Comprehensive orthodontic treatment for ages 11 to 18. Braces, Invisalign Teen, and clear aligners from Dr. Rodney Torres at our Tampa and Miami Lakes offices.
The teen years are the sweet spot for orthodontic treatment. By around age 12, most permanent teeth have come in, but the jaw is still growing and the bone supporting the teeth is still soft. That combination is exactly what Dr. Rodney Torres needs to move teeth efficiently.
For most teens, the ideal window is ages 11 to 15. Treatment is often faster than it would be a few years later. Recovery between adjustments is quicker. And there's plenty of time to finish before high school graduation or college.
Your teen's first visit is always a free smile exam. We'll take a digital scan, walk through every option, and give you a clear plan before you commit to anything.
A few things line up during adolescence that make treatment work well: biology, timing, and a teen who can actually follow through.
By around age 12, most permanent teeth have come in but the jaw is still growing and the bone is still soft. Teeth move faster now than they ever will again.
Traditional metal braces, tooth-colored ceramic braces, and Invisalign Teen clear aligners. Dr. Torres helps you pick based on your teen's lifestyle and goals.
Teens are old enough to brush carefully, wear aligners the recommended hours, and show up for adjustments. That keeps treatment on schedule and often makes it shorter.
Most of their friends are either in treatment or just out of it. Braces and aligners are a normal part of teen life, not something to feel self-conscious about.
Stainless steel brackets and wires bonded to each tooth. Metal braces handle the widest range of cases and are usually the most budget-friendly option. Today's brackets are smaller and more comfortable than the ones your parents wore.
Tooth-colored brackets work exactly like metal braces but blend in with your teen's smile. The trade-off: ceramic costs a bit more than metal and can stain if your teen drinks a lot of coffee or curry-heavy meals. The wires are still there, but the brackets nearly disappear.
A series of clear custom aligners that move teeth without brackets or wires. Each tray is worn for about a week before swapping to the next. Invisalign Teen includes blue compliance indicators that fade as the aligners are worn, so we (and you) can tell if they're being worn the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day.
The first visit is about giving you a clear picture and honest answers. Here's what we cover in about an hour.
Common questions from Tampa and Miami Lakes parents. Don't see yours? Call our Tampa office at (813) 920-7720 or our Miami Lakes office at (786) 319-9057.
Book a free smile exam at the office closest to you. We'll walk you through every option and give you a written estimate before you commit.