Orthodontics for Teens
Clear Aligners & Braces for Teens
The teenage years are often an ideal time to guide the smile into healthy alignment.
At Lazzara Orthodontics, our ABO-Board Certified orthodontists take the time to understand your teen’s smile, goals, and lifestyle before recommending treatment.
Whether braces or clear aligners are the best fit, we’ll guide your family through every step with clear communication and personalized care.
Why Orthodontics for Teens Matters
Orthodontic treatment for teens may help:
- Improve smile alignment and confidence
- Correct crowding and spacing concerns
- Address overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Support healthy bite function
- Create beautiful, lasting results
As Dr. Lazzara and Dr. Poblenz often say, the bite matters, but creating a smile your teen feels confident sharing matters too.
Modern Options: Teen Braces & Clear Aligners
Today’s teens have more orthodontic treatment options than ever before, including:
- Metal braces
- Clear ceramic braces
- Clear aligners
- Specialized orthodontic appliances
During your consultation, we’ll explain the advantages of each option and help your family choose the treatment that best fits your teen’s smile, activities, and preferences.
A Natural Part of Life in Jacksonville Beach & Nocatee
Since 2007, Lazzara Orthodontics has been part of the communities we serve, caring for generations of local families throughout Jacksonville Beach and Nocatee/Ponte Vedra.
We know orthodontic treatment becomes part of your teen’s everyday life, so we’ve worked hard to create an experience they’ll actually enjoy.
From rewards and contests to a welcoming team that takes the time to answer questions, every detail is designed to help teens feel comfortable and confident throughout treatment.
At our Nocatee/Ponte Vedra office, many patients even ride their bikes or golf carts to appointments.
What to Expect if Your Teen Needs Braces or Aligners
- Take digital imaging and evaluate your teen’s teeth, bite, and jaw development
- Walk you through our findings and explain whether treatment is recommended now or if it’s best to wait
- Review treatment options, including braces and clear aligners
- Discuss estimated treatment timelines and what to expect throughout the process
- Verify insurance benefits and review financing and payment options
FAQs About Teen Orthodontics
How much do braces or aligners for teens cost?
The cost of teen orthodontic treatment depends on your child’s needs, insurance coverage, and the type of treatment that’s recommended.
Many families are pleasantly surprised by how manageable treatment can be.
We accept most PPO insurance plans and offer flexible financing options, including interest-free in-house financing and down payments starting as low as $400.
During your teen’s complimentary consultation, we’ll review all treatment costs, verify insurance benefits, and walk you through your payment options so you know exactly what to expect before making any decisions.
How do I know if my teen needs orthodontics?
The best way to find out is with a complimentary consultation.
Our ABO-Board Certified orthodontists will evaluate your teen’s teeth, bite, and jaw development, explain what we’re seeing, and help you understand whether treatment is recommended now or if it’s best to wait.
Some common signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment include:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or spacing between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Teeth that appear protrusive or flared
- Difficulty biting or chewing comfortably
- Teeth that don’t come together properly
- A smile that feels uneven or misaligned
- Concerns about smile appearance or confidence
What age should teens get braces or aligners?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation around age 7 to determine whether early treatment or monitoring is needed.
For many patients, active orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners begins between the ages of 11 and 15.
Because the teeth and jaws are still developing during the teen years, this is often an ideal time to guide the smile into healthy alignment efficiently and predictably.
The best way to determine the right timing for treatment is with a complimentary consultation, where our ABO-Board Certified orthodontists can evaluate your teen’s smile and recommend the next steps.
Are clear aligners or braces better for teens?
Both braces and clear aligners can be great options for teens, and the right choice depends on your teen’s lifestyle, preferences, and orthodontic needs.
If your teen wants a more flexible, discreet treatment option and is committed to wearing aligners 20-22 hours a day, clear aligners can be an excellent fit.
For other teens, braces may simply be more practical since they stay in place throughout treatment and don’t rely on remembering to wear aligners consistently.
During your complimentary consultation, we’ll help you and your teen decide which option makes the most sense for their smile and everyday routine.
Let’s Create a Smile You’ll Feel Great About
Book your complimentary consultation with our orthodontic office in Jacksonville Beach or Nocatee in Ponte Vedra.