Teen orthodontics in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA, can help address crowding, spacing, bite concerns and other orthodontic needs during an important stage of dental development. At Smiles by Smith Orthodontics, our orthodontist can provide personalized treatment for teens using braces, clear aligners and other orthodontic options based on each patient’s needs and goals.
Dr. Bradley D. Smith has treated approximately 5,000 teen orthodontic cases and more than 10,000 orthodontic patients overall. His experience with braces, clear aligners, bite correction and growth-related orthodontic care allows him to evaluate a wide range of teen treatment needs.
Why Teen Orthodontics Matters
The teenage years are a common time for comprehensive orthodontic treatment because many permanent teeth have erupted while growth and development may still be continuing.
Depending on the individual case, teen orthodontic treatment may help:
- Correct crowded, crooked or rotated teeth
- Close unwanted spaces
- Improve certain overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites and deep bites
- Improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Make some areas easier to brush and floss
- Support improved chewing function
- Create a more balanced and confident smile
Our orthodontist can evaluate tooth alignment, bite relationships, jaw development and treatment goals before recommending care.
Teen Orthodontics in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA
Teenagers have different orthodontic needs, schedules and preferences, so treatment should be individualized rather than based on a single appliance or approach.
Some teens may benefit from traditional braces because fixed appliances provide consistent control over tooth movement. Others may be candidates for clear aligners if the required movements and level of patient cooperation make removable treatment appropriate.
Dr. Smith considers the complexity of the case, the bite, the movements required and the teen’s lifestyle before recommending a treatment method.
Braces for Teens
Braces remain a dependable orthodontic option for teenagers and can address a wide range of tooth-alignment and bite concerns.
Dr. Smith has more than 20 years of experience providing braces and has treated approximately 6,000 traditional braces cases. He also has extensive experience with ceramic braces and custom bracket systems.
Braces may be especially useful when the case requires precise control, significant tooth movement or treatment that does not depend on remembering to wear a removable appliance.
Clear Aligners for Teens
Some teenagers may prefer clear aligners because they are removable and less noticeable than traditional braces.
Dr. Smith has more than 20 years of clear aligner experience and has treated thousands of aligner cases using systems including Invisalign® clear aligners and Solventum Clarity™ Aligners.
Clear aligners require consistent wear, so they are not automatically the best choice for every teen. Our orthodontist can evaluate whether aligners can accomplish the necessary tooth movements and whether the patient is likely to follow the recommended wear schedule.
Braces or Clear Aligners: Which Is Better for a Teen?
Neither treatment is automatically better. The right choice depends on the individual teen’s orthodontic needs.
Our orthodontist may consider:
- The severity of crowding or spacing
- The type of bite correction required
- The amount and direction of tooth movement
- The teen’s ability to wear removable aligners consistently
- Lifestyle and aesthetic preferences
- Oral hygiene habits
- The overall treatment goals
Dr. Smith can explain the advantages and limitations of each option so families can make an informed decision.
Supporting Active Teen Lifestyles
Orthodontic treatment does not have to prevent teens from participating in school, sports, music or other activities.
Patients who play contact sports can continue participating during treatment, although an orthodontic mouthguard is generally recommended when there is a risk of impact to the mouth or face.
Teens who play wind or brass instruments may experience a short adjustment period after braces are placed, but many are able to continue playing as they become accustomed to the appliance.
Our team can provide guidance for sports, musical instruments, school activities and other situations that may affect daily life with orthodontics.
Oral Hygiene During Teen Orthodontic Treatment
Good oral hygiene is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Brackets, wires and aligner attachments can create additional areas where plaque and food debris collect.
Our orthodontist can provide guidance on brushing, flossing and appliance care throughout treatment. Teens should also continue regular examinations and professional cleanings with their general dentist.
For more information, visit our oral hygiene and orthodontics page.
Digital Technology for Teen Orthodontics
Digital technology can support diagnosis, treatment planning and monitoring throughout teen orthodontic care.
Dr. Smith has used digital intraoral scanning for more than 10 years and in-office 3D printing for approximately eight years.
Depending on the case, our orthodontist may also use CBCT imaging when additional three-dimensional information about the teeth, jaws or surrounding structures is clinically useful.
What to Expect During Teen Orthodontic Treatment
Treatment begins with a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation. Dr. Smith can review the teen’s alignment, bite, dental development and treatment goals and then explain the available options.
During active treatment, patients can expect:
- A personalized orthodontic treatment plan
- Digital records and imaging when appropriate
- Regular progress evaluations
- Guidance on appliance care and oral hygiene
- Adjustments or aligner monitoring as treatment progresses
- Clear communication with both the teen and parent or guardian
- A retention plan after active treatment is complete
Active-treatment visits are commonly scheduled about every six to seven weeks, although the exact frequency depends on the treatment method and stage of care.
Teen Orthodontic Transfer and Retreatment
Families sometimes need to transfer orthodontic care because of a move, change in circumstances or previous treatment elsewhere. Dr. Smith can evaluate teens who are already wearing braces or clear aligners and determine what may be needed to continue treatment.
Our orthodontist can also evaluate teens who have experienced orthodontic relapse or incomplete treatment and discuss whether additional braces, clear aligners or another approach may be appropriate.
What Happens After Teen Orthodontic Treatment?
Retention is an important part of maintaining the result after braces or aligners are finished.
At the completion of treatment at Smiles by Smith Orthodontics, patients receive a custom fixed lingual retainer and a clear removable retainer. Dr. Smith has managed approximately 10,000 retention cases during his career.
Patients also receive instructions explaining how to care for and wear their retainers so the teeth can remain as stable as possible over time.
A Supportive Orthodontic Experience for Teens
We want teens to understand their treatment rather than simply feel that orthodontics is something being done to them. Our team explains what is happening, why it matters and what patients can do to help keep treatment progressing.
By involving teens in the process and keeping communication clear, we aim to create an experience that feels manageable, respectful and encouraging.
Schedule a Teen Orthodontic Consultation in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA
If your teen has crowding, spacing, bite concerns or is ready to begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment, our orthodontist can provide an evaluation in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA and explain which treatment options may be appropriate.
We also welcome families from nearby Fox Chapel and surrounding communities.
Contact our office today to schedule a teen orthodontic consultation and learn more about braces, clear aligners and personalized orthodontic care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Orthodontics
What age do teens usually start orthodontic treatment?
There is no single age that is right for every teen. Treatment timing depends on tooth eruption, dental development, growth and the orthodontic concerns being addressed. Our orthodontist can determine the appropriate timing after an evaluation.
Are braces or clear aligners better for teenagers?
Both can be effective. Braces provide continuous fixed treatment, while clear aligners are removable and require consistent wear. Our orthodontist can recommend an option based on the movements required, bite complexity and the teen’s ability to follow treatment instructions.
Can teens use Invisalign?
Yes. Invisalign may be appropriate for many teen patients, depending on the orthodontic problem and the patient’s ability to wear the aligners consistently. Our orthodontist can determine whether Invisalign or another option may be suitable.
Can my teen play sports with braces?
Yes. Teens can continue participating in sports during braces treatment. An orthodontic mouthguard is generally recommended for activities where the mouth or face could be hit.
How often will my teen need orthodontic appointments?
Appointment frequency varies by treatment method and stage of care. Active-treatment visits are commonly scheduled about every six to seven weeks, although our orthodontist can adjust the schedule when needed.
How should teens care for their teeth during orthodontic treatment?
Teens should brush carefully, clean between the teeth and around appliances and continue regular dental examinations and cleanings. Our team can demonstrate techniques and recommend cleaning tools based on the type of orthodontic treatment.
Will my teen need a retainer after treatment?
Yes. Retention is important after orthodontic treatment because teeth can shift over time. Our orthodontist can provide a personalized retention plan after braces or aligners are completed.
Do you offer teen orthodontics in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA?
Yes. Our orthodontist can provide teen orthodontic treatment at our offices in Pittsburgh and Allison Park, PA. We also welcome families from nearby Fox Chapel and surrounding communities.