Clear Aligners & Braces for Teens in Dothan, AL
Your teen's next chapter starts with a smile they feel good about.
At McClimans Orthodontics, orthodontics for teens starts with getting to know the person behind the smile. Dr. McClimans will listen to your teen's concerns, evaluate their teeth and bite, and explain which braces or clear aligners fit their needs and routine.
Book a Complimentary Consultation
The Benefits of Orthodontics for Teens
The teenage years are often a good time to address alignment and bite concerns as permanent teeth come in and the jaw continues developing.
Ultimately, the right timing depends on your teen's individual growth and treatment needs.
Teen orthodontic treatment may help:
- Straighten crowded or overlapping teeth
- Close unwanted spaces between teeth
- Address overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other bite concerns
- Improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together
- Make daily brushing and flossing easier
- Create a smile your teen feels more confident sharing
Modern Orthodontic Options for Teens
Some teens want to show off their braces. Others prefer treatment that blends in. We offer several options to suit different smiles and preferences:
- Metal braces
- Clear ceramic braces
- Gold braces
- Invisalign® clear aligners
- 3M™ Clarity™ Clear Aligners
Dr. McClimans will explain which options fit your teen's needs and include them in the conversation. Their questions and preferences matter, too.
When is the right time for teen braces?
There isn't one birthday that means every teen is ready for braces or aligners. Dr. McClimans considers their permanent teeth, jaw development, and orthodontic needs to recommend the right timing.
Whether your teen is new to our office or has been visiting for observation, we'll explain whether it's time to begin treatment. If waiting is the better choice, we may continue monitoring their development with visits approximately every six months.
Orthodontic Care Designed Around a Busy Teen Life
With school, sports, and family commitments to work around, we keep appointments efficient and offer flexible scheduling to help you plan ahead.
Most patients return approximately every six to eight weeks during treatment, depending on their individual plan.
We use digital X-rays, the iTero® intraoral scanner, and an advanced in-house 3D printer to support treatment planning and create custom retainers and appliances.
Dr. McClimans personally places every bracket. Eligible patients may also be able to start with Same-Day Braces, saving a separate visit to begin treatment.
Clear Aligners for Teens
McClimans Orthodontics offers both Invisalign® and 3M™ Clarity™ Clear Aligners for teens.
Custom-made clear trays gradually move the teeth into alignment. Your teen can remove them for meals, brushing, and flossing.
Clear aligners for teens offer a discreet option but require consistent wear, as directed by Dr. McClimans. He'll recommend braces or aligners based on your teen's bite, treatment needs, and ability to follow the wear schedule.
How much does teen orthodontic treatment cost?
The cost of braces or clear aligners for teens depends on their orthodontic needs, the type of treatment recommended, and the anticipated treatment length.
Before treatment begins, we'll explain the cost and review your payment options so your family knows what to expect.
We offer flexible payment plans with 0% interest in-house financing and will work with you to create a payment plan that meets your family's needs. We also accept CareCredit® financing.
Learn More About Financing & Insurance
Does insurance cover orthodontics for teens?
Some dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits for dependent children. Coverage, age limits, and lifetime benefit maximums vary by plan.
McClimans Orthodontics accepts most insurance plans and is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield. We also file claims with other insurance providers, including United Concordia, on your behalf.
Once treatment begins and your claim is submitted, your insurance provider will determine the available orthodontic benefits and coverage.
What to Expect at Your Teen's First Orthodontist Visit
Your teen's complimentary consultation is a chance for both of you to ask questions and understand what comes next.
- Tell us what brings you in.
We'll listen to your teen's smile goals and any concerns your family or dentist has noticed.
- Meet with Dr. McClimans.
He'll evaluate your teen's teeth and bite and explain whether treatment is recommended now or if waiting makes more sense.
- Explore your options.
If treatment is recommended, we'll discuss the braces or clear aligners that may work for your teen, the anticipated timeline, and what daily care involves.
- Understand what comes next.
If your family decides to move forward, we'll review treatment costs and payment options and explain any records needed before treatment begins.
Book a Complimentary Consultation
An Orthodontist the Wiregrass Has Trusted for Generations
For more than 25 years, Dr. Tee McClimans has cared for families throughout Dothan and the Wiregrass. Some parents who once sat in our treatment chairs now bring their own children to see us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teen Orthodontics
How do I know if my teen needs braces or aligners?
Crowding, gaps, protruding teeth, difficulty chewing, or teeth that don't meet properly can warrant an evaluation. Concerns about smile appearance are also worth discussing. Dr. McClimans can assess your teen's teeth and bite at a complimentary consultation.
What age should teens get braces or aligners?
Timing depends on permanent tooth eruption, jaw development, and your teen's orthodontic needs. Dr. McClimans will evaluate their smile and recommend treatment or continued monitoring.
Are braces or clear aligners better for teens?
Both can be effective. Clear aligners are discreet and removable but require consistent wear. Braces stay in place and may suit teens who would struggle with an aligner routine. Dr. McClimans will help you choose based on your teen's bite and lifestyle.
How long does teen orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment time depends on your teen's bite and the tooth movements needed. Dr. McClimans will provide a personalized estimate. Keeping appointments and wearing aligners and prescribed elastics consistently help treatment stay on track.
Can my teen play sports with braces or aligners?
Yes. Ask Dr. McClimans about an appropriate mouthguard for your teen's sport and treatment. For contact sports, remove aligners and wear a suitable mouthguard; aligners don't replace protective sports gear.
Will my teen need a retainer after treatment?
Yes. Retainers help maintain alignment after braces or clear aligners. We create custom retainers with our in-house 3D printing technology and explain how to wear and care for them.
Can my teen get braces the same day as their consultation?
Yes, for eligible patients. If braces are recommended and the required records and preparations can be completed that day, your teen may be able to start at their consultation.
Let's Put a Smile on Your Teen's Face
Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. McClimans in Dothan. Get clear answers about your teen's treatment options from a team that has cared for generations of Wiregrass families.