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.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Kohan has over five years of experience creating healthy, confident smiles for children in Chino. His gentle, child-focused approach makes every visit positive and stress-free.
Most full treatment starts between roughly eleven and fourteen, once the permanent teeth are through. There is no upper limit though — sixteen and seventeen year olds are treated routinely. What matters is the stage of dental development, not the birthday.
It depends entirely on what needs moving, so any figure quoted before an examination is guesswork. Broadly, straightforward cases finish faster than complex ones. You will get a realistic estimate for your teen after the evaluation and records.
Fitting them does not — there is no injection and nothing sharp. The teeth ache for two to four days afterwards, and for a day or so after each adjustment. Soft food and over-the-counter pain relief cover it. The cheeks also toughen up over the first fortnight.
Yes, with a mouthguard made to fit over braces. A standard boil-and-bite guard will not seat correctly over brackets. This matters for any contact sport or anything involving a ball or a stick.
Yes. Wind and brass players typically need a couple of weeks to adjust and find wax helpful early on. Lip protectors are available for brass. Strings, percussion, and singing are unaffected.
Hard sweets, ice, nuts, popcorn, and chewy things like taffy and bagels. Cut apples, carrots, and corn off the cob rather than biting in. Every broken bracket means an extra visit and can extend treatment.
Typically every four to eight weeks during active treatment, and appointments are usually short. Consistency matters — missed visits are one of the most common reasons treatment overruns.
Yes, the elastic ties that hold the wire come in a wide range of colours and get changed at every adjustment visit. It is a small thing that gives teens some ownership of the process, and most look forward to picking.
Many PPO plans include an orthodontic benefit, usually as a lifetime maximum rather than annual. Medi-Cal covers orthodontics only in limited qualifying circumstances. We can review your specific coverage before you commit.
Often yes, for suitable cases — we offer Invisalign and Angel Aligners, covered on our clear aligners page. They need 20 to 22 hours of daily wear to work, so they suit teens who will be consistent. Complex cases are generally more predictable with fixed braces.
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.
Very clean office the staff was amazing. So many neat video games. I would refer Say Cheese Dental to my friends and family.
Priscilla marie VargasThe dentist was very kind and knowledgeable and polite! The staff took the time needed for my 3 boys to feel comfortable and relaxed. We will be here in the next 6.months for there followup and braces!
Brigette NavarroMe encanto el trato del personal todos incluyendo al doctor
Lurdes UrtisMuy amable todo el personal y atentos, respondieron todas mis dudas. Fue una buena opción venir aquí.
Monica MendozaThis was my first visit to Say Cheese Dental, and I was really impressed. The place is super clean, organized, and has a relaxing atmosphere. The staff is kind, patient, and very friendly — they made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. I’m happy I chose this office!
LOURDES HERRERAThe staff are Great and explain everything perfectly, they are willing to work on monthly payments with you and they are patiently with you 🙂 would recommend coming by and check them out 🙂
Ivette LopezGreat consultation! The staff was friendly, the orthodontist was knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident with the treatment plan. Highly recommend! I will definitely be back!
Natasha HarrisFirst time coming to this kids dental and we had a great experience. Everything was explained so well , will be coming back!
Karen RomeroWe loved it, all very friendly, very professional. The place is very nice, very cozy, tidy and clean, there is parking and easy to get to.
Paulina Maldonado
A first dental visit should not be a financial decision. We accept Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) and most major PPO plans, and our front desk verifies your coverage before you come in, so you know what is covered ahead of the appointment.
12413 Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710
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Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, closed
We are on Central Avenue in Chino, a short drive from most of the surrounding communities. Siblings can usually be booked back to back, which saves a second trip.
A 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.
