Adolescent Orthodontic
Treatment.
The teen years are the most common — and in many cases the most clinically advantageous — time to undergo orthodontic treatment. At TriCity Orthodontics, most of the teenagers we see begin treatment between the ages of 11 and 15. The timing isn't arbitrary. It's biology.
The Right Time
For most families across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, the conversation about braces happens somewhere between ages 11 and 15. It's a window that works well clinically — and one that works well practically, since most teenagers have a clear goal in mind: finished before high school.
Treatment timelines vary from case to case, but when treatment begins at the right time, that goal is realistic for the majority of our adolescent patients. Some cases involve a two-phase approach, depending on how the bite and jaw have developed — which is one of the key reasons we recommend a specialist evaluation starting at age 7. The earlier we have the full picture, the better positioned we are to plan treatment that's efficient, well-timed and built around your teenager's life.
Getting Ahead of High School
Most families we work with have one thing in mind: finishing treatment before high school. It's a reasonable goal, and in the majority of cases, an achievable one — provided treatment begins at the right time. Orthodontic treatment timelines vary depending on the complexity of the case, which is exactly why an early evaluation matters. The sooner we assess, the more accurately we can map out a timeline and set realistic expectations for when treatment will be complete.
The Social Side of Braces
Teenagers are more self-aware than any other age group — and more attuned to how their smile affects the way they're perceived. By the time a child is well into those years, the desire to look attractive may be so strong, in fact, that a teenager’s willingness to smile may be impacted by the appearance of their teeth.
What most teens find, once treatment begins, is that braces are far better accepted among peers than they anticipated. Orthodontic treatment during adolescence is the norm — not the exception. And the result on the other side is one they carry with them long past graduation.
Treatment Options for Teens at TriCity
We offer the full range of orthodontic treatments for adolescent patients — and we'll recommend what's clinically appropriate, not what's most convenient to deliver.
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Modern bracket systems — including Damon, Speed, Empower, and Radiance — are smaller, more comfortable, and more precise than previous generations. For many teens, braces remain the most efficient path to a great result.
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Clear, removable aligners designed specifically for teenage patients. Built-in compliance indicators and replacement aligner provisions make Invisalign Teen a practical option for the right candidate — supervised and monitored by our specialist orthodontists throughout.
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Fixed brackets bonded entirely behind the teeth — completely invisible from the front. For teens who want the effectiveness of braces without any visible hardware, Incognito is an option most practices don't offer.
Book a Free Consultation
No referral needed. Our specialist orthodontists will conduct a thorough examination, outline the treatment options suited to your teenager's case, provide a realistic timeline, and give you an accurate cost estimate — all at no charge. Whatever you decide, you'll leave with a clear picture of what's possible and when.