What Are Braces for Teens and Why Do They Matter?
Braces for teens are orthodontic devices that correct crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites in patients ages 12 to 18. Smile More in Hixson, TN offers metal braces and clear braces designed for teens, with free consults and same-day start options to fit busy family schedules.
Getting braces during the teen years isn’t just about straightening teeth. It’s about setting your teen up for a lifetime of confident smiles. Smile More in Hixson, TN focuses on smile transformations designed specifically for teens ages 12 to 18. This age range is ideal because your teen’s jaw is still growing, which means teeth move more efficiently and treatment often wraps up faster. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the majority of people could benefit from some form of orthodontic care, and the teen years are the most common time to get started.
We offer both metal braces and clear braces to fit your teen’s style and preferences. Metal braces today are smaller, sleeker, and way more comfortable than what you might remember from your own teen years. Clear braces give teens a less noticeable option while still delivering great results. Our docs work with each teen individually to figure out which option makes the most sense for their smile goals and daily routine.
Teen braces tackle the most common orthodontic issues: crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. These aren’t just cosmetic concerns. Left untreated, bite issues can lead to jaw discomfort, difficulty chewing, and uneven tooth wear down the road.
Hixson families trust Smile More because we get it. We know teens are busy with school, sports, and social lives. That’s why we’ve built our practice around creating convenient, affordable & confident smiles for busy people like you.
Benefits of Braces for Teens in Hixson, TN
Braces give teens straighter teeth, a healthier bite, and a confidence boost that lasts well beyond treatment. For Hixson teens, a straight, healthy smile can make a real difference in how they feel about themselves during these formative years. Here are the top benefits:
- Confidence boost that shows up in photos, conversations, and everyday life
- Long-term savings, because fixing bite issues now prevents costly dental work later
- Better oral hygiene since straight teeth are simply easier to brush and floss
- Faster results thanks to growing jaws that respond to treatment more quickly
- More options than ever, from smaller metal brackets to clear styles that blend right in
Confidence that carries into adulthood
When teens feel good about their smile, they speak up more in class and feel more comfortable meeting new people. That confidence sticks with them long after the braces come off.
Why fixing bite issues now saves you money later
Correcting bite issues now prevents costly dental work in adulthood. Misaligned teeth wear unevenly, and untreated bite issues can lead to TMJ trouble, cracked teeth, and gum disease over time. Investing in braces now protects your teen’s oral health for decades to come. Think of it as preventive care that pays for itself.
Straight teeth also mean fewer hiding spots for plaque and bacteria. Teeth that overlap are tough to brush and floss properly, so once everything lines up, your teen’s dentist visits get a whole lot easier.
Faster results because they’re still growing
Because teens are still growing, their teeth respond to treatment at Smile More more quickly than adult teeth. Active jaw growth makes the bone more adaptable, so treatment often wraps up sooner.
Today’s braces are nothing like the bulky metal brackets of the past. They’re smaller, more comfortable, and come in options like clear braces for teens who want something less noticeable. Your teen can express their personality with colored bands or keep things subtle with clear brackets.
The Teen Braces Process at Smile More
We’ve made getting braces as simple as possible for Hixson families. Here’s what to expect when you bring your teen to Smile More. The process includes a free consult, custom bracket placement, regular adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks, and a retainer fitting once treatment is complete.
Step 1: Free Consult
Your teen’s smile transformation starts with a free consult at our Hixson office. Smile More uses digital imaging to get a full picture of your teen’s teeth, jaw, and bite. No goopy impressions needed. Our super-skilled team reviews everything with you and your teen, explains what we see, and walks through what makes the most sense for their smile. You’ll leave knowing exactly what to expect.
Step 2: Same-Day Start Option
Here’s something most offices don’t offer: if your teen is ready, we can place braces the same day as the consult. That means you skip the hassle of scheduling another visit weeks out and waiting around for a second appointment. If you want to get started right away, we make it happen.
Step 3: Custom Bracket Placement
Whether your teen chooses metal braces or clear braces, our Smile More team carefully positions each bracket for optimal tooth movement. A wire connects everything and applies gentle pressure to guide teeth into place. The whole process takes about an hour, and it doesn’t hurt.
Step 4: Regular Adjustment Visits
Your teen will come back to our Hixson office every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments. These visits are quick, usually around 20 minutes. We check progress, swap out wires, and make sure everything is moving according to plan. It’s also a chance for your teen to pick new band colors if they want to switch things up.
Step 5: Braces Off and Retainer Fitting
The big day arrives! Smile More removes the braces, polishes those beautiful straight teeth, and fits your teen with a retainer. Retainers are essential for keeping teeth in their new positions. We’ll explain exactly how and when to wear it so your teen’s results last a lifetime.
Is Your Teen a Good Candidate for Braces in Hixson, TN?
Most teens are excellent candidates for braces once their permanent teeth have come in. That typically happens around age 12, though every kid is different. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7 (aaoinfo.org), but the majority of braces treatments for teens in Hixson start between ages 12 and 16.
Common issues we treat:
- Crowding: teeth that overlap or twist because there isnโt enough room
- Gaps: spaces between teeth that affect appearance and function
- Overbite: upper teeth that stick out too far over lower teeth
- Underbite: lower teeth that extend past upper teeth
- Crossbite: upper and lower teeth that donโt align properly when biting
- Open bite: front teeth that donโt touch when back teeth are closed
Teens with active jaw growth often get faster, more stable results. The bone is still developing, which makes it easier to guide teeth into ideal positions.
Not sure if braces are right for your teen? Some teens prefer clear aligners, which are removable and virtually invisible. Smile More offers clear aligners for teens who want more flexibility. A free consult at our Hixson office helps us figure out which option will work best for your teen’s specific needs and lifestyle.
Why Hixson Families Choose Smile More for Teen Braces
Choosing where to take your teen for braces is a big decision. Here’s why families across Hixson and the surrounding communities trust Smile More.
Our docs specialize in teen smiles. Led by Dr. Brad Jacobs and Dr. Kristen Jacobs, our team understands what itโs like treating patients in this age group, from motivating them to wear rubber bands to helping them deal with braces during prom season. Both docs are experienced orthodontic specialists dedicated to teen and family care.
Free consults and same-day starts. Every family deserves to explore their options without financial pressure. Thatโs why your teenโs first visit is always free. Youโll get a full evaluation, a treatment plan, and a cost breakdown with no obligation. And if your teen is ready to go that same day? Busy schedules shouldnโt delay their smile transformation. Our same-day start option means you can go from consult to braces in a single visit. Itโs one of the ways we make orthodontic care work for families with packed calendars.
Affordable, flexible, convenient options. We work with most insurance plans and offer flexible payment plans to fit your budget. Our team handles insurance coordination so you donโt have to stress about paperwork. Weโre committed to making treatment accessible for more families, and weโll walk you through every option during your free consult.
A reputation built on real results. Smile More has earned strong trust in the Hixson area. Many families come to us through word-of-mouth recommendations from neighbors and friends. When the families around you trust us with their teensโ smiles, you know youโre in good hands. You can learn more about our practice and see patient stories at smilemoreortho.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Braces
How long do braces take for teens?
Most teens wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Simpler cases might wrap up closer to a year, while more involved bite corrections can take longer. We talk through your teen’s specific treatment timeline during the free consult so there are no surprises.
How much do teen braces cost in Hixson, TN?
Teen braces in Hixson, TN typically range from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the type of braces and how much correction is needed. We provide a detailed cost estimate during your teen’s free consult. Smile More offers flexible payment plans and works with most insurance providers to make treatment work for Hixson families.
Can my teen play sports with braces?
Absolutely. At Smile More, we encourage teens to stay active. We recommend wearing a mouthguard that fits comfortably over braces during contact sports and any activity with a risk of facial impact. Many of our teen patients play football, soccer, and basketball while wearing braces without any issues.
What foods should teens avoid with braces?
Hard, sticky, and chewy foods are the main culprits for broken brackets and bent wires. That means skipping:
- Popcorn
- Hard candies
- Ice
- Caramel, taffy, and gum
Crunchy foods like raw carrots and apples are totally fine as long as your teen cuts them into small pieces first. We give every patient a full list of foods to avoid and tips for eating with braces.
Are clear braces an option for teens?
Yes. Smile More offers clear braces for teens who want a less noticeable option. Clear brackets blend with the natural tooth color, making them harder to see. We also offer clear aligners for teens who prefer a removable option. Both work great for treating the same issues as traditional metal braces.
Does Smile More offer same-day braces?
Yes, same-day start is available at our Hixson office. If your teen is ready to get started after their consult, we can place braces that same day. It’s a huge time-saver for busy families.
Schedule Your Teen’s Free Braces Consultation in Hixson Today
Your teen deserves a smile they’re proud to show off. Smile More in Hixson, TN makes it easy to get started with a free consult and same-day start options. During your visit, our team will take digital images, walk you through a personalized treatment plan, and answer every question you and your teen have. There’s zero obligation, and you’ll leave with a clear picture of what braces will look like for your family, including timeline, cost, and payment options that fit your budget.
Same-day start slots fill up quickly, so reach out when you’re ready. The sooner your teen gets started, the sooner they’ll be showing off that new smile.
Ready to get started? Give us a call or request your free consult online at smilemoreortho.com. Itโs time to smile more, because everyone deserves to smile more!