Teen Orthodontics
Treatment
6 months - 2 years
Price
From £4,495
Team Experience
15+ years
Recovery Time
1 day
Google Rating
★★★★★ (4.9)
Most teenagers begin treatment after the majority of adult teeth have erupted, which makes planning far more precise than earlier childhood.
Orthodontic treatment uses controlled, gentle forces to guide teeth into healthier positions over time. If your child has teeth that are crowded, rotated, sticking out, or simply not meeting properly when they close their mouth, orthodontics helps bring the teeth into alignment and improves how the bite works day to day.
Parents often think orthodontics is only about straight teeth, but in clinical terms it is about creating a stable “occlusion”. That just means a bite that closes comfortably and evenly, so no single tooth is taking too much pressure and the jaw is not being pushed into an awkward position.
Who is it suitable for?
Teen orthodontics is usually suitable for children aged ten and above, particularly when adult teeth have come through and you can clearly see the final positions are not going to be ideal without help.
It may be appropriate if your child has crowding (not enough space for the teeth), teeth that overlap, teeth that have come through twisted, or large gaps. It is also common if the bite is not lining up properly.
To make the terminology easier, here are the most common bite issues parents hear and what they mean in everyday language:
An overbite is where the upper front teeth sit too far in front of the lower front teeth. A small overbite is normal, but if it is pronounced it can increase the risk of chips and wear.
An underbite is when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. This can be linked to jaw growth patterns and is often better assessed earlier, but teenagers can still benefit from targeted treatment depending on the cause.
A crossbite is when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down, rather than outside. This can be at the front or the back. Crossbites can sometimes contribute to uneven wear and a bite that shifts to one side.
An open bite is where the front teeth do not meet when the back teeth are together. This can affect biting into foods and can be related to habits and growth.
Teen orthodontics is also suitable if your child is finding it difficult to keep teeth clean because of crowding. When teeth overlap, plaque builds up more easily, which increases risk of decay and gum problems.
Why is orthodontics different for this age group?
Teen orthodontics sits in a very useful window. By this stage, you can usually see how the adult teeth have erupted and where crowding or bite problems are heading. That makes treatment planning more accurate.
At the same time, many teenagers are still growing. Growth matters because the jaw is not fully set, which can make certain corrections more efficient than in adulthood.
The other key difference is practical. Teenagers live busy lives. A good plan respects school schedules, sports, instruments, social confidence, and the fact that motivation can vary. Orthodontic success relies on consistency, whether that is keeping appointments, wearing aligners properly, or following instructions for elastics. We build treatment plans that are realistic for teenage routines and we explain clearly what matters most.
It is also worth saying that teenagers often worry about how they look during treatment. Modern orthodontics offers more discreet options than most parents remember, and good care includes reassurance about what is normal in the first few weeks.
What treatments are usually offered?
The most suitable option depends on what needs correcting. Orthodontics is not one-size-fits-all, because different appliances move teeth in different ways.
Fixed braces are the classic option and remain one of the most predictable. They use small brackets on the teeth connected by a wire. The wire is adjusted over time to guide teeth into position. Parents like fixed braces because they do not rely on your child remembering to wear them.
For teenagers who are self-conscious, ceramic braces may be an option. They work similarly to fixed braces but use tooth-coloured brackets, making them less obvious.
In suitable cases, clear aligners can be considered for older teenagers. Aligners are removable clear trays that fit over the teeth and are changed regularly. They are discreet and convenient, but they only work well if worn for the recommended hours each day. That “compliance” piece is crucial. If aligners are left out too often, teeth simply do not move as planned.
Some teenagers also need elastics. These are small rubber bands that hook onto braces or aligner attachments. They help correct bite relationships, not just tooth alignment. Parents often hear “elastics are the difference between straight teeth and a correct bite”, because they can be key to getting the upper and lower teeth to meet properly.
Once active treatment ends, we provide retainers. Retainers are not optional extras. Teeth naturally try to drift after being moved, so retainers help maintain results while the mouth adapts.
Meet your award-winning Teen Orthodontics dentist and team…
With over 75 years of combined dentistry experience and more than 10,000 treatments performed, our specialist team at Wimpole Street Dental Clinic delivers exceptional standards of care. As recognised leaders in the dental industry, we regularly teach, lecture, and publish our research internationally, ensuring that our patients benefit from the very latest techniques and knowledge in modern dentistry.
Why is it important?
The obvious benefit is confidence. Teenagers can be brutally aware of their smile, and orthodontics can make a real difference in self-esteem.
But the long-term value is health and stability. When teeth are crowded, they are harder to clean, which increases the chances of decay and gum inflammation. When the bite is uneven, certain teeth can take more pressure, leading to wear, small fractures, or sensitivity over time.
Correcting the bite can also improve comfort. Some teenagers report tension when biting or a tendency to chew on one side. A better bite spreads forces more evenly.
Importantly, orthodontics can reduce the risk of problems becoming harder to treat later. Adult orthodontics is absolutely possible, but teen treatment can sometimes be more straightforward because the teeth and jaws are still developing and adapting.
Looking for the best Teen Orthodontics in London?
Parents want two things from orthodontics: results that last, and a process that feels safe and well managed. At Wimpole Street Dental Clinic, treatment is planned carefully using modern diagnostics, and the focus is on getting the bite right, not just making the teeth look straight.
Teenagers also need a supportive environment. We take time to explain what we are doing and why, in language your child can actually understand. That improves confidence and follow-through, which improves outcomes.
You can also expect clarity. We will talk you through options, likely timelines, what the first week feels like, what to do if something rubs, and how to keep teeth clean during treatment without turning your home into a battleground.
Teen Orthodontics FAQs
What age is best for teen orthodontics?
Often between ages ten and fourteen, when adult teeth have erupted and growth is still working in your child’s favour. The exact timing depends on individual development, so an assessment is the best way to get a clear answer.
What is the difference between straightening teeth and correcting the bite?
Straightening teeth refers to aligning them so they sit neatly. Correcting the bite focuses on how the upper and lower teeth meet when your child closes their mouth. Both matter. A good orthodontic result balances appearance with function.
What does crowding mean and why is it a problem?
Crowding means there is not enough space for teeth to sit properly, so they overlap or twist. Crowded teeth are harder to clean, which can increase the risk of decay and gum problems over time.
What do overbite, underbite and crossbite actually mean?
An overbite is when the upper front teeth sit too far in front of the lower teeth. An underbite is when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth. A crossbite is when upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth rather than outside. These bite relationships can affect comfort, wear and jaw development.
Are clear aligners a good option for teenagers?
They can be suitable for some older teenagers who are motivated and consistent. Aligners must be worn for the recommended hours each day to work properly, so suitability depends on responsibility as much as dental factors.
Will braces affect speech or eating?
There may be a short adjustment period, particularly after braces are fitted or adjusted. Most teenagers adapt quickly, and any speech changes usually settle within days.
How do we keep teeth clean during orthodontic treatment?
Cleaning is especially important during orthodontics because plaque can build up around brackets or attachments. We explain simple techniques and tools to help protect enamel and gums throughout treatment.
What are attachments and elastics?
Attachments are small tooth-coloured shapes bonded to teeth to help aligners move teeth more precisely. Elastics are rubber bands that guide how the upper and lower teeth meet. They are often essential for bite correction.
How long does treatment usually take?
Most teen orthodontic treatment lasts between twelve and twenty-four months. The length depends on how complex the bite is and how consistently instructions are followed.
Why are retainers needed after treatment?
Teeth naturally try to move after orthodontic treatment. Retainers hold them in their new positions while the surrounding tissues stabilise, helping protect the result long term.
Content updated
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
Content updated
Written by: Dr Raul Costa
Medically reviewed by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
New page design
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
Original content created
Written by: Prof Dr Christian Mehl
Medically reviewed by: Dr Raul Costa
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- Agostino P, Ugolini A, Signori A, Silvestrini-Biavati A, Harrison JE, Riley P. Orthodontic treatment for posterior crossbites. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2014 Aug 8;(8):CD000979. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000979.pub2. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Dec 24;12:CD000979. PMID: 25104166.
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