Braces, Aligners, and Teen Confidence
A young patient at Kays Dental shows what a confident smile looks like after a year in braces. Here is what we tell every teen and parent about orthodontic options.
May 26, 2026 · Dr. Esther Lukwago · 1 views
Most orthodontic work happens between ages 11 and 16, but the truth is — there is no wrong time to start. We see patients from 9 to 60 in braces.
Traditional braces
Still the gold standard for complex cases. Reliable, predictable, affordable. The downside: visibility and food restrictions.
Clear aligners (Invisalign-style)
Great for mild-to-moderate cases. Almost invisible, removable for meals, easier to clean teeth.
What we tell teens
Braces are temporary. The confident smile that follows lasts decades. Most of our teenage patients say within 3 months they forget they are wearing them.
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