Orthodontics for Teens

The teen years are ideal for orthodontic treatment – setting the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles.

Southern Maryland Orthodontic Studio provides comprehensive care options designed to give teens results they’ll love.

Join our mailing list to receive important updates and information. Opening Summer 2026.

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Ideal Timing, Great Results

Why the Teen Years Are Ideal for Treatment

Most teens have all of their permanent teeth, and the jaw is still growing. This creates an optimal time for bone remodeling, which is the process that allows teeth to move during orthodontic treatment.

Compliance is another factor. Relative to younger kids, teens are more capable of taking responsibility for their treatment – wearing rubber bands, keeping up with hygiene, showing up to appointments.

And of course, confidence is important as well. By treating during the teen years, patients head into adulthood with their ideal smile in place.

Treatments For Teens

Options That Fit School, Sports, and Life

For many teens, treatment typically falls into three categories: traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or clear aligners.

The right treatment option is highly dependent on which teeth must move, bite patterns, and how well the patient can comply with wear and care requirements.

Dr. Hagan will walk through the options and make a recommendation based on each patient’s goals and situation.

teen orthodontics patient orthodontics for teens southern maryland orthodontic studio metal braces traditional braces

Metal Braces For Teens

Metal braces remain one of the most effective tools for straightening teeth. They work for cases from mild to severe, and are often the clear choice for teens who require complex corrections.

Learn More About Metal Braces →

Clear Braces For Teens

Clear braces use translucent brackets, and are a good choice for teens who prefer a more discreet look. Mechanically, they work the same way as metal braces, and are nearly as strong, making them a good fit for most cases.

Learn More About Clear Braces →

Clear Aligners and Invisalign® Treatment

Clear aligners are removable trays that move teeth in steps. They must be worn consistently, so their effectiveness for teens is directly tied to compliance with treatment guidelines. Invisalign® treatment falls into the category of clear aligners. Clear aligners are best for mild to moderate cases.

Clear Aligners →

Invisalign® Treatment →

Life with Braces as a Teen

Patients usually adjust to braces faster than they expect – there’s a “new normal” phase as they adjust, then it becomes routine.

Daily hygiene and care matters: brushing carefully around brackets, properly cleaning aligner trays, avoiding foods that break or stain appliances, and wearing rubber bands as prescribed.

Patients should contact our office if anything breaks, loosens, or is causing sharp pain. For more detailed information, please visit our Life with Braces page.

Orthodontics For Teens FAQ

Most teen orthodontic treatment runs around 18-24 months, but it can be shorter or longer depending on bite correction needs, spacing/crowding, and how well patients follow instructions (elastics and aligner wear are the usual variables).

After the evaluation, each patient will receive a case-specific timeline.

Yes, but protection is mandatory. Patients with fixed appliances must wear an orthodontic mouthguard to prevent soft tissue cuts inside the mouth if impact occurs. We’ll recommend the right type depending on whether the patient has braces or aligners.

Brackets can come loose from hard foods or accidents, and aligners can get lost or misplaced – it happens.

Call the office right away with any issues – delays can stretch treatment time if not addressed quickly.

Contact Us

Join our mailing list to receive important updates and information.

Opening Summer 2026.

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Communities we Serve

We treat patients from across Washington, D.C., Prince George’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, and Calvert counties, and more. Some communities we serve include: