Teen braces and aligners
Teen treatment moves the permanent teeth into place with braces or clear aligners. Dr. Aceves says which fits a teenager's days, and which she would choose if it were hers to wear.
A case, a mirror and a toothbrush
A teen with aligners carries a case and a toothbrush. A teen with braces carries a toothbrush and a few picks. Both come in every six to ten weeks.
What happens
Check-ins come about every six to ten weeks.
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Step 1: A talk with your teen
She asks the teenager what they want, then the parent, before she suggests anything.
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Step 2: Records and a plan
Photographs and a scan. She shows you the plan and what else you could do.
- 03
Step 3: Braces or aligners go on
Fitted at a visit of about an hour. Sonya shows your teen how to clean them and what to eat.
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Step 4: Check-ins
A short visit about every six to ten weeks until the teeth are where the plan said, then retainers.
Aligners only work when they're worn. If a teen is likely to leave them in a pocket, she'll say braces fit better.
Comfort, choices and care
Comfort
Teeth feel sore for a few days after a fitting and after a change. We tell you what helps. Your teen can ask us to stop at any point.
If you wait
Waiting is an option. Some teeth stay as they are, and some drift more as a teenager grows. She'll tell you what she sees.
Risks and after-care
Braces and aligners need careful cleaning, and sugar left on teeth around them can leave marks. A bracket can come loose, and a wire can poke. Call us and we'll say what to do.
How it's billed
One fee for the stage, in writing before it starts, and a payment schedule you agree to. Kerri reads your plan's benefits first.
How fees work
Questions about teen braces and aligners
Which is better, braces or aligners?
Neither, for everyone. Each suits different teeth and different habits. Dr. Aceves tells you which she would pick for your teenager, and why.
Can my teen play a sport or an instrument?
Yes. A mouthguard for sport, and a few days to get used to an instrument. Ask us and we'll plan around the season.
How long does treatment take?
It depends on the teeth, and she gives you her estimate as a range at the plan visit. It is an estimate, and how well a teen follows the plan matters.
Provided by an orthodontist
Dr. Pilar Aceves, DDS, orthodontist, licensed in Wyoming. Her specialty training and board are listed under Credentials on the About page.