Straight Teeth. Confident Teens. Healthy Bites.

Straight teeth = confidence, comfort, and long-term health during some of the most important years of your teen’s life.

Proper alignment affects how your teen eats, speaks, and feels about their smile, at school, in photos, and socially.

At Cumberland Dental, orthodontic care is fully integrated into your child’s dental history. No referrals. No starting over. Just thoughtful, coordinated care with Dr. Ben and team from start to finish.

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A Smarter Orthodontic Plan

Not every child needs braces right away

Orthodontics works best when treatment matches growth, and timing makes all the difference.

PHASE 1

Early Intervention (Ages 7–10)

Early treatment that guides growth and reduces future orthodontic needs.

Phase 1 orthodontics guides jaw growth while your child is still developing. This early approach can prevent crowding, reduce future treatment time, and lower overall cost.

Key Facts:

Ages: 7–10

Duration: 6–12 months

Appliances: Expanders, partial braces, growth-guiding appliances

Why It Matters:

Guides jaw growth before problems worsen

Often prevents tooth extractions

Can reduce or eliminate full braces later

Lower total cost than waiting

Helps kids avoid self-consciousness during key social years

Cost Snapshot: Phase 1 typically costs $2,000–$3,500. Without early intervention, later braces often cost $6,000–$8,000+.

FAQ: Will my child still need braces later? Often no. If Phase 2 is needed, it's usually shorter and lighter.

PHASE 2

Comprehensive Orthodontics (Ages 12+)

Final alignment for teens and adults once permanent teeth have erupted.

Phase 2 focuses on final alignment once most permanent teeth have erupted. This phase works for teens and adults - it's never too late to improve your smile and bite.

Key Facts:

Ages: 12+ (teens and adults)

Duration: 18–36 months

Options: Braces or Invisalign

Timeline & Outcomes:

- If Phase 1 was completed, Phase 2 is usually lighter and shorter. If not, Phase 2 provides full correction and long-term stability.

- Most cases complete within 18–24 months with good compliance.

BRACES VS. INVISALIGN

Which Is Right for Your Teen?

Both options work. The right choice depends on your teen's needs, habits, and preferences.

Traditional Braces

Visible (can customize colors)

Less dependent on compliance

Best for complex cases

Some food restrictions

Typical cost: $6,000–$8,000

Invisalign

Nearly invisible

Removable aligners

Requires 20+ hours/day wear

No food restrictions

Typical cost: $6,000–$8,000

We don't push one option over the other. We evaluate bite complexity, maturity, hygiene habits, and your teen's preference - then decide together.

No option is "better." Only better for your teen.

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Will My Teen Actually Follow Treatment?

This is one of the most common, and valid, concerns parents have.

Braces

Low compliance risk. The brackets and wires do the work regardless of what your teen does. Compliance mainly affects how quickly teeth move (with good care, faster; with poor care, same timeline, but less comfortable).

If your teen tends to resist commitment or forget responsibilities, braces might be the better choice.

Invisalign

Higher compliance risk. Aligners only work if worn 20+ hours/day. If your teen removes them frequently, treatment takes longer or doesn't work.

If your teen is reliable and prefers invisible treatment, Invisalign can work beautifully.

Making Compliance Stick

Ownership

Your teen should want the treatment, not resent it. When they feel in control, they're far more likely to stick with it.

Peer Normalization

Many teens have braces or Invisalign. Knowing it's common helps remove embarrassment and resistance.

Visual Progress

We show before-and-progress photos so teens can see real changes and stay motivated.

Practical Reminders

Aligner timers, phone reminders, and small rewards help build consistent daily habits.

Regular Check-Ins

We track progress together and celebrate milestones - motivation grows when progress is recognized.

Common Orthodontic Concerns Addressed

It’s natural to have questions

We’re here to answer them.

My Teen Won't Comply with Treatment

This is a legitimate concern. In our experience, compliance comes from motivation, not force. When teens understand why they’re getting orthodontics and have a voice in the decision, they become invested. We speak directly to your teen, involve them in choosing options, and track progress visually. If Invisalign isn’t working due to non-compliance, we transition to braces—no treatment is wasted.

Invisalign Isn't as Strong as Braces

Both braces and Invisalign move teeth using the same biological principle: consistent, gentle pressure over time. For most cases, they work equally well. The right choice depends on case complexity, compliance, and timeline. We recommend Invisalign or braces based on what’s best for the specific case, not what’s more profitable.

My Child Needs Phase 1? What’s the Evidence?

Phase 1 is recommended only when early intervention can guide jaw growth and prevent more invasive treatment later. Research shows it can reduce crowding, lower extraction risk, and decrease the need for full braces in many cases. We’re conservative, an evaluation at age 7 doesn’t mean immediate treatment, just informed monitoring.

How Do We Know Orthodontics Won’t Relapse?

Relapse can happen without proper retention. That’s why we use fixed and removable retainers, regular check-ins, and long-term retention plans. Retainers aren’t a failure, they’re the final step. With proper wear, orthodontic results last for life.