Braces for Teens

Braces for Teens

Types of Braces Available

  • Porcelain or Ceramic Braces: Porcelain and ceramic braces are teeth colored and thus less obvious than metal braces. However, they work just like metal braces do.
  • Metal Braces: Metal braces consist of brackets and wires. They are lightweight but made from strong high-grade stainless steel.
  • Invisalign: Invisalign consists of customized clear aligners that shift your teeth into the right position. This is a popular option because it allows you to straighten your teeth invisibly.
  • Damon System Braces: The Damon System is a type of metal or ceramic brace that eliminates the need for the colored ties to hold the wire.  It utilizes light forces to help align teeth and widen smiles.

Sports With Braces

If you’re involved in sports, your braces could be at risk if you don’t have mouth protection. Dr. Webb may recommend that you wear a sports mouthguard when playing contact sports to protect your braces and your mouth as a whole.

Time Frame For Teen Braces

The time frame for teen braces varies by patient. Most teens need to wear braces for 18 to 24 months, but it could be longer if you have severe bite issues. You’ll visit Dr. Webb about every 8 weeks for braces check-ups and adjustments. Visits take under an hour.

Flossing and Cleaning Braces

Food can get stuck in brackets and wires quite easily, so flossing while wearing braces is especially vital. Dr. Webb will teach you some effective flossing techniques. It may take a little extra time, but you’ll quickly grow accustomed to flossing with braces. Watch this video on caring for your braces. 

What Not to Eat With Braces

Some types of foods can break or bend wires and brackets, so you should avoid:

  • Chewy and sticky foods
  • Very crunchy foods such as popcorn
  • Very hard foods such as hard candy
  • Any food that you bite into, for example, corn on the cob

The Cost of Braces

We understand that cost can be a major concern, and Webb Family Orthodontics does everything possible to make orthodontic treatment affordable for your family. The price of your braces treatment will vary according to the type of braces, how long the braces are worn, and other personal factors. We will work with you and your parents to find a financing solution. Contact the Webb Family Orthodontics office today for help!

Get Your FREE Consult

Request Appointment

"*" indicates required fields

Patient's Name*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
MM slash DD slash YYYY
(e.g. Cigna, TennCare)
Privacy Policy*

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What kind of braces do you offer?

    At Webb Family Orthodontics, we have traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign. We are a leading provider of Invisalign and Incognito in the area.

  • Are Braces Painful? How Do I Ease the Pain?

    At our office, we make your braces experience as comfortable as possible. Although braces do take some getting used to, we find that our patients adjust within 1-2 days after getting their braces, and have a great experience at our office. Braces aren't generally painful, but you may feel a bit sore the first few days after getting them. This soreness is quite normal, and it won't last for long and can usually be managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or Tylenol. If you're experiencing lip, cheek, or tongue irritation in the weeks immediately after getting braces, some wax can alleviate the problem quickly. We're happy to provide the wax for you!

  • How Long Will I Have to Have Braces?

    The amount of time that you'll need to wear braces depends on several factors, including the severity of your bite problem and the nature of the issue. Most patients need to wear braces for 12 to 24 months, but it may be shorter or longer for you. Dr. Webb will discuss your case with you and give you a general idea of what to expect. After you've had the braces on for several months, the progress can be measured more easily, and Dr. Webb may be able to give you an update on how long you can expect to wear braces.

  • Can I Get Braces That Are Less Noticeable?

    Yes, you can — in fact, there are several options for less noticeable braces today. Invisalign is a popular option because it straightens teeth using transparent plastic trays that fit your teeth like a second skin with no wires or brackets at all. Another popular choice for less noticeable braces is porcelain or ceramic braces. While these are traditional braces in terms of function, the brackets are made from a tooth-colored porcelain or ceramic that blends in with your teeth to make them much less obvious.

  • What Foods Should I Avoid While I Have Braces?

    There are a few things to keep in mind when eating while you have braces, including: 

    • Avoid sticky foods. Foods like caramel can get stuck in your braces and cause discomfort. 
    • Cut up crunchy foods. Apples, corn on the cob, etc can be tough to chew with braces, cutting them into smaller pieces will help!
    • Avoid strong candies - like Jawbreakers. 

  • How Do I Brush My Teeth With Braces?

    We recommend brushing after every meal with braces.  Holding the toothbrush properly and brushing the correct areas on the teeth is necessary to ensure proper brushing.  Please watch our video to improve your brushing skills here. 

  • Can I play sports while in braces?

    Yes!

    We also offer mouth guards to wear over the braces while playing sports. Mouth guards protect your teeth and the braces during physical activity and our doctor recommends wearing them.

  • Do you offer before and after school appointments?

    Yes!

    Webb Family Orthodontics offers a number of appointment times M-F to accommodate your busy schedule. 

  • How much do braces cost?

    The cost of braces can vary depending on which type of braces you have, how long you need treatment, and other factors unique to your situation. We at Webb Family Orthodontics understand that the financial aspect of braces is something that many patients worry about, and we're here to help. We offer payment plans and are willing to work within your budget to help you get the orthodontic care you need. Contact us anytime to learn more!

  • How do I get started?

    It's simple!  Call our office at 423-870-5254 to set up your free consultation or request a free consultation online here.