Teenage braces: should I get them before the age of 18?

The period of adolescence is the optimal time for bite correction and teeth alignment. The body is actively growing, the bone tissue is more malleable, which means that the installation of adult braces is easier, more efficient and faster. But is it worth the rush? Let's try to figure it out together with the experts of the Smile Factor clinic in Dubai.

Why is adolescence an ideal period?

From the age of 12 to 17, the adolescent body undergoes intensive growth and active development of the maxillofacial apparatus. This time is considered the "golden window" for dental braces, especially for indications such as crowding, malocclusion, or braces and wisdom teeth.

Installing braces on teeth at this moment allows you to achieve maximum effect in a short time. It is especially important not to miss the moment if there are problems such as crowding of teeth, improper closing of the jaws, or potential difficulties with anterior braces and wisdom teeth that can affect the outcome of orthodontic treatment if it is started too late.

Unlike adult patients, whose bones are denser and whose teeth movements are slowed down, adolescents adapt to braces more easily and faster. They experience less pain, get used to the structure in their mouth faster, and usually show more noticeable improvements in the first months of treatment. This allows you to reduce the total time of wearing the system and achieve stable results without the need for repeated correction in adulthood. In addition, most teenagers quickly learn oral hygiene with braces and are responsible for the doctor's recommendations, especially if the process is accompanied by regular checkups and parental support.

Which braces are suitable for teenagers?

Modern orthodontics offers teenagers a wide range of braces, which differ in material, method of attachment and aesthetics. Metal braces remain the most classic — they are durable, effective and suitable for the most difficult clinical cases. However, if a teenager wants to make bite correction less noticeable, ceramic braces that blend in with the color of the teeth, or transparent braces on the teeth, including sapphire braces with a white arch, which look as aesthetically pleasing as possible, will be an excellent option.

Colored braces are especially popular among teenagers — with colored ligatures or arches, thanks to which orthodontic treatment turns into a fashionable accent. It is also worth paying attention to the ceramic braces Damon Clear, which provide a soft, physiological movement of teeth and reduce the number of visits to the doctor. And for those who want to keep the treatment a secret, internal braces are available — they are fixed on the inside of the teeth and remain completely invisible to others.

All of these options are available to patients at the Smile Factor Clinic in Dubai. You can choose the Damon Q bracket system— one of the most technologically advanced and reliable systems today, the ligature-free metal combined bracket system, which is reliable and affordable, or the Mini Master aesthetic bracket system, designed specifically for those who appreciate a delicate appearance. Depending on the anatomy of the jaw, the bite features and the scale of the problem, the orthodontist will choose the best option: whether it is a braces system for one jaw, for both jaws, braces for 6 front teeth or even braces for 3 teeth - if only local alignment is required.

Such an individual approach allows not only to achieve the desired result, but also to make the treatment process as comfortable and aesthetic as possible. And thanks to a wide range of options — from metal to transparent braces - every teenager can find an option that suits him, both in functionality and appearance.

When can I postpone the installation?

If there is a deep bite, crossbite, crowding or other serious disorders, it is important not to wait for adulthood. Installing braces at age 13 or braces at age 15 can prevent future problems ranging from enamel wear to headaches. Sometimes a 4-tooth brace or a one-jaw brace system is enough to correct the bite.

What is important for parents to consider?

A teenager should be prepared to follow hygiene and doctor's recommendations. Oral hygiene with braces is one of the key factors for the success of treatment. Parents should discuss with their doctor in advance the correction plan, possible stages, cost, as well as the frequency of such a procedure as the activation of braces — on average, it is performed once every 4-6 weeks.

How much does it cost to get braces for a teenager?

At the Smile Factor Clinic in Dubai, you can choose turnkey braces with diagnosis, installation, activation and removal. We offer braces for promotions, discounts on installation, as well as installments. For example:

Damon Q metal braces are optimal in terms of price/quality ratio;
Damon Clear self-ligating bracket system is a more aesthetic option;
ceramic braces or sapphire braces with a white arch are almost invisible on teeth.

The price depends on the chosen system, the number of arcs and the complexity of the case. It costs less to install braces on one jaw than on both. But installing sapphire braces will be more expensive than metal ones. The price also includes activation of the braces system as the teeth progress.

Diagnosis before installation

Before starting orthodontic treatment at the Smile Factor Clinic in Dubai, we always carry out a comprehensive diagnosis. This is a mandatory step that helps to accurately assess the condition of the bite, roots and tissues, as well as to make a forecast of tooth movement. First of all, the patient receives a panoramic image and 3D teeth, a modern imaging technology that allows to obtain an accurate picture of the location of each element in the oral cavity. We use digital modeling of the result to not only assess the current situation, but also to see in advance how the teeth will look after treatment. This approach is especially important when choosing the best braces system - whether it's braces for one jaw, for both, or even braces for 4 teeth in case of local disorders.

After the diagnosis, we discuss all available options with the teenager and parents. These can be Damon Q braces, ligature-free braces, Mini Master aesthetic braces, or white braces and colorless braces, which are especially popular among teenagers due to their invisibility. It is specified how often the activation of the braces system will be required - this process allows you to direct the teeth to the desired position. On average, braces are activated once a month, and each procedure may vary in complexity and cost. You will find out the cost of activating the bracket system in advance in order to comfortably plan a schedule of visits.

We also advise teenagers on the future compatibility of braces and wisdom teeth. It is important to determine whether their eruption will affect the stability of the result. In some cases, prior removal is required, especially if there are signs of crowding or retention. This approach prevents a possible recurrence after removing the structure and eliminates pressure on the already aligned rows.

The Smile Factor Clinic offers a wide range of turnkey braces installations, from self—regulating Damon Q braces and the Damon Q bracket system to the Mini Master ligature system and ceramic ligature-free braces. We talk about how dental braces are installed, how long orthodontic treatment lasts, how external and internal braces differ, and which bracket system is currently available for the promotion. Upper jaw braces, lower jaw braces, and even combined braces (metal + ceramic) are also available.

Thanks to this approach, the teenager and his parents get a clear understanding of the timing, price, features of care and results. We take into account age (for example, braces at 13 or braces at 15), type of bite, anatomical features and aesthetic preferences. This means that we are not just doing treatment, but taking a confident step towards a beautiful and healthy smile using the best braces systems in dental dentistry.

Bottom line: is it worth getting braces before the age of 18?

Definitely yes, if the teenager has orthodontic indications. Braces installation without ligatures before the age of 18 is not only a step towards even teeth, but also an important investment in health, confidence and aesthetic appeal. Modern bite braces allow you to correct even complex anomalies without disturbing your usual lifestyle. Due to the fact that bones are still forming in adolescents, alignment occurs faster and more efficiently, and the body adapts more easily to changes.

Teenagers tolerate braces on their teeth much more easily than adults: they get used to the design faster, complain less often of discomfort, and more often get results within a few months after starting treatment. Especially if you use the self-ligating Damon Q braces, which works delicately and does not require frequent correction. This approach makes treatment less stressful and more predictable.

The Smile Factor Clinic in Dubai offers teenagers a full range of orthodontic services: from diagnosis and selection of a braces system to professional support and final bite stabilization using retainers instead of braces. We offer customized treatment plans, flexible braces activation schedules, and state-of-the-art systems, including Damon Clear ligature-free braces, which are not only effective, but also aesthetically invisible.

You will receive not only a high—quality installation, but also care, support, regular monitoring, and most importantly, a guarantee of results. Sign up for a consultation at the Smile Factor right now to begin the path to a confident, open and healthy smile!

Sign up for a free consultation. We will help you choose the perfect braces system for teenagers, tell you how much braces cost for teeth, and offer a solution for your budget. The path to an even smile begins here!