The teen years are a common time to start orthodontic treatment because most permanent teeth are in place and the jaw is still growing. Reznik Orthodontics treats teenagers at both the Midland and Odessa offices with metal braces, ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. The first consultation is complimentary.
At this stage, the doctors can evaluate crowding, spacing, bite problems, and jaw growth more clearly. Treatment can also fit naturally into a season of life when many teens are already getting braces or aligners.
What orthodontic treatment costs for a teenager
The fee depends on your teen’s case, the type of treatment recommended, and the expected treatment timeline. At the complimentary consultation, our team reviews the full fee, payment options, and how insurance benefits may apply before treatment begins.
Reznik Orthodontics offers in-house financing with no interest, and $0 down may be available for many patients. We accept most PPO insurance plans, file claims on your behalf, and accept assignment of benefits when the plan allows.
Families with more than one child in treatment should mention that at the consultation, since a multi-family member discount may be available. The cost and financing page explains payment options and what the treatment fee includes.
Braces and Invisalign Clear Aligners for Teens
Metal braces are strong, reliable, and effective for a wide range of teen orthodontic cases. Ceramic braces are less noticeable, while self-ligating braces use a clip system instead of elastic ties.
Invisalign clear aligners may be a good option for responsible teens who can wear them as directed. Since aligners are removable, the doctor will review whether they are the right fit for your teen’s teeth, bite, and daily routine.
The types of braces page compares each option side by side.
Fitting treatment around school and activities
Routine visits are usually scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks and take about 20 to 40 minutes. Our team helps families plan around school, photos, activities, and busy schedules when possible.
A few practical points that come up often:
Starting before fall: A summer start can help your teen get used to braces or clear aligners before school activities begin.
Photos: Yearbook, homecoming, and senior portraits can be discussed early if timing may matter.
Music: Braces can change the feel of a mouthpiece at first, but most players adjust with time and wax can help.
Late afternoons: After-school appointments fill quickly, so it helps to schedule the next visit before leaving the office.
How parents can help treatment stay on track
Teen treatment works best when good routines are followed at home. Brushing around brackets, wearing rubber bands or aligners as instructed, following food guidelines, and keeping visits consistent all help treatment stay on track.
Broken brackets, missed visits, and poor aligner wear are common reasons treatment can take longer. Most teens do well once they understand what is expected and build it into their daily routine.
What treatment looks like for a teenager
Getting braces placed usually takes one to two hours. Starting Invisalign clear aligners begins with a scan, followed by aligner trays made for your teen’s treatment plan.
Some soreness is normal during the first few days, and brackets may take a little time to get used to. Orthodontic wax can help with irritation, and our team will review what to eat, how to brush, and when to call the office.
At routine visits, the doctor checks progress and makes the adjustments needed for the next stage of treatment. When active treatment is complete, retainers help hold the teeth in their new positions and protect the result long term.
Schedule a complimentary teen consultation
Call the Midland office at (432) 682-1222 or the Odessa office at (432) 333-7105, or request an appointment online.
Dr. Megan Reznik, Dr. Derek Reznik, and Dr. Michael Reznik are board-certified orthodontists. The consultation takes about an hour and includes the exam, a recommended treatment plan, an estimated timeline, and a fee estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 15 too late to start braces?
No. Fifteen is well inside the normal range, and treatment works at any age after that too. What changes is that less jaw growth remains, so a small number of corrections that would have been simple at 11 need a different approach at 15. The consultation will show the best approach for your teen.
Should a 13-year-old choose braces or Invisalign?
It depends on the case and on the teenager. Aligners suit a 13-year-old who is organized and motivated; braces suit one who is not, because nothing depends on remembering them. The consultation covers both, honestly.
How long will my teenager be in braces?
You will get a case-specific estimate at the consultation rather than an average. What moves it most is how far the teeth have to move and how consistently instructions are followed at home.
Can my teenager get braces if they still have a couple of baby teeth?
In some cases, treatment may be recommended right away, while in others, waiting a few months may be the better approach. The initial examination helps our orthodontists determine the most appropriate timing based on each patient’s individual needs.
What if a bracket breaks the night before a game?
Call the office and follow the guidance on the emergency care page. A loose bracket is almost never urgent, and wax will hold most things comfortably until the next appointment.