Orthodontics for Teens

Invest in Your Teen

The most common time for orthodontics for teens in Cary is between the ages of 12 and 16 because most permanent teeth will be in place.

Fortunately, at Foley Orthodontics, you can find solutions to make the treatment process much easier than ever before.

Young woman smiling while sitting in an orthodontic office, engaging with a doctor in a consultation setting, emphasizing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for teen orthodontic treatment.

All About Orthodontics for Teens

Experienced orthodontists like Dr. Foley can easily recognize issues with spacing, crowding, bite, and alignment in this age range, and your teen’s bone and jaw structure are formed enough to allow orthodontic treatment to begin.

Some teens in Cary may have even started Phase I treatment at an earlier age, and are now following it up with full braces or other orthodontic treatment.

Choose Your Look

While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, Dr. Foley might recommend an orthodontic appliance.

Here at Foley Orthodontics, we offer:

Metal Braces

Braces have come a very long way, even within the past decade. When many people around The Triangle picture braces, they think of extremely bulky metal brackets.

The good news is that we don't use this type of bulky orthodontic appliance at Foley Orthodontics. Many of the new braces Dr. Foley uses are lighter and more comfortable than ever before.

Model of teeth with metal braces, illustrating orthodontic treatment options for teens at Foley Orthodontics.

Ceramic Braces

Also known as clear braces, these work the same way metal braces do but feature brackets made of tooth-colored ceramic materials.

They blend in with your teen’s smile, so they’re much less obvious to their friends around Cary. Since ceramic braces may break slightly easier and are a little more expensive than metal braces, Dr. Foley may not recommend them for everyone.

Model of teeth with metal braces showcasing orthodontic treatment options in Cary.

Hand holding clear Invisalign aligners against a plain background, representing orthodontic treatment options for improving smiles.

Invisalign® for Teens

The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners. These aligners are nearly invisible and totally removable.

Made of soft plastic, the aligners provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience, at Foley Orthodontics, with no friction or abrasions inside your teen’s mouth.

Each week your teen will switch their aligner for the next in the set. When your teen wears the aligners for the 20-22 hours per day recommended by Dr. John Foley, their teeth will gradually move into the desired positions.

Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and may not be an option if Dr. Foley recommends more severe correction for your teen.

Benefits of a Straight Smile

Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment at Foley Orthodontics give your teen a ton of benefits, like:

Less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
Easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
Improving proper chewing and digestion of food
Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss

Young woman sitting in an orthodontic office chair, smiling and looking towards the camera, with dental equipment and framed photographs in the background, illustrating a welcoming atmosphere for patients receiving braces or Invisalign treatment at Foley Orthodontics in Cary, NC.

Watch for Orthodontic Issues

Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can have a lasting impact on your teen’s oral and overall health, so talk to Foley Orthodontics about any questions you might have.

If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a free consultation with Dr. Foley, because they may be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment at our office in Cary.

Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
Difficulty with chewing or biting
Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
Jaws that shift or make sounds
Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
Protrusion of teeth

Bad Bites

Allow Dr. John Foley to diagnose and successfully treat certain bite problems because it can give you short-term and long-term benefits.

Foley Orthodontics can correct common problems classified as “bad bites” using orthodontic treatment, such as:

Crooked or crowded teeth
Missing or extra teeth
An overbite or underbite
Incorrect jaw position
A disorder of the jaw joint

FAQs About Teen Orthodontics

How long does treatment take?

This question doesn’t have a concrete answer, unfortunately.

Every case at Foley Orthodontics is different, but the average length of the active stage of orthodontic treatment is anywhere from six months to three years.

After this phase of treatment is complete, your teen will need to wear a retainer for as long as Dr. Foley feels necessary based on their individual case.

Our team at Foley Orthodontics works together with you and your teenager to create a smile that will last a lifetime.

Can teens still play sports with braces?

Absolutely! If your teen athlete is wearing traditional braces, it’s crucial to protect their smile to stay on track with their treatment at Foley Orthodontics. Dr. John Foley strongly recommends using an orthodontic mouthguard to protect their braces, and their mouth, from any potential injury.

Your teen can play any contact sport anywhere around The Triangle and beyond if they use the proper orthodontic mouthguard. If your teen has Invisalign, they can take their aligner out before practice or a game and put it back in afterward, but Dr. Foley still recommends that Invisalign patients wear a protective mouthguard.

What about band?

Make an Investment in Your Teen’s Smile

Orthodontic treatment at Foley Orthodontics is an investment in your child’s future. During your free consultation, Dr. John Foley will be happy to discuss the benefits of treatment as well as the risks of putting off or skipping treatment.

Although adults can complete orthodontic treatment too, a teenager’s jaws and teeth can respond quicker to orthodontic treatment, shortening their total treatment time at our office in Cary, NC.

Smiling young girl in a purple robe sitting in an orthodontic office, with dental equipment and a window in the background, promoting a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for patient consultations at Foley Orthodontics.