Braces for teens
The teenage years are the most common — and often the best — time to straighten a smile. Braces remain one of the most effective ways to do it, and today there's more than one way to wear them. Here's how each option works.
Metal braces
The tried-and-tested choice, gently guiding teeth into place with steady, controlled pressure. Today's brackets are far smaller and more comfortable than the braces you might remember, and they handle even complex cases beautifully.
They're also a teen favourite for one fun reason — coloured bands, swapped at each visit to match a mood, a team or the season. Fixed in place and always working, with nothing to remember.
LightForce™ custom braces
The next generation of braces: each bracket is 3D-printed to precisely match the shape of your teen's individual teeth — as unique as a fingerprint — then paired with fully digital treatment planning.
That bespoke fit can mean more comfort, more efficient tooth movement and fewer adjustment visits, which is a real win around a packed school and sport schedule.
Explore LightForce™ braces →
Lingual (discreet) braces
Fixed braces, hidden from view. Lingual braces sit on the inside of the teeth — virtually invisible from the front, yet fully customised and always working.
Ideal for self-conscious teens, or anyone who'd rather not have braces on show in photos and at school. There's a short tongue-adjustment period, after which most teens barely notice them.
Explore discreet braces →Invisalign® — the removable option
Prefer nothing fixed to the teeth? Invisalign® uses clear, removable aligners that are almost invisible and lift out for meals, sport and photos — no food restrictions and easy cleaning.
It does ask a little responsibility (around 22 hours of wear a day), but it's a popular, flexible fit for teen life, with remote monitoring keeping visits down.
Explore Invisalign® for teens →
Teen braces FAQ
The teenage years are ideal, as most adult teeth have come through and treatment can work with your teen's continued growth. Your Specialist Orthodontist will confirm the right timing at the consultation.
Hidden lingual braces and near-invisible Invisalign® are the most discreet, with LightForce™ offering smaller, lower-profile brackets on the front.
Teens manage both with braces all the time. We'll recommend a mouthguard for contact sport, and any adjustment to a wind instrument usually settles within a week or two. Removable Invisalign® can be taken out for sport entirely.
Your teen may feel some pressure or tenderness for a few days after braces are fitted or adjusted. This is normal, settles quickly, and is easily managed with soft foods.
It varies with each teen's needs — typically somewhere between 12 and 24 months. Your Specialist Orthodontist will give you a clear estimate at the consultation.
