Adolescent Treatment

Adolescent Orthodontics & Teen Braces in Mililani

Reviewed by Dr. David Dung, board-certified orthodontist

The teen years are the most common, and often the ideal, time for orthodontic treatment. By the early teens, most permanent teeth have come in and the jaw is still growing, which makes correcting crowding, spacing, and bite problems both efficient and predictable. At Mililani Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontists care for Central Oʻahu teens with braces and Invisalign®, and every new patient starts with a free exam.

When Should a Teen Get Braces?

Most teens begin treatment between ages 11 and 15, once enough permanent teeth have erupted and while growth can still be guided. The best way to know your teen’s timing is a quick evaluation, and if your child saw us for early treatment, we already know their history and can start at exactly the right moment.

Most teen treatment runs about 18 to 24 months, with quick check-ins every few weeks. We keep it efficient and encouraging, celebrating milestones along the way so your teen stays motivated all the way to the finish line.

Treatment Options for Teens

Today’s teens have great choices:

• Metal braces: durable, effective, and fun to personalize with colored elastics.
• Clear (ceramic) braces: the same reliability with a more discreet look.
• Invisalign® Teen: removable, nearly invisible aligners designed for teen life. As a Blue Diamond Invisalign Provider, we bring top-tier aligner experience.

Not sure which fits? Compare all options on our types of braces page, or we’ll recommend the best one at your visit.

Orthodontics That Fits a Teen’s Life

A teenager’s schedule is full: school, sports, music, friends. We work around it:

• Sports: braces and mouthguards work together; aligners come out for game day. Great for student athletes at Mililani High and the local leagues.
• Music: a little practice and wax make wind and brass instruments comfortable with braces.
• School: Saturday morning hours help keep treatment from disrupting class.

Why Parents Choose Mililani Orthodontics

For most families, a teen’s smile is a once-in-a-lifetime investment, and the doctor matters. Every orthodontist here is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics; we use comfortable iTero® digital scanning (no goopy impressions); and we accept and file all insurance plans with in-house, no-interest payment options. Most of all, we treat your teen like our own, with honest guidance and zero pressure. Meet the doctors who’ll care for your teen.