At 303 Smiles, Dr. Straffon and our team in Greenwood Village work with many parents from surrounding areas like Centennial, Littleton, and Englewood who want to learn more about teen braces, Invisalign, and all the other options out there. You might have questions about timing, cost, comfort, or how to choose the right system for your teen’s lifestyle. Below, you’ll find practical details to help you make the best choice for your family.
Why Teens Often Need Orthodontic Care
Your teen’s mouth is still developing. By this stage in life, they may have most or all of their adult teeth, but their jaws and facial structure may still be shifting. Dr. Straffon has seen crooked teeth or bite problems often appear around the teenage years, which is why many parents choose to seek orthodontic help from 303 Smiles before these concerns get worse.
Here are a few reasons your teen could benefit from treatment in our Greenwood Village office:
- Crowding or spacing: Sometimes teeth are too close together, or there might be extra room. Either way, our orthodontist can adjust these patterns.
- Overbite or underbite: Jaws that don’t line up can affect chewing and speech.
- Crossbite: When upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly, it can lead to uneven wear on teeth.
- Jaw pain or clicking: Early alignment can help reduce stress on the jaw joint and muscles.
None of these problems fix themselves. They also tend to stick around if not addressed, which can create bigger issues as time goes on. By acting during the teen years, you can help your child avoid more involved procedures later.
Orthodontic Options for Teens
Kids today want flexibility in everything, from clothing style to the music they listen to. Orthodontic care should be no different. At 303 Smiles, your teen can pick from several treatment systems, each with perks that match different lifestyles. Here’s a quick look at the main options.
1. Traditional Braces
You likely remember these from your own youth: metal brackets on each tooth, connected by wires and elastics. Traditional braces in Greenwood Village can help local families from Centennial, Littleton, and Englewood work well for all types of alignment problems. They put steady pressure on the teeth to move them into a healthier position over time.
Even though they’re a classic option, today’s braces aren’t the same as what you might remember. They’re lighter, smaller, and often more comfortable than they were a generation ago. With regular checkups at 303 Smiles, Dr. Straffon can tighten the wires and keep your teen’s treatment on track.
Pros:
- Effective for most bite and alignment issues
- Often more affordable
- No worrying about taking them out or losing them
Things to keep in mind:
- Some teens may be self-conscious about metal on their teeth
- They’ll need to watch what they eat (sticky or hard foods can cause problems)
- Brushing and flossing require a little more effort to clean around brackets and wires
2. Damon Braces
Damon braces are a modern spin on traditional braces. They use a “sliding door” system that holds the wire in place with less friction. This system can help reduce the pressure on teeth compared to older methods.
Many parents choose Damon braces because adjustments might be faster or more comfortable. Your teen may also see fewer office visits, thanks to the streamlined mechanics of this system.
Pros:
- Sleeker design than traditional brackets
- May speed up some types of corrections
- Can address many bite problems
Things to keep in mind:
- Still requires metal brackets, though they’re often less bulky
- May cost more than standard braces
- Like any braces, teens need to avoid certain foods
3. Pitts21
Pitts21 is another bracket system that uses advanced technology to reposition teeth. Its design can offer more efficient movements. The brackets are small, which can help your teen feel more at ease about how they look.
Dr. Straffon chooses systems like Pitts21 when he wants to focus on precise tooth movements with fewer adjustments. Your teen may also appreciate that they can often see results sooner rather than later.
Pros:
- Small bracket size can be less noticeable
- Efficient tooth movement can reduce total treatment time in some cases
- Works for a wide range of alignment issues
Things to keep in mind:
- Teens still have to watch their diet to protect the brackets and wires
- Like other braces, extra care is needed when cleaning around brackets
4. Invisalign
Invisalign has become a popular choice for Greenwood Village teens who want a nearly invisible way to straighten their teeth. Instead of brackets and wires, your teen will wear clear aligner trays that fit snugly over their teeth. They’re custom-made to shift teeth little by little until they reach the right position.
Your teen will swap out aligners every week or two based on Dr. Straffon’s instructions. They can also remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss. That means no off-limit foods, plus it’s easier to keep teeth clean.
Pros:
- Almost invisible
- No food restrictions (since you remove aligners before eating)
- May be more comfortable for some teens
Things to keep in mind:
- Aligners must be worn 20–22 hours a day for the best results
- Teens may forget to put them back in if they’re not committed
- Not all alignment concerns are suited for Invisalign, so an exam is vital
Daily Life During Treatment
Orthodontic treatment lasts an average of one to two years, though it can vary. During that time, regular checkups will happen every few weeks to check progress and make adjustments. If your teen uses Invisalign, those appointments might be shorter since there’s no wire to tighten.
Tips for Braces Wearers
- Brush and floss carefully: Food can hide behind brackets and wires, so using special floss threaders or a water flosser can help.
- Skip certain foods: Hard candies, sticky gum, or popcorn can damage brackets.
- Wear a mouthguard: If your teen plays sports, a mouthguard protects their teeth and braces.
Tips for Aligner Wearers
- Don’t skip wearing them: Aligners need 20–22 hours of wear each day.
- Brush aligners: Rinse them with lukewarm water and gently brush. Avoid hot water, which can warp the trays.
- Store them properly: Use the case provided to avoid losing or breaking them.
Frequently Asked Questions by Parents
Here are some of the common questions that Dr. Straffon and our 303 Smiles team get about teen treatments.
1. Will braces or Invisalign hurt?
You can expect some pressure when teeth start moving. That might mean slight tenderness for a few days after an adjustment or when switching to a new set of aligners. Over-the-counter pain relievers often help in these cases. If you notice lingering pain, give Dr. Straffon’s office a call for advice.
2. How long does treatment last?
It depends on your teen’s needs. Mild problems might be corrected in under a year, while more complex cases can take two years or more.
3. What if my teen loses an aligner or breaks a bracket?
Accidents happen. If a bracket loosens or the aligner disappears, call our team at 303 Smiles. We’ll get you in for a repair or replacement as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the less chance of slowing progress.
4. Is there a difference between Invisalign and Invisalign for Teens?
Yes. Invisalign for Teens includes a wear indicator and may allow extra replacement aligners. This can help teens stay on track. Otherwise, the process is pretty similar to standard Invisalign.
5. Can my teen still play sports or musical instruments with braces?
Yes, but they might need some time to adjust. A mouthguard is key for contact sports. With instruments, it may take a little practice to feel comfortable again.
Final Thoughts
If you’re near Greenwood Village, Centennial, Littleton, or Englewood, and want to explore braces, Invisalign, Damon braces, Pitts21, or Invisalign for Teens, Dr. Straffon at 303 Smiles is ready to help. With a variety of treatments under one roof, you can find the right match for your teen’s smile. Go here to schedule a consultation.