Braces for Teens in Torrance, CA

Teen Treatment

For many teens in Torrance and the South Bay, braces are a rite of passage: They are one more example of the changes teens go through at this time — along with growth in stature, edgier taste in clothes and music, and an increasing degree of self-awareness. But is there any particular reason why orthodontic appliances and teenagers seem to go together? In a word: Yes.

There are several good reasons why teenage years is the optimal time for orthodontic treatment, though occasionally even earlier intervention is called for. One has to do with the development of the teeth: There’s no set timetable for every kid, but generally by the age of 11-13 the deciduous (baby) teeth have all been lost, and the permanent ones have largely come in. This is the time when we can go to work correcting the problems that cause a bad bite (malocclusion), improper tooth spacing or poor alignment.

Orthodontic problems don’t improve with age — they simply become harder to treat. It’s easier to treat many orthodontic problems during teenage years because the body is still growing rapidly at this time. Whether we use standard braces, or appliances like palatal expanders, we can create an improved appearance and function in a short period of time. In later years, when the bones of the face and jaw are fully developed, many conditions become more difficult (and costly) to treat.

There’s even a social element to getting orthodontic treatment in adolescence. If you need braces, you’re not alone! Chances are you’ll see some of your classmates in our office, and you may even make new friends as you go through the process together. When it’s done, you’ll have a smile that you can really be proud of, and benefits that will last your whole life.

Orthodontic problems don't improve with age — they simply become harder to treat. It's easier to treat many orthodontic problems during teenage years because the body is still growing rapidly at this time. Whether we use standard braces, or appliances like palatal expanders, we can create an improved appearance and function in a short period of time. In later years, when the bones of the face and jaw are fully developed, many conditions become more difficult (and costly) to treat.

There's even a social element to getting orthodontic treatment in adolescence. If you need braces, you're not alone! Chances are you'll see some of your classmates in our office, and you may even make new friends as you go through the process together. When it's done, you'll have a smile that you can really be proud of, and benefits that will last your whole life.

The Treatment Process

What can you expect when you come in to our Torrance office for treatment? It all depends on what kind of treatment you need. The first time you come in, we will take pictures and radiographic (X-ray) images of your mouth, and possibly a 3D scan to make a model of your bite. Then, we’ll develop a treatment plan. It may involve regular traditional braces or Invisalign, with or without elastics (rubber bands). We might also recommend that you use a specialized appliance for a period of time.

Modern Braces

Metal Braces need no introduction. But you might be surprised to find they’re smaller and lighter than ever. They may even offer some customized options, like colored elastic ties on the brackets.

Clear Braces feature brackets made of ceramic or composite materials which blend in with your teeth, making them harder to notice. They’re suitable in many situations, but they cost a little more.

Invisalign

Invisalign Clear Aligners for teens is a series of removable, clear plastic trays that gradually straighten teeth as they’re worn (for 22 hours per day). Formerly recommended only for adult patients, they now come with special features — like compliance indicators to tell how often you’ve been wearing them — that make them appropriate for teens in some situations. The advantage: they’re practically invisible!

Other Options

Other orthodontic appliances may be recommended in some cases, where major tooth or jaw movement is needed. They can range from small devices that fit inside the mouth to external headgear. But don’t worry: You’ll get used to them, and they’re temporary — but they provide a long-term benefit in a short time.

How Long Will I Wear Them?

There’s no one answer that fits everyone: It all depends on what we need to do in your individual situation. Generally, however, the active stage of orthodontic treatment lasts 6-30 months. Afterwards, you will wear a retainer “night-time for life-time”. When your orthodontic treatment is complete, the new smile we’ve worked together to create will be yours for a lifetime.

If you have questions about treatment for your child/ teen, please contact Jenuine Smiles Orthodontics in Torrance at hello@jenuinesmiles.com or 310-543-2711.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Orthodontics

Is the first consultation for my teen free?

Yes. Your teen’s first visit with Dr. Jen is a free consultation. We take photos and X-rays, check how the teeth and jaws are developing, and talk through the options that fit your teen. Call or text 310-543-2711 or request an appointment online to book.

Should my teen get braces or Invisalign?

It depends on your teen’s bite and how consistently they will wear aligners. Invisalign works best when trays are worn about 22 hours a day, so it suits teens who will keep them in. Braces stay on full time, so there is nothing to remember. Dr. Jen will tell you which option fits your teen’s case at the consultation.

Can my teen play sports or a band instrument during treatment?

Yes. We recommend a mouthguard for contact sports to protect the lips, cheeks, and braces, and we keep mouthguards at our office. Teens with Invisalign can take their aligners out for a game or band practice and put them right back in afterward. Teens with braces who play a wind instrument usually need a little time to adjust.

What if my teen loses or breaks a retainer?

Call or text our office. We scan your teen’s teeth with an intraoral scanner, so no impressions are needed, and the new retainer is ready for pickup the same day. Replacing it quickly matters, since teeth can start to shift when a retainer is left out.

How often will my teen need appointments?

It depends on the treatment. Invisalign patients usually come in every 8 to 10 weeks. Our Empower 2 self-ligating braces never need tightening, so you'll have fewer appointments and shorter visits. Ask our team about appointment times that work around your teen’s school day.