The teen years are when most orthodontic treatment happens: permanent teeth are in, growth is still working in our favor, and teenagers adapt to appliances quickly. At our Spokane office, 510 E Hastings Rd, Suite B in Spokane, Dr. Josh Johnson treats teens from North Spokane, Indian Trail, Hillyard, and the surrounding communities.
Why This Is The Right Window
By the early teens we can see the whole picture — all permanent teeth, the finished shape of the arches, and how the bite closes — which makes treatment planning far more precise than it is at 8 or 9. Remaining jaw growth also helps with certain bite corrections that get harder to achieve in adulthood.
Practically, teens tolerate braces better than adults do. Soreness after adjustments passes faster, and hardware becomes background noise within a couple of weeks. Most teen cases finish in roughly 18 to 24 months depending on the correction needed.
Metal Or Clear — Let Them Choose
Teens have opinions about their appearance, and honoring them pays off in cooperation:
- Metal braces — the most durable and efficient option, and the elastics come in every color, which most teens treat as the main feature.
- Clear braces — ceramic, tooth-colored brackets that barely register in photos. Popular with teens who would rather not advertise treatment.
Both are detailed on our braces page. Teens who are genuinely reliable may also be candidates for Angel Aligners clear aligners — but aligners only move teeth while they are in the mouth, and we will be direct with you about whether that is a realistic bet for your teen.
Braces And A Full Schedule
Sports continue with a mouthguard; wind instruments take a short adjustment period. Food is the real change — jerky, popcorn kernels, hard candy, and sticky sweets break brackets, while pasta, eggs, fish, yogurt, and ice cream are fine.
Hygiene decides how enamel looks the day the braces come off. Plaque left around brackets leaves marks, so brushing after every meal and flossing daily is not optional. Elastics are the other non-negotiable: they correct the bite, and skipping them is the most common reason a case runs long.
Visits are short and spaced several weeks apart, we are open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and DentalMonitoring lets your teen scan at home with a phone so we can check progress without pulling them out of school. See our technology page.
Who Plans The Treatment
Dr. Johnson earned his DDS at the University of Washington, graduating at the top of his class, and a Master of Science in Orthodontics at the University of Michigan. He has practiced since 2006 and belongs to the American Association of Orthodontists, the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and the Washington State Society of Orthodontists. He explains findings to teens directly, which is usually why they follow the plan.
When active treatment ends, retainers begin — and retainer wear is what prevents a second round of treatment in your teen’s twenties.
Questions Teens And Parents Ask
- How noticeable are clear brackets? Much less than metal. In photos most people do not register them at all.
- Can my teen play a sport or an instrument? Yes. Sports need a mouthguard; wind instruments take a week or two of adjustment.
- How long will treatment take? Usually 18 to 24 months. Cooperation genuinely shortens it.
- Will they miss school for appointments? Some, but visits are short and DentalMonitoring replaces many in-office checks.
- What does treatment cost? It depends on the case. Payment plans and a payment calculator are under patient resources, and we review insurance benefits with you.
Getting A Teen To Cooperate
Three things move the needle. Let them choose the appliance and the elastic colors — ownership drives compliance. Have Dr. Johnson explain findings to them directly rather than over their head. And be specific about consequences: broken brackets and skipped elastics add months, and teens respond to that far better than to nagging.
The rest is routine. Short visits several weeks apart, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and a phone scan from home when we need to check between appointments. See orthodontic treatment for the full treatment range and patient reviews for what other families say.
Get Your Free Smile Consult
Consults are free with no obligation. Call or text (509) 277-9773 or contact us to book at our Spokane office, and see our patient reviews first if you like.