Straight teeth, fewer hassles, and a smile your teen is proud to show off.
The teen years are busy: school, sports, friends, a social feed that never stops. Braces should fit into that life, not take it over. At Somerville Orthodontics, board-certified orthodontist Dr. Lee and our team provide braces for teens that are comfortable, precise, and personalized, with the technology and flexibility busy families need.
Whether your teen is dealing with crowding, gaps, or a bite that doesn’t line up, we’ll help you find the right fit, explain every step in plain English, and make sure the price is clear before treatment starts. We’re proud to be a neighborhood practice, and proud to have been voted a Boston Magazine Top Dentist two years in a row.
By the teen years, most permanent teeth have come in, and the jaw is still growing. That combination gives us a helpful window: teeth tend to move efficiently, and growth can work in your favor when correcting bite issues. Starting in the teen years can mean:
Many teens start between ages 12 and 16, but every mouth is different. If your child had an early evaluation around age 7, as the American Association of Orthodontists recommends, we already have a head start. If not, it’s absolutely not too late.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. We offer several proven options, so your teen can pick what fits their style and their needs.
Still the most trusted and often the most budget-friendly choice. Today's metal braces are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than the braces you may remember. Teens love picking colored elastic ties to match their school, team, or mood, and they can change them at every adjustment. Because they stay on around the clock, there's nothing to remember and nothing to lose.
Tooth-colored brackets that blend into the smile. Ceramic braces work like metal braces with a subtler look, which many older teens and pre-teens prefer for school photos and big events. Additional fees may apply compared with metal.
Parents often ask, “Is it really necessary?” A few signs are worth a check-up:
Not sure? Our virtual smile assessment lets you send photos of your teen’s smile for Dr. Lee to review.
We talk through your teen's goals and concerns, and Dr. Lee checks whether braces or aligners are the best fit. Teens get a say, too.
Our goop-free digital scanner creates a fast 3D image of your teen's teeth. We use it to map treatment, estimate the timeline, and preview the future smile.
We bond the brackets and place the archwire in a single comfortable visit. Your teen leaves with a care kit and clear instructions.
Most braces patients visit us roughly every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments. Where appropriate, remote monitoring helps keep treatment on track between visits, which means less missed school and work. And you'll see Dr. Lee personally at your appointments.
When the braces come off, we fit a custom retainer, sometimes made right in our office on our in-house 3D printer.
Most teens finish comprehensive treatment in about 12 to 24 months. Smaller cases can be much faster. Several things affect the timeline: how complex the bite is, how much growth is left, and how consistently your teen follows instructions, such as wearing elastics if prescribed and keeping appointments. Dr. Lee will give you a personal estimate at the first visit.
Schedule a Smile Assessment in person or virtually. We’re welcoming new patients and can’t wait to meet your family.
