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Adolescent orthodontics (braces and aligners for ages 11–18) — helping teens achieve a fun, confident smile while their jaw is still growing.
Teen orthodontic treatment — including clear aligners, metal braces, and clear ceramic braces — typically costs $3,500 to $7,500 and takes 12 to 24 months. The AAO recommends evaluation by age 7, but most teens start active treatment between ages 11 and 14 once their permanent dentition (adult teeth) is in place. Dr. Zipper, a board-certified orthodontist in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, offers free consultations to find the best option for your teen.
Ages 11 to 14 are the ideal window for adolescent orthodontics (braces and aligners for ages 11–18) — most permanent dentition (adult teeth) is in place and the jaw is still growing.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7. While most kids don't need treatment that early, an early evaluation lets Dr. Zipper spot potential issues before they become bigger problems.
The teen years offer a unique window for orthodontic correction. By this age, most or all of the permanent dentition (adult teeth) has erupted, giving Dr. Zipper a complete picture of your teen's bite and alignment. At the same time, the jaw is still growing and bones respond more quickly to movement — which often means faster, more predictable results.
Starting treatment during this growth phase can also help fix bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites that become harder to correct in adulthood. Early intervention during the teen years can reduce the need for more invasive procedures later on.
Teens' jaws are still growing, which means teeth move more quickly and treatment times are often shorter than for adults.
Choose from clear aligners, metal braces, or clear ceramic braces — whatever fits your teen's personality.
Teens can stay active with a custom mouthguard for braces, or simply remove clear aligners during games and practices.
A straighter, confident smile during the teen years can boost self-esteem at school, in photos, and in social settings.
Advanced 3D scanning with the iTero Element™ intraoral scanner and CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) imaging let your teen preview their new smile before treatment even begins.
Teens can express themselves with colored elastic bands on braces — choose school colors, favorite shades, or seasonal themes at every visit.
Yes — teens can get Invisalign and other clear aligners. But how do they compare to braces? Here's a side-by-side look at the three main treatment options for adolescent orthodontics (braces and aligners for ages 11–18).
| Feature | Clear Aligners | Metal Braces | Clear Braces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Range | $4,000–$7,500 | $3,500–$6,500 | $4,000–$7,000 |
| Treatment Duration | 12–18 months | 12–24 months | 12–24 months |
| Sports-Friendly? | Yes — removable | Yes — with mouthguard | Yes — with mouthguard |
| Visibility | Nearly invisible | Visible (fun colors!) | Tooth-colored, subtle |
| Compliance Needed | High — 22 hrs/day wear | Low — always working | Low — always working |
| Best For | Mild–moderate cases | All complexity levels | Moderate cases |
Orthodontic compliance (wearing aligners or elastics as directed) plays a big role in treatment success. Dr. Zipper will help your family choose the option that best fits your teen's lifestyle and needs. Learn more about braces care and maintenance.
Every teen's smile is different. Dr. Zipper, a board-certified orthodontist, will recommend the best treatment based on your teen's specific needs and lifestyle.
Nearly invisible, removable trays that straighten teeth without brackets or wires. A great choice for teens with mild to moderate alignment issues who want a discreet option. Compliance indicators help parents track orthodontic compliance (wearing aligners or elastics as directed).
The most common and effective option for teens. Modern metal braces are smaller and more comfortable than ever, with nickel-free wire options available for patients with sensitivities. They work for all levels of complexity — from simple crowding to complex bite correction. Plus, teens can personalize them with fun colored bands.
Tooth-colored brackets that blend with your teen's natural smile for a less noticeable look. Clear braces offer the reliability of traditional braces with improved aesthetics — ideal for teens who want something between metal braces and aligners.
The ideal age to begin adolescent orthodontics (braces and aligners for ages 11–18) is between 11 and 14, once most permanent dentition (adult teeth) has erupted.
If you notice any of the following signs in your teen, it may be time to schedule a free evaluation at our Boca Raton or Boynton Beach office:
Not sure if your teen is ready? The AAO recommends evaluation by age 7 so potential issues can be caught early. Learn more about early orthodontic treatment.
The cost of teen orthodontic treatment at Zipper Orthodontics depends on the type of treatment and the complexity of your teen's case. Clear aligners, metal braces, and clear ceramic braces each fall within this range.
We make treatment affordable with flexible monthly payment plans, and we accept most insurance plans. Your free consultation includes a full evaluation, digital scan, and personalized treatment plan with transparent pricing — no surprises. Visit our cost and insurance page for more details.
Most teens wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Below are the most common questions parents ask about adolescent orthodontics.
The AAO recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Most teens begin active treatment between ages 11 and 14 — once most or all permanent dentition (adult teeth) has come in. Dr. Zipper, a board-certified orthodontist, will determine the ideal start time based on your teen's dental development at a free consultation in Boca Raton or Boynton Beach.
Yes. Clear aligners like Invisalign Teen are an excellent option for adolescent orthodontics (braces and aligners for ages 11–18), especially for teens with mild to moderate alignment issues. They include compliance indicators so parents can confirm orthodontic compliance (wearing aligners or elastics as directed). Dr. Zipper will evaluate whether aligners or braces are the best fit during your free consultation.
Absolutely — braces are sports-friendly. Teens can continue playing sports with braces by wearing a custom orthodontic mouthguard. Clear aligners can be removed during games and practices. Dr. Zipper will help you choose the best option for your teen's activity level.
Most teen orthodontic treatments take 12 to 24 months depending on the complexity of the case. Teens often see faster results than adults because their jaws are still growing. At your free consultation, Dr. Zipper will provide a personalized timeline for your teen.
Teen orthodontic treatment at Zipper Orthodontics typically ranges from $3,500 to $7,500 depending on the type of treatment and complexity of the case. We accept most insurance plans, offer flexible monthly payment plans, and provide a free consultation so you know exactly what to expect. See our cost page for details.
Clear aligners are nearly invisible removable trays best for mild to moderate cases. Metal braces work for all complexity levels and are the most cost-effective option. Clear ceramic braces offer a less visible alternative with the reliability of traditional braces. Dr. Zipper will recommend the best option based on your teen's specific needs.
Yes. After braces or clear aligners, your teen will need a retainer to keep teeth in their new position. Orthodontic compliance (wearing aligners or elastics as directed) is key to long-term success. Dr. Zipper will provide a custom retainer and clear instructions to protect your teen's confident smile. Learn more about post-treatment care.
Dr. Brandon Zipper, DMD, MS is a board-certified orthodontist and member of the American Association of Orthodontists. He earned his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Nova Southeastern University, and completed his orthodontic residency and Master of Science in Oral Biology at Temple University.
Our practice uses advanced diagnostic technology including iTero Element™ 3D intraoral scanners and CBCT (cone-beam computed tomography) imaging for precision treatment planning. All materials are BPA-free and biocompatible, with nickel-free wire options available for sensitive patients.
Teen orthodontic treatment at Zipper Orthodontics is led by Dr. Zipper, a board-certified orthodontist trained at Cornell University, Nova Southeastern University, and Temple University. With offices in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach, we proudly serve teens and families across Palm Beach County — including Delray Beach, Coral Springs, Parkland, and Deerfield Beach.
