The teenage years are when most orthodontic treatment happens, and for good reason — the permanent teeth are through and the jaw is still growing enough to work with. Braces sort out crowding, spacing, and bite problems that get harder to fix later. Consultations are free, so finding out where your teen stands costs nothing.
Most full orthodontic treatment begins between roughly eleven and fourteen, once the permanent teeth have erupted, though older teens are treated routinely. Adjustment visits fall every four to eight weeks. Treatment length depends on the case and is estimated after a comprehensive evaluation and records rather than in advance.
Four reasons cover most teen cases. Often more than one applies, and the bite issues matter more than the appearance ones even though appearance is what gets teens through the door.
Keep a small kit in your bag — a travel toothbrush, orthodontic wax, and a mirror. Brushing after lunch takes two minutes and stops the white marks that show up around brackets when it is skipped. Wax handles anything that starts rubbing before you get home.
Wear a mouthguard, every single time, for anything with contact or a ball. A standard boil-and-bite will not fit over brackets properly — you need one designed for braces. A knock to the mouth with fixed appliances damages the braces and the teeth, and that is a far worse week than remembering the guard.
Wind and brass players usually adapt within a couple of weeks. Expect some soreness on the lips at first, especially with brackets on the upper front teeth. Wax over the brackets helps a lot in the early days, and orthodontic lip protectors exist for brass players. Singing is unaffected.
The rules exist to stop emergency repair visits. Skip hard sweets, ice, nuts, popcorn, and anything chewy like taffy or bagels. Cut apples and carrots into pieces rather than biting straight in. Broken brackets add appointments and can add time to treatment.
Braces make brushing harder and more important at the same time. An interdental brush around each bracket and floss threaders for between teeth are worth the effort — teeth that come out of braces straight but demineralised are not the outcome anyone wanted.
Six stages. The middle one is the long part, and how it goes depends more on your teen than on us.
A full look at the teeth, bite, and jaw growth, and a straight answer on whether braces are the right call now or later.
Photographs, a digital scan, and imaging where needed. This is the baseline the whole plan is built on.
Brackets are bonded and the first wire placed. Nothing sharp, no injection. Teeth feel tender for a few days afterwards.
Wires changed or tightened, progress checked. Short appointments, but missing them stretches treatment out.
Brackets removed, teeth polished, final records taken. This is the appointment everyone has been waiting for.
The part that protects everything. Teeth drift for life without retention, and the first year is when relapse is fastest.
UCLA-trained, with over five years of experience caring for children’s smiles in Chino.
Reviewed by Dr. Joshua Kohan, DMD — Say Cheese Kids Dental & Orthodontics, Chino, CA. Orthodontic treatment is provided in coordination with our partner orthodontists.
Last reviewed: 5 August 2026. Every treatment plan is personalised after a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation. This page is general information and not a substitute for being seen.
What a GREAT OFFICE ! The whole team is so welcoming and really makes you feel at ease ! My son was so so anxious about his visit and first time getting cavities filled and they really took their time and made him feel like he was safe and in such good hands. I really really appreciated it as a mom the extra attention to detail and attention to my son’s feelings. We will most definitely be coming back for future care and a huge thank you again to the team !
MARTA OLCZYKI brought my kids in to Say Cheese Dental today after moving from Orange County && they immediately eased my nerves. The staff was so nice and made my children very comfortable. We’re looking forward to coming back ❤️
Gy'Kia WillsAwesome service super friendly
David SanchezThis was our first visit, and we had a great experience. Everyone was very patient, friendly, and helpful. The staff made my kids feel comfortable and well cared for. We really appreciate their kindness and professionalism.
Wendy WThe girls on the office were really sweet and kind with my daughter. The patience and professionalism was very exceptional. They explained everything very well and straight forward. I’ve been to other offices and was not treated the way I was treated today. The staff was very welcoming and attentive
Adriana CervantesGreat experience at this dental office. Everyone was kind and welcoming, from the front desk to the X-ray technician and the doctor. The dentist was very thorough. He took the time to explain everything clearly, and made sure I understood the treatment and options. You can really tell they care about their patients and want you to feel comfortable. I highly recommend them.
Iris AvalosI must say this play is Wonderfully very charming and kids friendly. They have a wonderful and knowledgeable Doctor, and their staff are professional. My daughter has alot of crowding, and in between baby and mature teeth phase and needs a braces, everyone was non judgemental about her teeth and treated her and myself with kindness. And after all that they have a prize for the kids. Definitely recommended this dentist office.
Richelle TDr. Kohan was super helpful, transparent and professional. The office is very nice and super kid friendly. Staff was attentive and kind. My girls felt very comfortable with the consultation and cleaning.
Griselda AguirreExcelente Servicio Fueron súper amables y comprensivos y eso hizo que mi hijo se sintiera seguro… Lo recomiendo 10/10
Brenda OrellanaA free consultation will tell you whether braces, aligners, or simply waiting is the right move for your teen. Families come to us from Chino, Chino Hills, Eastvale, and Ontario. If something breaks mid-treatment, our orthodontic emergency guidance covers what to do.
