The teenage years are when most permanent teeth have arrived and the timing for full orthodontic treatment is often ideal. They are also the years of packed calendars: classes, practices, games, clubs and part-time jobs. At Premiere Orthodontics, Dr. Jason Battle builds teen treatment around that reality, so students from Milwee Middle School, Oviedo High School, South Seminole Academy and neighboring Winter Springs schools can straighten their smiles without orthodontics taking over the week.
Signs a Teen Could Benefit From Treatment
Parents usually notice crowding or crooked teeth first, but there are other clues worth mentioning at an exam:
- Hiding their smile in photos or seeming self-conscious when laughing
- Teeth or jaws that look out of proportion with the face
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Grinding or clenching
- Jaw pain, clicking or shifting
- Persistent mouth breathing
- Baby teeth that were lost unusually early or late
Some teens finish a Phase 1 program in childhood and move into a second phase now. Others are coming in for the first time. Either way, Dr. Battle starts by reviewing scans, x-rays and photos and explaining in plain terms what he sees and what can be done about it.
As a board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Battle also looks at how the jaws are growing during these years. Some teens are still growing, and he factors that into the plan. His approach also favors aligning teeth without extractions whenever the case allows. He regularly sees teens whose families were told elsewhere that their preferred option was not possible, and he is glad to offer a second opinion.
Three Ways to Straighten a Teen Smile
Teens care about how their treatment looks and feels, so we offer three options at one price:
- Metal braces are stainless steel, sturdy and effective for nearly any correction. At each adjustment, teens can choose new band colors to match a team, a holiday or a mood.
- Clarity™ clear ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets for a quieter look in yearbook photos and class presentations.
- Clear aligners, including Invisalign® and Clarity™, are removable trays that need to be worn as directed, usually most of the day, to keep treatment on schedule.
Dr. Battle helps families weigh each option’s look and how it fits their teen’s lifestyle. Teens leaning toward trays can read more about Invisalign for teens, and our general overview of teen braces covers more of the options.
Braces and Sports
Many of our teen patients play team sports, and braces do not have to sideline anyone. The key is the right protection. Boil-and-bite guards are not suitable for orthodontic patients because they can grip the brackets and pull them loose, and they can hold teeth in place when the braces are trying to move them. Orthodontic mouthguards cover both the upper and lower teeth and are designed not to stick to brackets.
Athletes using aligners should take them out before a game or practice, store them in their case and wear the mouthguard instead, then rinse the aligners and put them back in afterward.
If a hit loosens a bracket or a wire starts to poke, orthodontic wax over the spot usually keeps things comfortable until we can see your teen. Our tips for an orthodontic emergency explain what to do with a loose wire or a broken appliance.
Fewer Trips Out of Class
Missing class for appointments is a real concern, especially for students in demanding courses. With braces, in-office adjustments typically happen every six to eight weeks. Between those visits, DentalMonitoring lets your teen take photo scans of their teeth with a phone. Dr. Battle reviews them and decides whether progress is on track or an office visit is needed, so appointments happen when they matter rather than on a fixed calendar.
When teens do come in, the visit is efficient. We plan with a TRIOS digital scanner instead of putty impressions and use other digital orthodontic tools to keep chair time short. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
After the Braces Come Off
Finishing treatment is a milestone, and retainers protect it. Teens wear their retainers full-time for the first two months, then at night from that point on. Retainers should stay in their case whenever they are out of the mouth and away from heat, so a hot car after school or a dishwasher is off limits. Every patient who completes full treatment also receives free professional teeth whitening for life.
Planning the Cost With Your Family
Because metal braces, ceramic braces and aligners are the same price, families can let the teen’s preferences guide the choice. Cost depends on the length of treatment and your insurance. We accept PPO, HMO and DeltaCare plans, offer a Medicaid discount, and provide zero-interest in-house plans with low or no down payment, along with CareCredit and LendingPoint. Student discounts are available too. More detail is available on the braces cost breakdown, and our office off SR 417 near Tuskawilla Rd and Red Bug Lake Rd is a short drive for families in Tuskawilla, Glen Eagle and Avery Park. Hours and directions are posted for our orthodontic practice.
Teen Braces FAQ
Can my teen keep playing sports with braces?
Yes. An orthodontic mouthguard protects both the teeth and the brackets during practices and games.
How many appointments will my teen miss school for?
Adjustments are typically every six to eight weeks, and DentalMonitoring virtual check-ins can replace some in-office visits.
Are clear braces or aligners more expensive for teens?
No. All three options cost the same.
To get your teen started, call (407) 699-1200 or request a New Patient Exam with Dr. Battle.