Braces straighten a teen’s crowded, gapped or misaligned teeth while the jaw is still growing. This often shortens treatment time compared to waiting until adulthood. Efros Orthodontics provides this treatment at our Latham office, located at 17 Johnson Road. We design each plan around the teen’s bite, schedule and comfort.
Why the teen years suit braces
Most permanent teeth have erupted by early adolescence, and the jaw bones are still responsive to gradual movement. That combination lets us correct bite problems more efficiently than if treatment waits until adulthood.
Problems treatment can address
Crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites and crossbites are the issues we see most often in teenage patients. Left untreated, some of these patterns make brushing and flossing harder. They can also raise the risk of uneven wear on teeth.
How growth affects the timeline
Because the jaw is still developing, adjustments tend to produce results faster than in a fully mature bite. Treatment with braces usually runs 12 to 30 months depending on the case. Adjustment visits happen about every 4 to 6 weeks.
Choosing braces for a teen’s lifestyle
Metal braces remain the most common choice for teens because they handle complex movements reliably. Ceramic braces use tooth-colored brackets for a less visible option. Invisalign for teens suits motivated patients who will keep aligners in most of the day.
| Option | Visibility | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Metal braces | Visible, customizable bands | Complex bite corrections |
| Ceramic braces | Tooth-colored, less visible | Teens who prefer a discreet look |
| Invisalign for teens | Nearly invisible | Consistent aligner wear habits |
What the first appointment includes
Every plan at our Latham office starts with an iTero digital scan instead of putty impressions. We also take digital panoramic and cephalometric X-rays. These images let us map out tooth movement before any brackets go on.
Care after braces are placed
Teens return roughly every 4 to 6 weeks for short adjustment visits, each about 20 minutes. Between visits, sticky candy, popcorn kernels, hard nuts and ice should be avoided. Brushing after meals with floss threaders keeps brackets clean.
Cost of teen treatment in Latham
Cost depends on your teen’s case. We offer 0% interest payment plans for up to three years, with payments as low as $99 per month in some cases. We are in-network with most major insurance plans, and a free consultation is available to review your options.
Why choose Efros Orthodontics in Latham
Dr. Robin Lozman has practiced orthodontics in Latham since 1997. She earned her DMD and a Master’s in Education at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Lozman then completed a two-year residency at the Eastman Dental Center, University of Rochester, treating children, adults, cleft palate patients and surgical orthodontic cases. Since Lozman Orthodontics joined Efros Orthodontics, existing patients keep the same team and the same Latham location. You can read more on her bio page.
Our Latham office sits off Route 9, convenient for families in Loudonville, Cohoes, Watervliet, Waterford, Clifton Park and Halfmoon, including North Colonie and Shaker school students. Parking is available directly at the door. We’re open Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 5:00pm and Friday from 7:30am to 3:00pm.
If a teen’s bite seems like a borderline case, other paths are worth comparing. This is also true if braces don’t feel like the right fit yet. Our pages on braces for kids and the Invisalign hub page cover these options. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7, so earlier evaluations are common even if treatment starts later.
Braces for Teens questions from Latham patients
How long do teens typically wear braces?
Most teens wear braces for 12 to 30 months, depending on how complex the bite correction is. Regular adjustment visits every 4 to 6 weeks keep treatment on track.
Can a teen play sports or an instrument with braces?
Yes, teens generally adjust within a few weeks and continue sports and instruments as before. A mouthguard is recommended for contact sports to protect the brackets.
What if a bracket breaks?
We handle emergency bracket repairs, so call the office as soon as you notice damage. Most loose brackets aren’t emergencies, but they do need attention so treatment stays on track. Dental wax over the spot keeps it from rubbing until we can see you.
Is Invisalign realistic for teenagers?
It can be, provided the teen is reliable about wearing aligners most of the day. We discuss this honestly during the consultation since discipline matters more with aligners than with braces.
