Braces for teens have come a long way since you were in middle school. At TG Orthodontics in Marlboro, NJ, board-certified orthodontist Tara Gostovich, DMD, straightens teen smiles with custom LightForce brackets and Invisalign Teen, using fewer office visits and a plan that works around school, sports, and a packed family calendar.
Consultations are complimentary, and you’ll leave with a clear plan and price. Book your teen’s visit or call (732) 617-1211.
Why do braces for teens look so different now?
Teens want straight teeth without a mouthful of metal in every group photo. Modern tools make treatment more comfortable, more predictable, and far less noticeable.
- Custom-fit brackets: LightForce braces for teens are 3D printed for each individual tooth, so movement is efficient from day one.
- Nearly invisible: translucent ceramic blends in with natural enamel.
- No goopy impressions: our iTero scanner captures a 3D model of the teeth in minutes.
- Fewer missed classes: DentalMonitoring check-ins happen at home with a smartphone.
How do I know if my teen needs orthodontic treatment?
Most teens start treatment between ages 11 and 15. By then the permanent teeth have usually arrived, yet the jaw is still growing, which helps teeth move efficiently.
Watch for these signs:
- ✓Crowded, overlapping, or rotated teeth
- ✓Noticeable gaps between teeth
- ✓An overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- ✓Trouble chewing or biting comfortably
- ✓Jaw clicking, popping, or teeth grinding
- ✓Hiding their smile or avoiding photos
Not sure? A quick visit with an experienced teen orthodontist settles the question. Sometimes the answer is “not yet,” and we simply keep an eye on growth.
LightForce or aligners: which fits your teen?
Clear braces for teens, designed tooth by tooth
Each LightForce bracket is designed from your teen’s digital scan and printed in translucent ceramic. Because every bracket matches the shape of its tooth, it sits closer to the surface, which means less rubbing on cheeks and lips.
All brackets go on at once with indirect bonding, so placement day is faster. That precision also means fewer adjustments, which is why so many parents ask us about LightForce braces for teens. See how the system works on the LightForce braces page.
Aligners built for teenage life
Invisalign Teen aligners come out for meals, so there’s no list of forbidden foods and brushing stays simple. Blue compliance indicators show whether aligners are being worn the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day.
Eruption tabs hold space for molars still coming in, and replacement aligners are included if one goes missing at a sleepover. You can read more about the system at Invisalign.com.
What happens from consultation to final smile?
- 1Complimentary consultation. We take an iTero scan, review the bite and jaw, and talk through options with you and your teen.
- 2Digital treatment plan. Every tooth movement is mapped on screen before anything is placed.
- 3Start day. Brackets are bonded in a single visit, or the first set of aligners is fitted.
- 4Remote check-ins. Short DentalMonitoring scans let us track progress between appointments.
- 5Retainers. Once the teeth are in position, retainers keep the new smile stable.
Most teens finish in 12 to 24 months, depending on how complex the bite is.
How do braces for teens fit into school, sports, and social life?
Remote monitoring means fewer appointments that pull your teen out of class. For contact sports, we recommend an orthodontic mouthguard, and aligners simply come out for games.
Students who play wind instruments usually adjust within a week or two. Since both options are discreet, most classmates won’t notice unless your teen points it out.
What do braces for teens cost?
Cost depends on the type of appliance, the length of care, and the complexity of the bite. Invisalign Teen is often priced similarly to clear braces for teens, so the choice can come down to lifestyle rather than budget.
We coordinate with your insurance and offer flexible, interest-free monthly payment plans. You’ll get an exact figure at the consultation, with no surprises later.
Why do local families trust TG Orthodontics with braces for teens?
Dr. Gostovich is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, recognized by Top Dentists NJ, and an Invisalign Platinum+ provider with nearly 1,500 Invisalign cases treated.
That experience pairs with LightForce, iTero, and DentalMonitoring technology under one roof. Parents who drive in from Manalapan and Freehold tell us that combination, plus fewer visits, is what made the decision easy.
For families comparing options for teen braces in Marlboro, NJ, Dr. Gostovich offers the same thing every time: an honest assessment, a clear timeline, and a teen orthodontist who explains things to the patient, not just the parent.
Meet your orthodontist before your first visit.
Ready to start teen braces in Marlboro, NJ?
Whether your teen is leaning toward clear braces for teens or aligners, the first step is a relaxed, no-cost conversation. We’ll answer every question and show you a digital preview of the plan.
Call (732) 617-1211 or schedule a complimentary consultation online. Our office is at 479 County Road 520, Suite A204, in Marlboro.