Creating Confident Smiles
If your teen has teeth that aren’t lining up right or a bite that feels off, braces can upgrade their smile while their jaw is still growing. Brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected by archwires that gradually shift everything into the right position. Because the jaw is still developing during adolescence, teeth tend to move more efficiently during these years than they would later in life, though results vary by individual.
That timing matters. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids get their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, but the teen years, typically between ages 11 and 15, are when most patients actually get braces. According to the AAO, this window is the sweet spot where permanent teeth have come in and the jaw is still flexible enough to respond well to treatment.
Dr. Gass and his skilled team at Lanier Orthodontics in Dawsonville, GA help teens get healthier, more confident smiles every day. At Lanier Orthodontics, your teen can choose from several braces options: traditional metal braces, ceramic braces that blend with natural tooth color, gold braces for a unique look, and self-ligating braces that require fewer adjustments. Each option works a little differently, and the right choice depends on your teen’s specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Between work, school, and everything else on your family’s plate, finding time for orthodontic care can feel like a lot. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to get the most convenient, comfortable, and advanced care possible. Dawsonville families trust our team because we take the time to explain every step, answer every question, and make sure both parents and teens feel comfortable before moving forward.
Getting braces during the teen years isn’t just about upgrading your teen’s smile. It’s about setting your child up for better oral health and self-confidence that lasts a lifetime. When teeth fit together properly, they’re easier to clean, more comfortable to use, and create a smile your teen will love to show off.
What Are the Benefits of Braces for Teens?
Braces for teens deliver a straighter smile, improved bite function, better oral health, faster treatment compared to adults, and a real boost in self-esteem. Because the jaw is still growing during the teen years, treatment at Lanier Orthodontics in Dawsonville often moves faster and produces lasting results.
Here’s what your family can look forward to:
Boosted Self-Confidence
The teen years shape how your child sees themselves. An upgraded smile can make a real difference in how confident they feel at school, with friends, and in photos. Many teens tell us they smile more freely once their braces come off. Some parents notice the change even before treatment wraps up, once their teen starts seeing progress in the mirror. One thing we hear over and over from families: “I wish we’d done this sooner.”
Corrected Bite Issues
Braces correct overbites, underbites, and crossbites that can cause jaw discomfort, headaches, and uneven tooth wear over time. Addressing these issues now prevents more involved treatment down the road. Left untreated, bite misalignment can also affect how your teen chews and speaks, so early intervention pays off.
Better Oral Hygiene
Crowded or overlapping teeth create hiding spots for plaque and bacteria. When you upgrade their smile and bring those teeth into alignment, brushing and flossing become way more effective. Fewer cavities. Healthier gums. Less time in the dentist’s chair.
Faster Treatment Times
Because teen jaws are still growing, teeth often move into position more quickly than they would in adults. The AAO notes that adolescence is the most common and often most efficient time for orthodontic treatment, and many teens complete their braces in 12 to 24 months. Waiting until the twenties or later can sometimes mean a longer treatment timeline.
Style Options They’ll Actually Like
Ever wonder if braces have to be boring? They don’t. Colored bands that match school colors? Done. Subtle ceramic brackets for a lower-profile look? Also an option. Gold braces that make a statement? Absolutely. A lot of our teen patients have fun picking out their colors at each visit, and it turns a routine appointment into something they actually look forward to.
What to Expect With Braces for Teens in Dawsonville
Upgrading your smile is easy at Lanier Orthodontics. Here’s how the process works from your first visit to your teen’s brand-new smile:
Step 1: Free Consultation
Your teen’s treatment starts with a complimentary evaluation at our Dawsonville office. We’ll take digital images of your teen’s teeth and jaw, talk through any concerns, and build a treatment plan tailored specifically to your teen. You’ll leave knowing exactly what to expect, including a timeline and cost estimate. No obligation. Just answers.
Step 2: Braces Placement
Once you decide to move forward, we’ll schedule the placement appointment at Lanier Orthodontics. Dr. Gass will bond small brackets to each tooth and thread an archwire through them. The whole thing typically takes about an hour, and most teens say it was easier than they expected.
Step 3: Regular Adjustments
Every 4 to 8 weeks, your teen will come in for a quick adjustment visit at our Dawsonville office. We’ll tighten the archwires and check progress. These appointments usually take 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Braces Removal and Retainer Fitting
When treatment is complete, the team removes the braces and fits your teen with a custom retainer. Retainers keep teeth in their new positions and are essential for maintaining results. Dr. Gass will walk you through exactly how and when to wear the retainer so your teen’s smile stays put. It’s also a great time to pick new band colors during those final adjustment visits leading up to removal, which is honestly one of the highlights for a lot of our teen patients.
Average Treatment Duration
Most teen braces cases take 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of alignment needed.
Living With Braces: Quick Tips
- Foods to avoid: Hard candies, popcorn, ice, and sticky foods like caramel or gum are all off the list
- Oral hygiene: Brush after every meal and floss daily using a floss threader. It takes a little extra effort, but it makes a big difference
- Handling soreness: Keep orthodontic wax handy for any brackets that irritate cheeks
- Wire issues: Call us right away if a wire breaks or comes loose so we can get your teen in quickly
Is Your Teen a Candidate for Braces?
Teens typically become candidates for braces between ages 11 and 15, when most permanent teeth have erupted and the jaw is still developing. Most teens at Lanier Orthodontics are ready once all or most of their permanent teeth have come in, though every child develops on their own timeline. The best way to know for sure is a free evaluation with Dr. Gass, who can assess your teen’s teeth, jaw development, and bite alignment to recommend the right timing and approach.
Signs Your Teen May Need Braces
Here are some things to watch for:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth that haven’t closed on their own
- An overbite where upper teeth extend too far over lower teeth
- Lower teeth that sit in front of upper teeth (underbite)
- A crossbite, where some upper teeth close inside the lower ones
- Trouble chewing or biting food properly
- Teeth that just don’t come together when the mouth closes
If you’re noticing any of these, it’s worth scheduling a free consult at Lanier Orthodontics. Even if your teen doesn’t need braces right now, Dr. Gass can let you know what to watch for as they grow.
Already Had Phase 1 Treatment?
If your child completed early orthodontic treatment (Phase 1) as a younger kid, they may still need Phase 2 braces during their teen years. Phase 1 addresses jaw development and creates space for permanent teeth. Phase 2 focuses on final tooth alignment once those permanent teeth have actually erupted. Phase 1 creates the space; Phase 2 aligns the permanent teeth into their final positions. Not every child who had Phase 1 will need Phase 2, but many do, and the earlier evaluation helps us plan ahead.
Braces Types Compared
| Type | Visibility | Best For | Adjustment Frequency | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | Most visible | Complex cases, all budgets | Every 4-8 weeks | Most affordable option |
| Ceramic Braces | Less visible | Teens wanting subtlety | Every 4-8 weeks | Mid-range |
| Gold Braces | Visible, stylish | Teens wanting unique look | Every 4-8 weeks | Premium |
| Self-Ligating | Similar to metal/ceramic | Fewer office visits preferred | Every 8-10 weeks | Varies by style |
Not sure which option fits your teen? Lanier Orthodontics offers complimentary evaluations at our Dawsonville, GA office. Dr. Gass will assess your teen’s specific needs and recommend the best approach.
Why Dawsonville Families Choose Lanier Orthodontics
Families throughout Dawsonville and the surrounding areas trust Lanier Orthodontics for their teens’ orthodontic care. Here’s what sets us apart:
Specialized Teen Experience
Dr. Wesley Gass completed a three-year orthodontic specialty residency and is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. As a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, American Dental Association, and Georgia Association of Orthodontists, he stays current on the latest techniques for teen treatment. His wife, Dr. Kelsey Gass, is also an orthodontist, making this a true family practice that understands families.
Advanced Technology
Our office uses digital scanning and 3D treatment planning to create precise, custom care plans. Your teen gets accurate results and can even preview their future smile before treatment begins. These tools also mean fewer impressions and more comfortable visits overall.
Flexible Payment Options and a Place Teens Actually Like
We believe everyone should have a smile they love. That’s why we offer low monthly payment options and work with your insurance to keep treatment within reach. Use our online payment calculator to explore what fits your family’s budget. And when your teen walks through our doors, they’ll find a family-friendly atmosphere that’s fun, welcoming, and energetic. Teens tell us they actually look forward to their appointments, which says a lot.
We’re not just in orthodontics — we’re adding value to people’s lives.
Trusted by Your Neighbors
Dawsonville families keep coming back and referring friends. Many drive from Cumming, Dahlonega, and other surrounding communities because they trust Dr. Gass and his skilled team with their teen’s smile. Our 5-star experience speaks for itself, and the reviews from local families tell the real story.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Braces
How long do braces take for teens?
Most teens wear braces for 12 to 24 months. The exact timeline depends on how complex your teen’s case is, how well they follow care instructions, and how their teeth respond to treatment. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, the teen years are typically the most efficient window for braces treatment because the jaw is still developing. Dr. Gass will give you a specific estimate during your free consult at our Dawsonville office.
How much do teen braces cost in Dawsonville, GA?
The cost of teen braces in Dawsonville, GA varies based on the type of braces and how long treatment takes. We offer free consultations that include a detailed cost estimate with no obligation. Lanier Orthodontics also provides low monthly payment plans and works with insurance to help make treatment simple & affordable for your family.
Can my teen play sports with braces?
Yes. We recommend wearing a protective mouthguard during any contact sports or activities where there’s risk of impact to the face. Our team at Lanier Orthodontics can help you find one that fits comfortably over braces, and we’ll make sure your teen knows how to care for their braces during the season.
Do braces hurt?
Your teen may feel some mild discomfort after the initial placement and following adjustment appointments. It typically lasts a few days and responds well to over-the-counter pain relief. Soft foods help during those first couple of days. Most teens say the discomfort is much less than they expected going in.
What foods should teens avoid with braces?
Hard foods like ice, hard candies, and nuts are out. Same goes for sticky stuff like caramel, taffy, and gum, which can pull brackets off. Chewy foods like bagels and licorice require extra care. We’ll give your teen a complete list at their placement appointment so there’s no guesswork.
Are clear braces available for teens?
Yes. We offer ceramic braces that use tooth-colored brackets for a more subtle appearance. Self-ligating braces are another option that can be less noticeable. During your free consult, we’ll walk through which options work best for your teen’s needs and preferences.
Schedule Your Teen’s Free Braces Consultation in Dawsonville
Ready to help your teen get a smile they’ll love? Lanier Orthodontics offers complimentary consultations at our Dawsonville, GA office. During this no-obligation visit, Dr. Gass will evaluate your teen’s teeth, discuss treatment options, and provide a plan tailored specifically to your teen with a clear cost estimate.
Getting started is simple. Call us or request your free consult online.
All smiles start with a free consultation. Sit back, relax & get started on your teen’s confident, healthy smile today.