Braces for Teens in San Carlos, CA
The teen years are the sweet spot for orthodontics: jaws are still growing and schedules revolve around school. We make treatment fit both.
Book a Free Consultation
Options Teens Actually Like
- Metal braces with color choices for every season and team
- Ceramic braces for a lower-profile look in photos
- Invisalign Teen with wear indicators parents appreciate
- After-school appointments and low wait times
Confidence That Lasts Past Graduation
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean through the years of sports drinks and late-night snacks, and a confident smile shows up in every yearbook photo and college interview.
Treatment for teens typically runs 12 to 24 months. Dr. Chang maps the timeline at the free consultation so your family knows exactly what to expect.
See Patient Stories
Metal, Ceramic or Invisalign Teen
Most families arrive deciding between three routes. All three are available here, and Dr. Chang recommends the one that suits the bite rather than the one that sounds best.
- Metal braces are the workhorse. They handle crowding, spacing and bite correction of any complexity, they never depend on remembering to put anything back in, and teens pick new elastic colors at every visit.
- Ceramic braces work the same way with tooth-colored brackets, so they read as far less obvious in photos. They suit teens who want the reliability of braces without the look.
- Invisalign Teen uses removable clear aligners with built-in wear indicators, so parents can see whether they are actually being worn. They come out for sports, band and school photos.
Teen treatment usually runs 12 to 24 months. Because jaws are still growing through these years, this is the window where crowding and bite problems are most straightforward to guide. Dr. Chang maps the timeline at the free consultation, a $199 value, along with the exact monthly figure.
Whichever route you choose, treatment finishes with a retainer to hold the result. We fit clear, Hawley and permanent retainers, and we go through the wear schedule with your teen so the smile stays put after the braces come off.
Board-Certified Care From Dr. Michael Chang
Dr. Michael Chang completed his 7-year dental and orthodontic specialty education at UCSF, where he now teaches as an award-winning Clinical Professor. He personally plans and monitors every case at Chang Orthodontics.
Give Your Teen a Smile They’ll Thank You For
Tell us how to reach you and our team will call or text to set up a free consultation that fits around school.
Rather just call or text?
(650) 598-0888“So far we are one year into her treatment and the timeframe and expectations have been on point and the results have been more than we could have expected.”
Common Questions
Braces or Invisalign for my teen?
It depends on the case and the teen. Braces never rely on willpower; Invisalign Teen offers flexibility with compliance indicators. Dr. Chang gives you a straight answer at the free visit.
How much do teen braces cost?
From about $299/month, or $199/month with insurance. Your consultation ends with exact numbers and payment plans.
Will braces interfere with sports or band?
No. A mouthguard protects braces during sports, and musicians adjust within a week or two. We coach teens through both.
Are ceramic braces worth it for a teenager?
For many teens, yes. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets, so they are much less noticeable in photos while working the same way as metal. They ask for a little more care around staining foods, and Dr. Chang will tell you plainly at the consultation whether the bite is a good fit.
What happens after the braces come off?
Your teen moves into a retainer, which holds the teeth in place while everything settles. We fit clear, Hawley and permanent retainers and walk through the wear schedule, because teeth drift back without one.
Is 16 too late to start braces?
Not at all. Growth is still finishing around 16, and treatment at that age is routine. Adults get excellent results too, so if your teen is close to graduating, braces for adults is worth a look as well. The free consultation covers the options either way.