouthguard options during your visit.
How much do teen braces cost in Athens, TN?
Costs vary based on the type of braces and how involved the case is. Every situation is different, so the best way to get an accurate number is during your free consult at Smile More. We’ll provide a custom estimate and walk you through convenient options. We also offer payment plans to keep treatment affordable for families.
Does Smile More offer same-day braces starts?
Yes, Smile More offers same-day braces starts for qualifying teens in Athens, TN. We can begin treatment the same day as the free consult. Fewer visits, faster results. Not everyone qualifies, but many do, and we’ll let you know right away.
What if my teen is nervous about getting braces?
Totally normal. Our team is experienced at putting anxious patients at ease. We explain everything as we go, answer all questions, and check in throughout the visit. Most teens relax pretty quickly once they see how laid-back the whole experience is.
Schedule Your Teen’s Free Braces Consultation in Athens, TN Today
Ready to help your teen smile more? Getting started is simple.
Call us or book online to request your teen’s free consult. We’ll evaluate their smile, explain their options, and answer every question you have.
Same-day starts are available for qualifying patients, so your teen could leave their first visit with braces already in place. No second visit needed.
This is a no-pressure visit. We just want to give you the information you need to make the best decision for your family.
We’d love to help your teen smile more. Come by and see what we’re all about.
Smile More Orthodontics serves families throughout Athens, TN. Because everyone deserves to smile more!