Comprehensive orthodontic treatment during the teen years takes advantage of natural jaw growth, making tooth movement efficient and results more stable. At Smile Suite in Evanston, it's also a time when we treat teens as real participants — not just patients. They're old enough to own their treatment, ask questions, and have a genuine say in the direction of their care.
When to start
Most comprehensive treatment begins between ages 11 and 14, once the majority of permanent teeth have come in. Earlier isn't always better — starting too soon may mean a longer overall treatment time if baby teeth are still in place.
If your teen had a Phase 1 evaluation as a child, we may already have a roadmap for when to begin. If not, a consultation at any point during the teen years gives us a clear starting point.
Braces vs. clear aligners
We offer both, and your teen will have real input into which direction makes sense. There's no universally better option — it comes down to the clinical situation and what your teen is likely to commit to consistently.
Traditional Braces
- Fixed — no compliance required for wearing them
- Ideal for complex bite corrections
- Available in metal or ceramic (tooth-colored)
- Requires dietary adjustments (no sticky or hard foods)
Clear Aligners
- Removable — for eating, brushing, and flossing
- Virtually invisible
- Must be worn 20–22 hours per day for best results
- Compliance indicators show wear time at check-ups
Your teen gets a say
We involve teens directly in the treatment conversation. When patients understand why something is recommended and feel heard, they're more engaged — and more likely to follow through. That leads to better results.
Life during treatment
Treatment doesn't need to pause life. Most teens continue sports, play instruments, attend events, and go about everything as normal. A few adjustments are standard:
A mouthguard is recommended for contact sports. We'll help you find one that works with your treatment.
For braces: avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage brackets. Aligners are removed for eating entirely.
More thorough brushing and flossing habits are important. We'll show you what to do at your first appointment.
Most teens adapt quickly. Wind and brass players may need a brief adjustment period.
Start with a conversation
Bring your teen in for a complimentary consultation. We'll evaluate their teeth, explain what we see, and let them ask questions — no obligation, no pressure.
Book a Smile Consultation