Braces for Teens in Colton, CA

What Are Braces for Teens? Your Colton Orthodontic Options

Braces for teens are orthodontic appliances designed to correct alignment, bite issues, and spacing during adolescence. Our board-certified orthodontists at 360 Orthodontics in Colton, CA build treatment plans around your teen’s natural jaw growth, making this the ideal time for orthodontic correction.

Why the teen years? Your child’s jaw is still developing, which means teeth move faster when the jaw is still growing. That often means shorter treatment and better results than waiting until they’re older. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, and many teens begin active treatment between ages 11 and 16.

Our Colton office offers three main options for teen braces:

• Metal braces: The most common choice, made from high-grade stainless steel for reliable, effective treatment
• Clear braces: Tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend with your teen’s smile for a less noticeable look
• Invisalign for teens: Removable clear aligners that straighten teeth without wires or brackets

Type	Visibility	Removable?	Best For
Metal braces	Visible (with colorful band options)	No	Most orthodontic cases
Clear braces	Low visibility, tooth-colored	No	Teens wanting a subtle look
Invisalign	Nearly invisible	Yes	Mild to moderate cases, responsible teens

Each option works differently, but all achieve the same goal: a healthy, confident smile your teen will love. During your free consultation, we’ll help you figure out which treatment fits your teen’s lifestyle and orthodontic needs.

What Are the Benefits of Braces for Teens?

The main benefits of braces for teens include easier oral hygiene, healthier jaw function, stronger self-confidence, and prevention of more serious dental concerns later in life. Our Colton team sees these results firsthand with teen patients every day.

Here’s a quick look at what braces do for teens:

• Straighter teeth that are easier to brush and floss
• Corrected bite alignment that protects jaw health long-term
• Boosted self-confidence in social and academic settings
• Prevention of future dental work by addressing issues early
• Modern, comfortable options that match your teen’s personality

Now, here’s what each of those benefits actually looks like in practice:

Easier Brushing and Flossing

Straighter teeth are easier to clean. That matters. When teeth overlap or crowd together, toothbrush bristles and floss can’t reach every surface. Braces fix these issues, cutting the risk of cavities and gum disease for years to come. And teens who finish orthodontic treatment tend to carry better oral hygiene habits into adulthood, because maintaining their results becomes second nature.

How Straight Teeth Protect Jaw Health

Bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites put uneven stress on the jaw joint. Left alone? That can cause jaw discomfort, headaches, and uneven wear on tooth enamel. Correcting these issues now prevents more serious concerns down the road, and early correction is almost always simpler than addressing the same problems in adulthood.

A Real Boost in Self-Confidence

Ask any teen who’s finished treatment. A straight, attractive smile changes how they carry themselves at school, at work, and in social situations. Many teens tell us they smile more freely and feel more comfortable in photos after treatment. That kind of confidence carries over into everything from class presentations to college interviews.

Preventing Future Dental Work

Addressing orthodontic concerns during adolescence often means simpler, shorter treatment. Waiting until adulthood can require more involved procedures, including extractions or jaw correction in some cases. Starting now saves time, effort, and often money.

Comfortable, Modern Options That Fit Their Style

Today’s braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive than older designs. Your teen picks what works for them. Whether that’s metal braces with colorful bands or nearly invisible clear braces, we offer options that match their personality and their preferences.

The Teen Braces Process at 360 Orthodontics in Colton

Teen braces treatment at 360 Orthodontics follows five steps, from free consultation to retainer fitting. Here’s what to expect from start to finish:

1. Free Consultation and Assessment

Everything starts with a complimentary consultation at our Colton office. We take digital X-rays and scans to evaluate tooth position, jaw alignment, and bite. All imaging is included at no extra charge, because all X-rays, scans, and follow-up appointments are included with every treatment plan.

2. Custom Treatment Plan Presentation

Based on our findings, we build a treatment plan specific to your teen. You’ll see exactly what we recommend, how long treatment should take, and what it will cost. We walk through all your options, including easy payment plans at $89 per month with no credit check.

3. Braces Placement Appointment

When you’re ready to start, we schedule the placement appointment. This typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Our team makes sure your teen feels comfortable throughout the process and knows exactly how to care for their new braces. Pro tip: stock up on soft foods for the first few days.

4. Regular Adjustment Visits

Every 4 to 8 weeks, your teen returns to our Colton, CA office for adjustments. These quick appointments keep treatment on track. We check progress, make any needed modifications, and answer questions along the way.

5. Braces Removal and Retainer Fitting

Once teeth reach their final positions, we remove the braces at our Colton location and fit your teen with retainers. Retainers maintain results and protect your investment in their smile.

Is Your Teen a Candidate for Braces?

Most teens ages 11 to 16 with crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, or crossbites are good candidates for braces at 360 Orthodontics in Colton, CA. By this age, adult teeth have typically erupted, and the jaw is still growing enough to respond well to orthodontic treatment. It’s a sweet spot where growth and timing work in your teen’s favor.

Braces may be a good fit if your teen has:

• Crowding: Teeth overlap or twist because there isn’t enough space
• Gaps: Noticeable spaces between teeth
• Overbite: Upper front teeth extend too far over lower teeth
• Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth when biting
• Crossbite: Some upper teeth close inside lower teeth instead of outside

If your teen completed Phase 1 treatment as a child, they may need Phase 2 braces to finish aligning their adult teeth. Early interceptive treatment addresses jaw development, while Phase 2 focuses on final tooth positioning.

Not sure if braces are the right call? 360 Orthodontics offers free consultations at our Colton, CA office. Our orthodontists evaluate each teen individually and provide honest recommendations. There’s no obligation to start treatment.

Why Colton Families Choose 360 Orthodontics for Teen Braces

Families throughout Colton and the surrounding area trust 360 Orthodontics for their teen’s orthodontic care. Here’s why:

A Team Built for Teens

Our board-certified orthodontic team works with teens every day. We understand the concerns adolescents have about their appearance, social life, and packed schedules. Convenience and comfort are priorities at every visit, and our specialist-trained staff knows how to put nervous teens at ease from the first appointment.

All Options Under One Roof

Whether your teen wants metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign, we offer all three at our Colton office. No referrals to other practices needed. We handle everything from consultation through retention, so you’re never bouncing between providers.

Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing

As LA’s most affordable orthodontist, 360 Orthodontics offers all-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees or surprise costs. We provide easy payment plans and work with your insurance to maximize benefits. Prices you can smile about.

Trusted by Local Families

Colton-area parents and teens consistently share positive experiences with our practice. With over 10k customers served across our Southern California offices, we take time to listen, explain treatment options clearly, and involve teens in decisions about their care. Check out our Google reviews to see what local families are saying.

Free Consultations, Zero Pressure

Your first visit costs nothing and comes with no obligation. We provide a full evaluation, treatment recommendations, and cost estimate so you can make an informed decision on your own timeline. No sales pitch, no pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Braces in Colton, CA

How much do braces for teens cost in Colton, CA?

The cost of teen braces at 360 Orthodontics in Colton varies based on the type of braces and complexity of treatment. We offer easy payment plans starting at $89 per month with no credit check. Schedule a free consultation at our Colton office to receive a cost estimate that includes all X-rays, scans, and follow-up appointments.

How long do teens wear braces?

Most teens wear braces for 12 to 24 months at 360 Orthodontics in Colton, CA, depending on the severity of their orthodontic issues. Simpler cases may finish sooner, while more involved corrections take longer. During your consultation, we’ll provide a realistic timeline based on your teen’s specific needs.

Can my teen play sports or instruments with braces?

Yes, teens can play sports and musical instruments with braces. For contact sports, we recommend a protective mouthguard designed for braces. Wind and brass instrument players may need a short adjustment period, but most teens adapt fast. Braces shouldn’t hold your teen back from the activities they love.

What foods should teens avoid with braces?

Teens with braces should stay away from hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage brackets or wires. Common ones to skip include:

• Hard candies and ice
• Popcorn and nuts
• Chewy candies like taffy and caramels
• Corn on the cob and whole apples (cut them into pieces instead)

We provide a full list of foods to enjoy and avoid at the placement appointment.

Does 360 Orthodontics offer Invisalign for teens?

Yes, 360 Orthodontics in Colton, CA offers Invisalign for teens. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that straighten teeth without wires or brackets. This option works well for teens who want a more discreet treatment and are responsible enough to wear aligners as directed. We’ll discuss whether Invisalign is right for your teen during the free consultation.

Does my teen need a referral to see an orthodontist?

No referral needed. You can schedule directly with 360 Orthodontics in Colton, CA by phone or through our online form. We welcome new patients and make scheduling easy for busy families.

Schedule Your Teen’s Free Braces Consultation in Colton Today

Ready to see what braces can do for your teen? Start with a free consultation at 360 Orthodontics. During this no-obligation visit, our board-certified orthodontists evaluate your teen’s teeth and bite, discuss treatment options, and provide a full cost estimate.

Scheduling is easy. Call us at (310) 998-7600 or book online through our website. We also have offices in Los Angeles, Oxnard, Santa Ana, and Santa Clarita if another location works better for your family.

You deserve a better smile. Getting a straighter smile has never been easier at our Colton office. Give us a call or book your free consultation online today.