Getting braces during the teenage years gives your child a real advantage. Woodland Hills families come to 360 Orthodontics because we match each teen with the right orthodontic solution, whether that’s metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign Teen. Our board-certified orthodontists work with adolescents every day, and we know how to make treatment fit into busy school schedules and active lifestyles.
With over 10k customers served and five offices across Southern California, we bring that same level of care to every patient who walks through our doors.
What Are Braces for Teens? Understanding Adolescent Orthodontics
Teen braces are orthodontic appliances designed for adolescents between ages 11 and 18. They use brackets, wires, or clear aligners to correct misalignment, crowding, and bite issues. This age range is the ideal window for orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth have already come in, yet the jaw is still actively growing and developing.
Why does this matter? Because your teen is still growing, teeth move more efficiently through bone and the jaw can still be guided into better alignment. That active growth often means shorter treatment compared to adult orthodontics. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the ideal age for an initial orthodontic screening is 7, with most teens beginning active treatment between 11 and 14.
At 360 Orthodontics, our Woodland Hills office offers three main options for teens:
- Metal braces: The classic choice, now smaller and more comfortable than ever
- Clear braces: Made from tooth-colored ceramic that blends with your teen’s smile
- Invisalign Teen: Removable clear aligners with compliance indicators for parents
Some teens also benefit from palatal expanders or growth modification appliances. These work alongside braces to address jaw discrepancies while your teen is still growing. Our orthodontists, each with years of specialized residency training beyond dental school, evaluate every case individually during your free consultation to recommend the best approach.
Benefits of Getting Braces as a Teenager
There’s a reason orthodontists recommend treating most alignment issues during adolescence, and it’s why 360 Orthodontics prioritizes teen treatment. The benefits go well beyond straight teeth.
Teen braces offer faster treatment times due to active jaw growth, prevent costly adult corrections, build confidence during formative years, support better oral hygiene, and now come in discreet options like clear braces and Invisalign Teen.
Faster Treatment Times
Teenage bones are still developing, so teeth shift more readily and treatment often wraps up faster than it would for adults. That active bone metabolism works in your favor. Our Woodland Hills orthodontists see this play out with teen patients regularly.
Prevents More Involved Treatment Later
Bite issues don’t improve on their own. An overbite, underbite, or crossbite left untreated can lead to jaw discomfort, uneven tooth wear, and more extensive treatment as an adult. Correcting these now saves time, discomfort, and money down the road.
Confidence During Formative Years
High school is hard enough without feeling self-conscious about your smile. Teens who complete orthodontic treatment often report feeling more confident in social situations, photos, and presentations. That confidence carries into college and beyond. We hear this from Woodland Hills families all the time.
Better Oral Health and Discreet Options
Crowded or overlapping teeth trap food particles and make brushing harder. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Gone are the days when metal braces were the only choice. Clear braces and Invisalign Teen let your teen straighten their teeth without drawing attention. Many of their friends won’t even notice they’re in treatment.
The Teen Braces Process at 360 Orthodontics in Woodland Hills
We’ve made the treatment process at our Woodland Hills office straightforward so families know exactly what to expect. Here’s how it works:
- Free Consultation
Your teen’s first visit includes digital X-rays and 3D imaging at no cost. Our orthodontists examine their teeth, bite, and jaw alignment, then discuss findings with you and your teen together. No pressure, no obligation. Just information to help you make the right decision.
- Custom Treatment Plan
Once your teen is ready to move forward, we create a plan specific to them. You’ll choose between metal braces, clear braces, or Invisalign Teen based on your teen’s needs, lifestyle, and preferences. We explain the expected timeline and walk through all costs upfront with transparent pricing.
- Braces Placement or Aligner Fitting
The placement appointment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. With braces, we bond brackets to each tooth and connect them with archwires. For Invisalign Teen patients, we take impressions or scans to order their custom aligners. Either way, your teen’s new smile is officially in progress.
- Regular Progress Visits
Your teen returns to our Woodland Hills office every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments. Braces appointments take about 20 minutes. Invisalign checkups are even quicker. We schedule after-school times to minimize missed classes, because we know how packed a teen’s calendar gets.
- Braces Removal and Retainers
When treatment is complete, we remove the braces and fit your teen for retainers. Retainers keep teeth in their new positions long-term. We provide clear instructions on wear schedules and care.
Most teen treatments at 360 Orthodontics last between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case.
Is Your Teen a Candidate for Braces in Woodland Hills?
Most teens become candidates for braces once all or most permanent teeth have erupted, typically between ages 11 and 14. Common signs include crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. A professional evaluation determines the best treatment approach for your teen’s specific needs.
Here are the most common signs that braces for teens could help:
- Crowding: Teeth overlap or twist because there isn’t enough room
- Gaps: Spaces between teeth affect appearance and bite function
- 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
- Open bite: Front teeth don’t touch when back teeth are closed
If your teen still has baby teeth, our orthodontists may recommend waiting or starting with Phase 1 treatment to guide jaw development first.
Comparing Teen Treatment Options
| Treatment Type | Best For | Visibility | Avg. Treatment Time | Compliance Needs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Moderate to severe cases | Visible | 12–24 months | Low (fixed appliance) |
| Clear Braces | Moderate cases | Low visibility | 12–24 months | Low (fixed appliance) |
| Invisalign Teen | Mild to moderate cases | Nearly invisible | 12–18 months | High (must wear 20–22 hrs/day) |
What about Invisalign Teen?
Our Woodland Hills orthodontists find that clear aligners work well for responsible teens with mild to moderate alignment issues. Invisalign Teen includes compliance indicators that fade with wear, so parents can verify their teen is wearing aligners the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. Teens who need significant bite correction may get better results with metal or clear braces.
The only way to know which treatment fits your teen best is through a professional evaluation. Our Woodland Hills team offers free consultations to assess your teen’s specific needs and answer all your questions about braces for teens.
Why Woodland Hills Families Choose 360 Orthodontics for Teen Braces
Families throughout Woodland Hills trust us with their teenagers’ smiles for good reason. Here’s what sets us apart.
Experienced Orthodontists
Our orthodontists completed specialized residency training beyond dental school, focusing specifically on tooth movement and jaw alignment. That training means your teen is in expert hands, backed by ongoing education and the highest professional standards.
Modern Technology
Our Woodland Hills office uses digital X-rays and 3D imaging to plan treatment with precision. Digital scans replace messy impressions, which teens especially appreciate. We also show you exactly what your teen’s smile will look like after treatment before we even begin.
Transparent Pricing You Can Afford
Your teen’s smile shouldn’t depend on your budget. 360 Orthodontics offers easy payment plans. All X-rays, scans and follow-up appointments included in your quoted price. No hidden fees or surprise costs. We also work with most insurance providers to maximize your benefits.
Proven Results and Convenient Scheduling
Hundreds of successful teen smile makeovers right here in Woodland Hills speak to our track record. We’re proud that so many families refer their friends and neighbors to our office.
Teens have packed schedules. Our office offers after-school and weekend appointments so treatment doesn’t interfere with classes, sports, or activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Braces
How long do braces take for teenagers?
Most teen treatments at 360 Orthodontics in Woodland Hills last between 12 and 24 months. The exact timeline depends on the severity of misalignment and how well your teen follows care instructions. Simpler cases may finish in under a year, while more involved bite corrections can take closer to two years.
Can my teen get Invisalign instead of metal braces?
Yes. Invisalign Teen is available for qualifying cases. Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate alignment issues. Teens who need significant bite correction or have severe crowding may get better results with metal braces. Our Woodland Hills orthodontists will recommend the most effective option during your free consultation.
How much do teen braces cost in Woodland Hills?
Treatment costs vary based on the type of braces and complexity of your teen’s case. We provide exact pricing during your free consultation with no surprises. 360 Orthodontics offers flexible easy payment plans and works with most insurance providers to make treatment affordable for every family, prices you can smile about.
Do braces hurt?
Your teen may experience mild soreness for a few days after braces are placed and following adjustment appointments. This is normal and typically fades within 3 to 5 days. Over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen and soft foods help during the adjustment period. Our Woodland Hills team is always available to help if your teen experiences any discomfort.
What foods should my teen avoid with braces?
Hard foods like popcorn kernels, ice, and hard candy can break brackets. Sticky foods like caramel and taffy can pull wires loose. The 360 Orthodontics team provides a full list of foods to avoid and plenty of braces-friendly alternatives your teen will actually enjoy at the placement appointment.
What happens if my teen doesn’t wear their retainer?
Teeth naturally shift back toward their original positions. Without consistent retainer wear, your teen could lose the results they worked hard to achieve. Wear retainers as directed: usually full-time at first, then nightly long-term.
Schedule Your Teen’s Free Braces Consultation in Woodland Hills
Your teen’s path to a straighter smile starts with a simple conversation. 360 Orthodontics offers free consultations with no obligation. You’ll get a full evaluation, clear treatment recommendations, and transparent pricing, all in one visit.
Call us at (310) 998-7600 or book online. We offer flexible scheduling, including after-school appointments that work around your teen’s busy life.
Many Woodland Hills families book their teen’s first visit over summer or winter break so treatment is well underway before the next school year. The sooner they begin, the sooner they’ll have the healthy, confident smile they deserve. Because you deserve a better smile, and your journey to a straighter smile has never been easier.
360 Orthodontics proudly serves families in Woodland Hills and throughout Southern California, with offices in Los Angeles, Oxnard, Colton, Santa Ana, and Santa Clarita. Find your smile at the office most convenient for you.
EN_US 
ES