The teen years can be a great time to explore orthodontic treatment. By around ages 12–16, most permanent teeth have come through, while the teeth and jaws are still developing.
And there’s more to orthodontic treatment than simply straightening teeth. Depending on your teen’s individual needs, treatment may help address concerns with crowding, spacing, tooth position or the way their bite comes together.
At Urban Smile, we’re here to make the process as straightforward as possible for teens and parents. At their free initial consultation, we’ll take a closer look at your teen’s teeth and bite, including any concerns with spacing, crowding or alignment.
Their records are then reviewed by one of our Specialist Orthodontists, who will determine whether treatment is appropriate, when the right time to start may be and which treatment options could be suitable.
Because every teen develops differently, there’s no one-size-fits-all time to start orthodontic treatment. A consultation can help you understand what’s happening with their smile now and what, if anything, might be recommended next.
Can Teenagers Have Clear Aligners?
Yes, clear aligners can be an option for some teenagers, depending on their teeth, bite and stage of dental development.
At Urban Smile, we offer clear aligner treatment for suitable teens. The aligners are transparent and removable, which means they can be taken out for eating, brushing and flossing. But being removable also means your teen needs to be responsible about wearing them as directed.
Clear aligners aren’t necessarily the right option for every teenager. Their Specialist Orthodontist will consider their individual orthodontic needs, development and ability to manage aligner wear before recommending treatment.
What Age Can Teens Start Clear Aligners?
There isn’t one set age for starting clear aligner treatment. While many teenagers may be ready for treatment once most of their permanent teeth have come through, the right timing depends on their individual dental and jaw development.
That’s why an orthodontic assessment is more useful than relying on age alone. Our clinical team can assess what’s happening with your teen’s teeth and bite and advise whether it’s the right time to consider treatment.
For younger children who may benefit from orthodontic treatment while their teeth and jaws are still developing, other treatment approaches may also be considered.
Overview of Our Teen Orthodontic Treatment
We understand that orthodontic treatments can raise concerns and questions. That’s why Urban Smile offers a comprehensive overview of treatment options and consultation with our dental professionals. We’re committed to providing the perfect balance of care and expert advice.
Clear aligners are a popular option for teens who prefer a more discreet way to straighten their teeth. Made from transparent material, they’re less noticeable than traditional braces and can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing.
Why Orthodontic Treatment May Be Recommended For Teens
Addressing Teeth and Bite Concerns
The teen years can be an appropriate time to address orthodontic concerns such as crowding, spacing and certain bite issues. Whether treatment is recommended, and when it should begin, will depend on your teen’s individual teeth, bite and development.
Supporting Oral Health
Straighter teeth can sometimes be easier to brush and floss effectively, particularly where crowding makes certain areas difficult to reach. Good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups remain important throughout orthodontic treatment and beyond.
Bite and Function
Depending on your teen’s orthodontic needs, treatment may be recommended to improve the position of their teeth or address the way their bite comes together. Your Specialist Orthodontist will assess their individual needs and explain what treatment is intended to address.
Convenient At-Home Monitoring
With our Dental Monitoring app, your teen can complete regular scans from home between studio visits. These scans allow our clinical team to monitor their treatment progress remotely and let you know when an in-person appointment is needed. With remote monitoring, fewer in-person appointments are needed, meaning less time out of work and school.
Our Teen Orthodontic Treatment Process
Step 1: Book a Free Consultation
Visit one of our studios for a free consultation, where we’ll assess your teen’s smile using x-rays, digital scans, and dental photos. Our Oral Health Therapists will also take a look at your teen’s teeth. We’ll then prepare a tailored treatment quote and assist with payment plans that suit your family’s needs.
Step 2: Treatment Plan
Your teen’s clinical records are reviewed by one of our Specialist Orthodontists. If clear aligners are suitable, they’ll design an individual treatment plan based on your teen’s teeth and bite.
Step 3: Treatment Begins
Once the aligners are ready, we’ll fit your teen’s first set and show them how to wear, remove and care for them. We’ll also get them set up with Dental Monitoring so they know how to complete their regular scans from home.
Step 4: Retainers & Aftercare
Once active treatment is complete, your teen will move into the retention phase. They’ll receive retainers and instructions on how to wear and care for them to help maintain the position of their teeth after treatment.
Will My Teen Actually Wear Their Aligners?
It’s one of the biggest questions parents have, and it’s an important one.
Clear aligners only work as planned when they’re worn as directed by your orthodontic team. Because they’re removable, your teen will need to build wearing, removing and cleaning their aligners into their everyday routine.
For some teenagers, that independence is a great fit. For others, a different orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate.
Dental Monitoring also gives our clinical team another way to keep an eye on treatment between appointments. Your teen completes regular scans through the app, allowing our team to review their tooth movement and provide guidance throughout treatment.
Teen Clear Aligner FAQs
Are clear aligners suitable for every teenager?
No. Suitability depends on your teen’s individual orthodontic needs, teeth, bite and dental development. Their Specialist Orthodontist will recommend an appropriate treatment option following an assessment.
How many hours a day do teens need to wear clear aligners?
Your teen should follow the wear schedule provided by their orthodontic team. Consistent wear is important for treatment to progress according to plan.
Can teenagers play sport with clear aligners?
Yes, teenagers undergoing clear aligner treatment can still participate in sport. Depending on the activity, a mouthguard may be recommended. Your clinical team can advise when aligners should be removed and how to manage them around training and games.
What happens if my teen loses an aligner?
Contact your Urban Smile team rather than simply moving to the next aligner. We’ll advise what to do based on where your teen is in their treatment plan.
Can teens eat normally with clear aligners?
Aligners are removed for eating, so there aren’t the same food restrictions associated with fixed braces. Your teen should follow their clinical team’s instructions and maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment.
Is It Time for an Orthodontic Assessment?
Every teen’s teeth and jaws develop differently, so there’s no single “right age” or treatment that’s appropriate for everyone.
If you’re wondering whether clear aligners could be an option for your teen, a consultation is a good place to start. We’ll assess their teeth and bite, answer your questions and have their records reviewed by one of our Specialist Orthodontists to determine whether treatment is recommended.
Book a free consultation at your nearest Urban Smile studio to find out more.
Consultation required to assess suitability. Our Specialist Orthodontists will advise whether clear aligner treatment is appropriate for your teen.