Orthodontics for Teens in Manhattan Beach
Braces and clear aligners for the teen years, with a pediatric dentist who knows your family
The teen years are busy. School, sports, friends, photos, and a lot of changes happening at once. Orthodontic treatment should fit into that life, not get in the way of it. At Turley Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we take care of teens in Manhattan Beach and the South Bay with braces and clear aligners chosen around your teen's bite.
Why the teen years matter for orthodontics
Most teens have all or nearly all of their permanent teeth by age 12 or 13, and their jaws are still growing. That combination is why the early teen years are often a very good time to start. Treatment can guide the bite while growth is still on our side, and teeth tend to respond well.
If your child already had an early evaluation or Phase 1 treatment, the teen years are usually when Phase 2 begins. If this is your first visit, that is completely fine. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first check by age seven, but many teens start treatment later and get excellent results.
Signs your teen may need braces
Crowded, overlapping, or twisted teeth
Gaps between teeth
Overbite, underbite or crossbite
Teeth that do not meet properly when biting
Difficulty chewing or biting, or frequent biting of the cheeks
Jaw clicking or discomfort
Teeth that are hard to brush and floss well because of how they fit
Only an exam can tell. If you are not sure, a consultation is the easiest way to find out, and it is complimentary.
Braces and clear aligner options for teens
There is no single best option. The right one depends on the case, the lifestyle, and honestly, how your teen feels about it. We go through all of it together.
Mini metal braces
Smaller and more comfortable than traditional braces, they work around the clock and are strong enough for everything from mild crowding to complex bites. Teens can choose colored bands to match their style.
Ceramic (clear) braces
Tooth-colored brackets that blend in. A popular choice for teens who want something discreet but still want the precision of fixed braces.
Clear aligners for teens
A series of custom, nearly invisible trays that your teen can remove to eat, brush, and floss. Aligners work well for teens who are responsible about wearing them, and they pair nicely with sports and music. We recommend them when they are the best fit for the bite, not just because they are popular.
What to expect at your teen's first visit
Consultation. We meet your teen, listen to their goals, and look at their smile, bite, and growth. This visit is complimentary.
Records and imaging. We take the photos, scans, and X-rays we need to plan carefully.
Your plan. We explain what we found, the options, the timeline, and the cost, and answer questions from both parents and teens.
Starting treatment. We schedule your teen's start date and show the whole family how to care for braces or aligners.
Regular visits. We check progress, make adjustments, and keep the plan on track.
Two-Phases of Orthodontic Treatment: A Smarter Path to a Beautiful Smile
Not every child needs two-phase treatment, but for those who do, it makes a world of difference. Here's how it works:
Phase 1: Early Intervention (Typically Ages 7–10)
Phase 1 focuses on the foundation. When jaw growth and tooth development are still in progress, we can use targeted appliances to guide things in the right direction.
This might include palate expanders, partial braces, or space maintainers, depending on what your child needs.
The goal of Phase 1 isn't to finish treatment. It's to create the ideal environment so that Phase 2 can be shorter, simpler, and more successful.
Phase 2: Full Treatment (Typically Ages 11–15)
Once your child's permanent teeth have come in, we move into Phase 2, the alignment stage. This is when braces or clear aligners take center stage, and we fine-tune the bite, spacing, and overall appearance of the smile. Followed by retainers to hold those results for good.
Because Turley Orthodontics also has a pediatric dentist in-house, we follow your child's dental development through every stage. That continuity of care means fewer surprises, better planning, and a team that truly knows your child.
Retainers keep the result
After braces or aligners, teeth want to drift back toward where they started. Retainers keep your teen's new smile in place. We explain exactly how and when to wear them, and we check on them over time, because the best results come from teens who keep wearing their retainers.
One dental home for your teen
Here is what makes our practice different. Dr. Patricia Turley, our pediatric dentist, cares for patients from 6 months to 21 years, so your teen can have orthodontic care and routine dental care under one roof. Cleanings, sealants, tooth-colored fillings, teen-safe whitening, and we offer oral and IV sedation for teens with dental anxiety or special health care needs. Because your teen's orthodontist and dentist work together, care is simpler for the whole family.
Ready to start your teen's smile journey?
Contact us to book a consultation and meet the team. We will look at your teen's bite, answer your questions, and help you choose a path that fits your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There is no single best age. Many teens start between about 11 and 14, once most permanent teeth are in, but it depends on the bite and growth. Some children benefit from an early evaluation by age seven. A consultation will tell you where your teen is.
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Braces are not usually painful, but teeth can be sore for a few days after they are placed and after adjustments. Most teens say it passes quickly.
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It can be, when the case is a good match and the teen will wear the aligners as directed. Braces are sometimes the better choice. We recommend whichever fits your teen best.
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Yes. Wear a mouthguard for sports. Instruments usually take a short adjustment period.
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Hard, sticky, and chewy foods such as hard candy, caramel, ice, and popcorn. We will give you a full list.