Braces for teens
Braces for teens
Your Path to a Confident, Healthy Smile

Introduction to Braces for Teens
Braces for teens are a standard and effective treatment for correcting many orthodontic issues. Whether your teen is dealing with overcrowding, misalignment, or bite problems, braces can help create a smile that is not only beautiful but also functional and healthy. Braces for teens will help teens feel comfortable and confident as they journey to their ideal smile.
Introduction to Braces for Teens
Braces for teens are a standard and effective treatment for correcting many orthodontic issues. Whether your teen is dealing with overcrowding, misalignment, or bite problems, braces can help create a smile that is not only beautiful but also functional and healthy. Braces for teens will help teens feel comfortable and confident as they journey to their ideal smile.
Benefits of Braces During the Teenage Years
The teenage years are an ideal time for orthodontic treatment for several reasons:
- Growth Spurts: Teens are still growing, so their teeth and jaws are more responsive to treatment. We can achieve faster and more effective results by treating teens’ teeth at this age.
- Preventing Future Problems: Correcting orthodontic issues during the teen years can prevent more severe problems from developing later in life, such as tooth wear, gum disease, jaw pain, and poor sleep.
- Boosting Confidence: A beautiful smile can do wonders for a teen’s self-esteem. Braces can help your teen feel more confident in their appearance, positively impacting their social and academic life.
Benefits of Braces in Teenage Years
The teenage years are an ideal time for orthodontic treatment for several reasons:
- Growth Spurts: Teens are still growing, so their teeth and jaws are more responsive to treatment. We can achieve faster and more effective results by treating teens’ teeth at this age.
- Preventing Future Problems: Correcting orthodontic issues during the teen years can prevent more severe problems from developing later in life, such as tooth wear, gum disease, jaw pain, and poor sleep.
- Boosting Confidence: A beautiful smile can do wonders for a teen’s self-esteem. Braces can help your teen feel more confident in their appearance, positively impacting their social and academic life.
How Braces Can Correct Teen Malocclusions and Bite
Braces, and their variations, correct orthodontic issues, known as malocclusions, which can affect the appearance and function of your teen’s teeth. Here are some common malocclusions that braces can address:
- Crowding: When there isn’t enough space for all teeth to fit naturally, braces can create the necessary room by gradually moving the teeth into better alignment.
- Overbite: An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. Braces can help reduce this overlap, improving both appearance and bite function.
- Underbite: An underbite is when the lower front teeth sit to the front of the upper front teeth. Braces can correct this alignment, creating a more balanced and functional bite.
- Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Braces can realign the teeth to correct this issue.
- Open Bite: An open bite is when there is a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together. Braces can close this gap, creating a more aesthetically pleasing and functional bite.
How Braces Correct a Teen's teeth
Braces, and their variations, correct orthodontic issues, known as malocclusions, which can affect the appearance and function of your teen’s teeth. Here are some common malocclusions that braces can address:
- Crowding: When there isn’t enough space for all teeth to fit naturally, braces can create the necessary room by gradually moving the teeth into better alignment.
- Overbite: An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth excessively. Braces can help reduce this overlap, improving both appearance and bite function.
- Underbite: An underbite is when the lower front teeth sit to the front of the upper front teeth. Braces can correct this alignment, creating a more balanced and functional bite.
- Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Braces can realign the teeth to correct this issue.
- Open Bite: An open bite is when there is a gap between the upper and lower front teeth when the back teeth are together. Braces can close this gap, creating a more aesthetically pleasing and functional bite.
Balancing Braces with a Teen’s Active Lifestyle
We understand that teens have busy lives filled with school, sports, and social activities, and braces shouldn’t stand in the way of their everyday fun.
- Protecting their teeth and braces during physical activities is vital for teens who play sports. A custom-fitted mouthguard provides the best defense, ensuring a secure fit and maximum protection against injuries.
- When playing musical instruments, most teens can continue practicing with braces after a brief adjustment period. Whether they play wind or brass instruments, with a bit of patience, they’ll be able to play just as comfortably as they did before starting treatment.
- Teens with clear braces are an excellent choice for special occasions like school photos, dances, or social events, as they are much less noticeable than metal braces.
Balancing Braces with a Teen’s Lifestyle
We understand that teens have busy lives filled with school, sports, and social activities, and braces shouldn’t stand in the way of their everyday fun.
- Protecting their teeth and braces during physical activities is vital for teens who play sports. A custom-fitted mouthguard provides the best defense, ensuring a secure fit and maximum protection against injuries.
- When playing musical instruments, most teens can continue practicing with braces after a brief adjustment period. Whether they play wind or brass instruments, with a bit of patience, they’ll be able to play just as comfortably as they did before starting treatment.
- Teens with clear braces are an excellent choice for special occasions like school photos, dances, or social events, as they are much less noticeable than metal braces.
Caring for Braces and Dealing with Common Issues
Teens should brush their teeth after every meal and floss daily, using special tools like floss threaders and interdental brushes to clean around brackets and wires. Avoiding hard, sticky, and chewy foods is essential to prevent damage. If irritation occurs, teens can use orthodontic wax to ease discomfort.
You can expect some soreness, but it typically subsides within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Contact our office to schedule a repair for loose brackets or wires, and use orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. While cleaning can be more difficult with braces, maintaining good oral hygiene is critical to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Caring for Braces and solutions
Teens should brush their teeth after every meal and floss daily, using special tools like floss threaders and interdental brushes to clean around brackets and wires. Avoiding hard, sticky, and chewy foods is essential to prevent damage. If irritation occurs, teens can use orthodontic wax to ease discomfort.
You can expect some soreness, but it typically subsides within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Contact our office to schedule a repair for loose brackets or wires, and use orthodontic wax to prevent irritation. While cleaning can be more difficult with braces, maintaining good oral hygiene is critical to prevent cavities and gum disease.
Why Choose Phillips Family Orthodontics for Your Teen’s Braces?
Choosing the perfect orthodontic practice is crucial for your teen’s success in treatment. Here’s why families trust Phillips Family Orthodontics:
- Expert Care:
Dr. Joseph Phillips is highly experienced in treating teens and understands their unique needs and concerns. - Personalized Treatment:
We create customized treatment plans tailored to your teen’s needs, ensuring the best possible results. - Supportive Environment:
Our practice makes teens feel comfortable and confident. We’re here to support them every step of the way. - Advanced Technology:
We use the latest orthodontic technology, including digital imaging and 3D CBCT, to ensure precise, effective treatment.
Why Choose us for Your Teen’s Braces?
Choosing the perfect orthodontic practice is crucial for your teen’s success in treatment. Here’s why families trust Phillips Family Orthodontics:
- Expert Care:
Dr. Joseph Phillips is highly experienced in treating teens and understands their unique needs and concerns. - Personalized Treatment:
We create customized treatment plans tailored to your teen’s needs, ensuring the best possible results. - Supportive Environment:
Our practice makes teens feel comfortable and confident. We’re here to support them every step of the way. - Advanced Technology:
We use the latest orthodontic technology, including digital imaging and 3D CBCT, to ensure precise, effective treatment.
Next Steps: Schedule a Consultation for Your Teen
If your teen may benefit from braces, the next step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Phillips. We’ll evaluate your teen’s needs, discuss treatment options, and help you make the best decision for their smile. Contact Phillips Family Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how braces can transform your teen’s smile.
Next Step: a Consultation for Your Teen
If your teen may benefit from braces, the next step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joseph Phillips. We’ll evaluate your teen’s needs, discuss treatment options, and help you make the best decision for their smile. Contact Phillips Family Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how braces can transform your teen’s smile.
Jo MollenhauerApril 3, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family was given a few referral options and after a lot of research it was very clear that Phillips was the way to go. We were a bit anxious before our first consultation, not knowing what to expect exactly, and our son (8) was also nervous. The staff addressed our son directly which made him feel included and more comfortable. Every single step of imaging was explained and he actually enjoyed the process. Putting a plan together felt informational and we learned a lot. Dr. Phillips even gave my son the floor to ask all his own questions that were important to him. Glenda helped us figure out the finances and answered a ton of questions as well, and my family is actually excited for this process now! Armando FloresMarch 29, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Phillips Family Orthodontics has been amazing for my both of my daughters’ orthodontic care! From the moment we walked in, the entire team made us feel welcome and comfortable. The staff is friendly, professional, and always takes the time to explain each step of the process. Dr. Phillips is fantastic—knowledgeable, patient, and truly cares about his patients’ smiles. My daughters have had a great experience, and we’re so happy with the care they receive. I highly recommend Phillips Family Orthodontics to anyone looking for top-notch orthodontic treatment! Julie OntonMarch 11, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly, fun environment. My son loved making a goofy face for the last image. Nice touch! Vicky LiaoFebruary 21, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience at Dr. Phillips' office with my son’s expander. The staff is friendly, professional, and made the process easy to understand. So far, everything is going smoothly, and we’re very pleased with the results. Highly recommend their office to anyone looking for quality care and excellent service! Chandrika B ChandrashekarFebruary 19, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Phillips and his team are professional and amazing! Our kid got her braces here, they made sure the process was comfortable and quick. Tony and Kiana were efficient and gentle. Azza AyoutyJanuary 30, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Phillips & team you are truly the best. Thank your Dr Phillips for your amazing services. The precise first scan, the amazing follow up, the wonderful perfect teeth, and the final retainer were all part of your amazing services. Thank you to your wonderful team who always greeted me with a smile, are highly skilled, and truly care for the patients. I highly recommend Phillips Family Orthodontics to anyone looking for a great orthodontist. Thank you for the smile :) A ChongJanuary 28, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service and caring staffVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

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Tuesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday – By Appointment
ENCINITAS
PHONE
(760) 943-7770
ENCINITAS OFFICE
761 Garden View Court #101
Encinitas, CA 92024
OFFICE HOURS
Monday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday – By Appointment
MIRA MESA
PHONE
(858) 578-1822
MIRA MESA OFFICE
10737 Camino Ruiz #210
San Diego, CA 92126
OFFICE HOURS
Monday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Friday – By Appointment