Fast Smiles With Braces For Teens
Aurora, CO
Being a teen isn’t easy these days with school, sports, and all the activities and social pressures they face. While we can’t help with homework or getting them ready for the big game, we can assure your teen that they will love their new smile! Dr. Garlock believes in making every effort to ensure a trip to our orthodontic office is quick, convenient, and a positive experience for his patients. When you come to our office, you’ll quickly realize that you are now part of our tight-knit family, and we will always treat you as such. You will not only love your smile, but you will also enjoy the journey to achieve it!
At Garlock Orthodontics in Aurora, CO, near Southlands, we use the latest technologies to ensure that your teen is in and out of braces as quickly as possible. Our iTero Intra Oral Scanner removes the need for messy, goopy impressions, and allows us to fully construct a 3D model of your smile. We can even show you a projection of what your future smile could look like!
Dr. Garlock will spend as much time as needed meeting with you and your teen to discuss their treatment details and tailor a treatment plan that is best for your child. And for those patients who are worried about their friends noticing their braces, we offer various treatment options to make it less obvious that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment!
Options For Braces
- Ceramic braces – Ceramic braces are made of composite materials that are designed to blend in with the color of your natural teeth, so they are less noticeable than metal braces.
- Traditional metal braces – Traditional braces consist of small metal brackets adhered to your teeth with a solid adhesive compound. They utilize metal brackets joined together by a thin metal wire called the archwire. This wire is what works to gradually “pull” your teeth into place throughout treatment.
- Self-ligating braces – Self-ligating brackets are one of the many technological advances in orthodontics. The science behind self-ligating braces is having sliding door technology securing the archwire in place, allowing for faster treatment times, shorter appointment times, fewer orthodontics trips, and brackets that are easier to clean.
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The cost of treatment depends on the severity of the problems, length of treatment, type of treatment, insurance, etc. At your free consultation, our treatment coordinator will go over all your options and work with you to determine a customized plan that fits both your treatment goals and budget.
How Long Do Braces Take For Teens?
Most teens wear braces for 18 to 24 months. Simpler cases can finish in 12 to 18 months, while more complex bite corrections take longer. Two things drive the timeline more than anything else: the severity of the alignment issue and how consistently your teen follows care instructions, especially wearing elastics as directed. At your free consultation, Dr. Garlock will map out a custom timeline so you know what to expect before treatment starts.
Metal, Ceramic, Or Invisalign Teen — Which Is Right?
Metal braces are the most common and most budget-friendly option, and they handle every type of correction. Ceramic braces work the same way but use tooth-colored brackets that blend in with natural teeth, which matters to teens who are self-conscious about photos and social settings. Invisalign Teen replaces brackets and wires with clear removable aligners — great for teens who want a discreet option and are disciplined about wear time. We walk through all three at your consultation and recommend the one that fits your teen’s case, schedule, and budget.
Braces, Sports, And Instruments
Braces do not sideline your teen. Teens with braces play club soccer, run track, and march in the band every day. For contact sports we recommend a protective mouthguard, which we can fit over brackets. Teens who play wind or brass instruments usually need a short adjustment period, but most are back to full form within a few weeks.
Paying For Teen Braces In Aurora
Cost depends on case complexity and the type of braces chosen. Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that cover part of treatment, and our Aurora team verifies your benefits before treatment begins so there are no surprises. We also offer low monthly payment plans, and the consultation itself is free. Try our payment calculator to see what a plan could look like for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces For Teens
How much do braces for teens cost in Aurora, CO?
Braces costs vary based on case complexity and the type of braces selected. Pricing at our practice is in line with regional averages for orthodontic care along the Front Range. During your teen’s free consult at Garlock Orthodontics, we provide a detailed cost breakdown and discuss payment options. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer low monthly payment plans to fit your budget.
How long will my teen need to wear braces?
Most teens wear braces for 18 to 24 months. Treatment length depends on the severity of alignment concerns and how well your teen follows care instructions. Simpler cases may finish in 12 to 18 months. Dr. Garlock will give you a custom timeline during your consultation.
Do braces hurt?
Braces don’t hurt during placement. Your teen may feel some soreness for a few days after getting braces and following adjustments. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods help during this short adjustment period. Most teens find the soreness fades within a week.
What can my teen eat with braces?
Soft foods are best for the first few days after placement and adjustments. Things like pasta, yogurt, smoothies, eggs, and soft fruits work well. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods like popcorn, caramel, hard candy, and ice can damage brackets and should be avoided. Cutting apples and other firm foods into small pieces also helps protect the brackets.
Will my teen be able to play sports or musical instruments?
Absolutely. Teens with braces play sports and instruments every day. We recommend a protective mouthguard during contact sports. Wind and brass instrument players may need a short adjustment period, but most adapt within a few weeks. Braces won’t hold your teen back from activities they love.
Does insurance cover teen braces?
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits that help cover a portion of braces treatment. Coverage varies by plan. Our Aurora team verifies your benefits before treatment begins and helps you understand your out-of-pocket costs. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on your teen’s smile.
What’s the difference between metal, ceramic, and Invisalign Teen?
Metal braces are the most common and budget-friendly option. They’re durable and work well for all types of corrections. Ceramic braces function the same way but use tooth-colored brackets that blend in more naturally. Invisalign Teen uses clear removable aligners instead of brackets and wires. During your free consult, we’ll discuss which option makes the most sense for your teen’s smile goals and lifestyle.
Book Your Teen’s Free Consult
Garlock Orthodontics serves teens across Aurora, CO and the Southlands area. Call (303) 627-6212 or request your free consult and we’ll take it from there.