How long does teen orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment typically lasts between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and how consistently instructions are followed.

Can my teen play sports while wearing braces?

Yes. Teens can continue playing sports, and wearing a protective mouthguard is recommended to help prevent injury.

Will braces affect playing musical instruments?

There may be a short adjustment period, but most teens adapt quickly and can continue playing without long-term issues.

How can parents help teens care for their braces?

Encouraging good oral hygiene, attending scheduled appointments, and following care instructions all help ensure successful treatment.

What should we do if a bracket or wire breaks?

If something breaks or becomes uncomfortable, contact our office. We will provide guidance and schedule a repair if needed.

Am I a good candidate for Invisalign?

Invisalign is a highly versatile and effective treatment for a wide range of orthodontic issues, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Most adults and teenagers are excellent candidates. During your initial consultation at Woolaver Orthodontics, Dr. Chris Woolaver will perform a thorough examination, including digital scans, to determine if Invisalign is the right solution to achieve your ideal smile.

Is Invisalign treatment painful?

While Invisalign treatment is generally very comfortable, you may experience some temporary discomfort or pressure when you switch to a new set of aligners. This sensation, often described as a feeling of tightness or mild soreness, indicates that your teeth are actively moving into their new positions. This discomfort is usually mild and subsides within a few days.

Do I need to wear a retainer after Invisalign treatment?

Yes! Your teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions over time. Retainers help stabilize your teeth in their corrected alignment while the bone and ligaments around them fully adapt.

How often do I need to wear my Invisalign aligners?

For optimal results and to stay on track with your treatment plan, we recommend wearing your Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day. This means you should only remove them for eating, drinking anything other than plain water, and for your daily oral hygiene routine (brushing and flossing).

Can I eat and drink with my Invisalign Aligners in?

No, you should always remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than plain water. Eating with your aligners can damage them, trap food particles against your teeth leading to potential cavities, and stain the aligners.

Will Invisalign affect my speech?

When you first start wearing Invisalign, you may experience a slight lisp or notice minor changes in your speech. This is completely normal and occurs because your tongue needs to adjust to the presence of the aligners in your mouth. Practicing speaking aloud can help speed up this adjustment period.

How often will I need appointments during Invisalign treatment?

At Woolaver Orthodontics, we strive to make your treatment as convenient as possible. During your Invisalign journey, you'll need to visit our office for brief check-ups every 6 to 10 weeks. These appointments allow Dr. Woolaver to monitor your progress, ensure your treatment is on track, and provide you with your next sets of aligners.

How long does Invisalign treatment typically take?

On average, Invisalign treatment can range from 6 to 18 months. Minor adjustments may take as little as 6 months, while more complex cases could require up to 24 months. Woolaver Orthodontics will give you a personalized estimate during your consultation.

Why choose Woolaver Orthodontics for my Invisalign treatment?

Dr. Chris Woolaver is recognized as a Top 1% Invisalign Doctor in US, One in 3 in AZ, a testament to his extensive experience and successful outcomes with Invisalign treatment. From our state-of-the-art digital scanning technology for precise treatment planning to our dedicated and friendly team, we are committed to making your journey to a confident smile enjoyable and efficient. Our many satisfied patients in Ahwatukee, Phoenix speak to the quality of our care and results.

How do I get started with an Invisalign consultation at Woolaver Orthodontics?

You can call our office directly at (928) 593-4033 or schedule an appointment online. During your consultation, we'll perform a comprehensive examination, including a comfortable 3D digital scan of your teeth, discuss your smile goals, explain the Invisalign process, and outline your personalized treatment and financial options – all with no pressure.

Teen Orthodontics in Ahwatukee, Phoenix

A man in Suit standing and smiling after Invisalign treatment in Phoenix

Most orthodontic treatment happens during the teen years for a reason: between ages 11 and 18, jaw growth is still active enough to support major bite corrections, and adult teeth are in place. The result is treatment that's faster and more durable than waiting until adulthood. At Woolaver Orthodontics, teens from Mountain Pointe High School, Desert Vista, BASIS Ahwatukee, and the Kyrene District middle schools make up a significant portion of our practice.

Dr. Chris Woolaver — a board-trained specialist since 2008 — designs every teen treatment plan around the realities of high-school life: sports schedules, instrument practice, school photos, and the social dynamics of being a teenager. Below: braces vs. Invisalign Teen, what each costs, and how we schedule around your family's calendar.

Braces or Invisalign Teen — Which Is Right?

Braces

For most teens, both options work. The choice usually comes down to lifestyle and case complexity.

Braces (Metal or Clear Ceramic)

Best for complex bite corrections, severe crowding, or cases requiring maximum control
Always-on — no compliance worries (parents appreciate this)
More affordable in many cases
Can be customized with colored elastics for school colors, holidays, sports teams (kids love this)
Modern self-ligating brackets are smaller and more comfortable than older designs

Learn more about braces →

Invisalign Teen

Best for mild-to-moderate cases in teens with their adult teeth in
Virtually invisible — no metallic look in school photos, yearbook portraits, prom pictures
Removable for eating, brushing, and sports
Includes compliance indicators (small blue dots that fade when worn correctly) so parents can verify wear time
Free replacement aligners for inevitably lost trays
Requires teens to wear aligners 20–22 hours per day (compliance is essential)

Learn more about Invisalign Teen →

Dr. Woolaver discusses both options at your free consultation and recommends the right fit based on your teen's case, lifestyle, and personality.

Why Specialist Care Matters for Teens

A teen orthodontic case is more than just straightening teeth — it's coordinating treatment with active jaw growth, ongoing tooth eruption, and bite development. A general dentist who offers braces as a side service typically learns the basics in continuing-education courses. Dr. Woolaver completed a full three-year orthodontic specialty residency focused entirely on tooth movement, jaw growth, and bite correction — and has been treating teen cases in Ahwatukee since 2008.

The difference shows up in:

Treatment time — specialist case planning typically shortens treatment by months
Bite outcomes — proper bite alignment, not just straight teeth
Comfort during growth — pressure adjustments timed to growth spurts
Complex case handling — cases other providers refer out

Sports, Instruments & Active Teen Life

Active teens don't have to choose between orthodontic treatment and the activities that matter to them.

Football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse: Custom braces-friendly mouthguards available — call us for a fit appointment
Wind instruments (band): Both braces and Invisalign Teen are compatible. Braces require a brief adjustment period (1–2 weeks) for embouchure; Invisalign aligners come out during practice
Wrestling, contact martial arts: Mouthguard required — we make these for braces patients
Marching band: Same as wind instruments above
Theater, choir: Treatment is invisible to audiences; speech adjustment is brief

Scheduling Around the School Year

Mountain Pointe HS, Desert Vista HS, and Kyrene District middle schools all share the same general bell schedule. We design our appointment calendar around it:

Early-morning slots at 8:00 AM — before first period for nearby schools
Late-afternoon slots after dismissal — typical 3:30–5:00 PM availability
Friday morning appointments — works for early-release Fridays
Summer scheduling — most parents prefer to start braces or major Invisalign cases over the summer when school is out, so we open more weekday slots June–August

How Much Does Teen Orthodontic Treatment Cost?

Treatment	Typical Cost (AZ)	Treatment Time
Invisalign Teen	$3,500 – $6,500	12–24 months
Comprehensive Braces (metal)	$3,000 – $6,000	12–24 months
Clear Ceramic Braces	$4,000 – $7,500	12–24 months

Most major PPO insurance plans contribute $1,000–$3,000 in lifetime orthodontic benefits for children and teens. Monthly payment plans typically run $150–$250/month for braces or $200/month for Invisalign Teen. See our Financing & Insurance details →

Frequently Asked Questions

Teens and parents often have questions about what to expect during orthodontic treatment. Here are helpful answers to guide you.