What do braces look like?

Braces, a type of orthodontic appliance, are made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. Some are removable, while others are temporarily bonded to your teeth. You can choose clear or metal brackets and, in some cases, even the color of your appliance.

At first, your teeth may feel a bit sore, and your lips, cheeks, and tongue may be irritated for a couple of weeks. Gargling with saltwater, using wax on irritating parts, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help during this time.

What foods should I avoid with braces?

Avoid chewy foods like bagels, licorice, and beef jerky; crunchy foods like popcorn, chips, and ice; sticky foods like caramels, gum, and taffy; hard foods like nuts and hard candies; and foods that require biting into like corn on the cob, apples, and carrots.

What foods can I eat with braces?

Enjoy: soft dairy items like cheese and pudding; soft breads, pancakes, and muffins without nuts; grains like pasta and soft-cooked rice; soft meats such as chicken and meatballs; seafood like tuna or salmon; vegetables like mashed potatoes or steamed spinach; fruits such as applesauce or bananas; and soft treats like ice cream without nuts or milkshakes.

Is it normal for my braces to feel loose?

No. If any wire or band comes loose, please contact us so we can make necessary repairs. Save any pieces that fall off and bring them in. You can temporarily reposition a loose wire with the back of a spoon or pencil and buffer irritation with wax or a wet cotton ball.

Braces place a constant, gentle force in a controlled direction, gradually moving teeth into their desired position.

How long do you wear braces?

Treatment time varies by age, method, case complexity, and patient compliance. Most people wear braces for one to three years, and your personalized treatment plan will include an estimated duration.

Is it normal for my teeth to feel loose?

Yes. Teeth need to loosen slightly before they can move into the correct position. Once aligned, they naturally settle into place and feel stable again.

Can I still play sports with braces?

Absolutely. We recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. If your appliance is damaged or your teeth feel loose after an injury, call us right away for an evaluation.

Orthodontics for Teens: A Smile They’ll Be Proud to Show Off

Expert braces and Invisalign® Teen care for teenagers in Ames & Boone.

The teenage years are complicated enough without a smile that holds them back. Between classes, practices, first dates, and a hundred school photos, your teen needs orthodontic care that fits their life, not the other way around. At Stark Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Tom and Dr. Michael Stark have guided thousands of Central Iowa teens through braces and Invisalign® Teen treatment, helping them feel confident enough to smile without a second thought.

Schedule a Consultation

Orthodontics for Teens: A Smile They’ll Be Proud to Show Off

Expert braces and Invisalign® Teen care for teenagers in Ames & Boone.

The teenage years are complicated enough without a smile that holds them back. Between classes, practices, first dates, and a hundred school photos, your teen needs orthodontic care that fits their life, not the other way around. At Stark Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Tom and Dr. Michael Stark have guided thousands of Central Iowa teens through braces and Invisalign® Teen treatment, helping them feel confident enough to smile without a second thought.

Schedule a Consultation

Braces or Invisalign® Teen? Finding the Right Fit

There’s no single “best” option for every teenager; the right choice depends on their bite, their habits, and, honestly, their personality. We’ll walk you through both options at your consultation so you can decide together.

Traditional Braces

Metal braces remain one of the most effective, reliable ways to treat crowding, bite issues, and more complex cases. Today’s brackets are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, and teens can personalize their braces with colorful bands to match their school colors, favorite sports team, or just their mood that week.

Invisalign® Teen

For image-conscious teens or those involved in sports, band, or theater, Invisalign® Teen offers a nearly invisible way to straighten teeth. The trays are removable, so there’s nothing to work around at mealtime or picture day, and they include built-in wear indicators that fade with use, helping parents and our team keep treatment on track.

One honest note: Invisalign® Teen only works if it’s worn 20 to 22 hours a day. It’s a great option for a responsible teen who can stick to the routine, but if that’s a question mark for your family, braces may be the more predictable path. We’ll help you figure out which one truly fits.

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Why the Teen Years Are the Ideal Time for Orthodontic Treatment

By the early teen years, most kids have lost their baby teeth and their permanent teeth have settled in, but their jaw is still growing. That combination makes ages 11 to 15 one of the most effective windows for orthodontic treatment. We can guide growth, correct bite issues, and straighten teeth more efficiently now than we could once your teen is fully grown.

If your teen had an early evaluation with us around age 7, as the American Association of Orthodontists recommends, this is often when Phase 2 treatment, the comprehensive, “final” phase, begins. If they haven’t been seen yet, there’s no need to worry. Most teens see an orthodontist for the first time right around this age, and it’s a great time to start.

Signs Your Teen Might Benefit from Orthodontic Care

Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
Noticeable gaps or spacing between teeth
An overbite, underbite, or open bite
Jaw clicking, popping, or shifting when biting down
Difficulty comfortably chewing or biting food
Teeth that didn’t fully settle after earlier (Phase 1) treatment
A habit of covering their mouth or avoiding smiling in photos

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth scheduling a consultation, even if you’re not sure treatment is needed yet. It’s always free for first, and there’s no pressure to move forward until you’re ready.

The Stark Smiles Difference for Teens

Dr. Tom and Dr. Michael Stark are a father-son team who’ve spent decades helping Central Iowa families through this exact stage of life. Dr. Tom has personally treated more than 10,000 patients over his career, and he still remembers what it felt like to be a self-conscious seventh grader before he got his own braces. Here’s what that means for your teen:

A personalized treatment plan, never a one-size-fits-all approach
Flexible scheduling built around school, practice, and activities
A team that treats your teen like a person, not a patient number

Honest guidance about which treatment, braces or Invisalign® Teen, will actually work for their lifestyle

Three Steps to a Selfie-Worthy Smile

1. Initial Consultation

Dr. Tom or Dr. Michael will evaluate your teen’s teeth and jaw, walk you through their options, and answer every question. No obligation, no pressure.

2. A Custom Treatment Plan

Every plan is built around your teen’s specific bite, timeline, and lifestyle, with affordable payment options that fit your family’s budget.

3. Watch Their Confidence Grow

As their smile transforms, so does the way they carry themselves. (Fair warning: expect a lot more selfies.)

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Life With Braces or Invisalign® as a Teen

Whatever you choose, a little know-how goes a long way. Our Braces 101 guide covers everything from foods to avoid to what to do about a loose wire, and our team is always just a phone call away if something feels off. A few teen-specific things worth knowing:

Sports: Teens in braces can absolutely still play; we just recommend a properly fitted mouthguard to protect both their teeth and their appliance.
Instruments: Playing a wind instrument with braces takes a short adjustment period, but it’s very manageable.
Consistency matters: Whether it’s wearing rubber bands as prescribed or keeping Invisalign® trays in for the full 20–22 hours, the biggest factor in staying on schedule is consistency, not the treatment itself.

How Long Does Teen Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Most teen treatment plans run between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and how consistently your teen follows their plan, wearing rubber bands, trays, or retainers as directed. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at your consultation, not a generic estimate, so you know what to expect from day one.

Investing in Your Teen’s Smile

We believe a confident smile shouldn’t be out of reach. We work with families to build a payment plan that fits their budget and set up manageable monthly payments. We’ll walk you through the full financial picture before you commit to anything.

Schedule a Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the right age for my teen to start orthodontic treatment?

Most teens begin comprehensive treatment between ages 11 and 14, once most of their permanent teeth have come in. That said, every smile develops on its own timeline; the best way to know is with a consultation.

Should my teen get braces or Invisalign® Teen?

It depends on their specific bite issues and how consistent they’ll be about wearing removable aligners. Braces work well for nearly any case and don’t rely on daily compliance. Invisalign® Teen is a great fit for image-conscious or active teens who can commit to 20–22 hours of daily wear. We’ll help you weigh both at your consultation.

My teen already had Phase 1 treatment as a child. Will they still need braces now?

Often, yes. Early (Phase 1) treatment guides jaw growth and creates room for permanent teeth, but a second phase of treatment is usually needed once all the adult teeth have come in to fully align the bite. We’ll evaluate exactly where your teen stands.

Can my teen still play sports or an instrument with braces?

Absolutely. We simply recommend a well-fitted mouthguard for sports to protect their teeth and appliances. Playing wind instruments takes a short adjustment period but doesn’t require pausing treatment.

What happens if my teen doesn't wear their rubber bands or Invisalign® trays consistently?

Inconsistent wear is the most common reason treatment takes longer than expected. We’re upfront with you and your teen about what’s required at each stage, and we’re always available if something isn’t fitting right or feels off track.

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Exceptional care from beginning to end. The staff is all so friendly and truly seem to care, especially Dr. Tom. My daughter has felt at ease since our first visit!

Stephanie S. (Ames, IA)

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All 3 of my boys have been patients here and we couldn’t be happier with the service or the results of their orthodontic treatment!

Sara I. (Ames, IA)

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Dr. Stark takes a personal interest in each patient. I have no idea how he keeps them all straight but he always inquires about their hobbies, families, etc. He gives his full attention when visiting with parents at each appointment.

Rita H. (Ames, IA)

testimonials

Happy Clients

We’ve served thousands of patients, and each one is like family to us. We love celebrating their new smiles!

Investing in Your Teen’s Smile

We believe a confident smile shouldn’t be out of reach. We work with families to build a payment plan that fits their budget and set up manageable monthly payments. We’ll walk you through the full financial picture before you commit to anything.

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to start your Stark Smiles journey?

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Ames Office

1212 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010

(515) 232-2255
(888) 402-2255

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Boone Office

703 8th St
Boone, IA

(515) 432-4522

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