Teen Orthodontics in Smyrna, TN — Treatment That Fits Your Teen's Life

The teen years are the most common time to start orthodontic treatment, and for good reason. At RuCo Orthodontics, Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston work with teens and their families to find the right treatment path and make the process as straightforward as possible.

Teens Have Real Concerns About Orthodontic Treatment — and They Deserve Real Answers

For most teens, the hesitation around braces isn’t about the end result. It’s about everything in between. How they’ll look during treatment. Whether it’s going to be uncomfortable. How long it’s going to take. Whether their friends will notice. Whether clear aligners are actually an option for their case.
These aren’t small concerns, and dismissing them doesn’t help anyone commit to treatment. At RuCo, Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston take the time to involve teens in the conversation about their own care, explain the options honestly, and help them feel confident about the path they’re choosing — not just compliant with the one their parents picked.

Orthodontic Treatment Options for Teens

The teen years are an ideal window for orthodontic treatment because the jaw is still developing and the permanent teeth are mostly in place, which means teeth move efficiently and outcomes tend to be excellent. Both braces and clear aligners are strong options for most teen cases, and the right choice depends on the specifics of your teen’s bite, their lifestyle, and their preferences.

Traditional metal braces remain one of the most reliable and cost-effective treatment options available. Clear ceramic braces offer the same mechanics with a less visible profile. Clear aligners are a popular choice for teens who want a more discreet option and are committed to wearing them consistently. Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston will walk through all of these options during the consultation and give you and your teen an honest recommendation based on what their smile actually needs.

What Teen Treatment Looks Like at RuCo

1 Free Consultation

Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston evaluates your teen's teeth, bite, and jaw development using digital x-rays and photos. They'll walk through treatment options with both you and your teen so everyone leaves with a clear understanding of what's involved.

2 Choosing the Right Treatment

Whether your teen is a better fit for braces or clear aligners, the doctors will explain exactly what treatment will look like, how long it's expected to take, and what the process involves day to day. Your teen's input matters here.

3 Active Treatment

Your teen will come in for regular appointments throughout treatment, seeing the same orthodontist every time. Dr. Gala and Dr. Baston monitor progress directly at each visit and make adjustments as needed to keep treatment on track.

Results and Retention

When active treatment is complete, your teen will receive a custom retainer to maintain their results. The doctors will walk them through how to wear it and why it matters, so they understand retention as part of the process rather than an afterthought.

Most Teens Are Ready for Orthodontic Treatment — Here's How to Know

If your teen’s permanent teeth are mostly in place and their dentist has mentioned crowding, bite issues, or spacing concerns, it’s a good time to schedule an orthodontic evaluation. The same applies if your teen has been asking about braces or clear aligners on their own — self-motivated patients tend to have smoother treatment experiences.

Age alone isn’t a reliable indicator. Some teens are ready for treatment at twelve, others are better served by waiting until fourteen or fifteen. A consultation with Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will give you a specific, honest answer based on where your teen’s development actually stands.

A Practice That Treats Teens Like They're Part of the Conversation

One thing that gets overlooked in orthodontic care for teens is that the patient is a person with opinions, not just a set of teeth to fix. At RuCo, the doctors make a point of talking directly with teen patients, explaining what’s happening at each appointment, and making sure they understand their own treatment plan.

That approach pays off. Teens who feel involved in their care are more likely to follow through with instructions, wear their aligners as directed, and show up to appointments ready to engage. The result is better treatment compliance and better outcomes.

RuCo is an independent practice, which means your teen will see Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston at every single visit — not a rotating provider who picks up the chart for the first time at the door. That consistency builds trust over the course of what is typically an 18 to 24 month process, and it matters more than most families realize until they’ve experienced the alternative.

RuCo is in-network with most major dental insurance plans, and our team will review your teen’s coverage before treatment begins so there are no surprises on the cost side.

FAQs

Common Questions About Teen Orthodontics

Are clear aligners a good option for teenagers?

For many teens, yes. Clear aligners work well for a wide range of cases and are a popular choice among teens who want a more discreet treatment option. The key factor is consistency — aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day to work effectively. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will give you an honest assessment of whether aligners are a good fit for your teen’s case and their lifestyle during the consultation.

How long will my teen need to be in treatment?

Most teen cases are completed in 18 to 24 months, though this varies depending on the complexity of the bite and alignment issues being addressed. The doctors will give you a realistic timeline estimate during the consultation based on your teen’s specific needs.

What can my teen eat with braces?

Teens with braces should avoid hard, sticky, and crunchy foods that can damage brackets or wires, including things like popcorn, hard candy, and chewing on ice. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will go through the specifics at the placement appointment and provide written guidelines your teen can reference at home.

Will braces affect my teen's sports or activities?

Braces don’t prevent teens from participating in sports or activities. We recommend wearing a mouthguard during contact sports to protect both the braces and the teeth. For teens in band or playing wind instruments, there may be a brief adjustment period, but most adapt quickly.

Let's Find the Right Path for Your Teen's Smile

Whether your teen has been asking about braces for months or you’re just starting to explore options after a recommendation from their dentist, a free consultation is the most direct way to get clear answers. Dr. Gala or Dr. Baston will evaluate your teen’s smile, explain the options honestly, and give you both a recommendation you can feel confident about.

No pressure, no obligation, just a straightforward conversation with an orthodontist who has reviewed your teen’s records firsthand.

Still have questions? Call (615) 625-6900—we’re happy to help!