At OP Smiles, we meet teenagers where they are, with treatment options that fit their life, their schedule, and the smile they are working toward.
At OP Smiles, we meet teenagers where they are, with treatment options that fit their life, their schedule, and the smile they are working toward.
The teen years are one of the best times for orthodontic treatment. Most adult teeth have come in, the jaw is still developing and the results we achieve now can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy function and confidence.
Teen orthodontics at OP Smiles goes beyond straightening teeth. We look at how the bite functions, how the smile fits the face, and how everything will hold up long after treatment is complete.
Teens come to us for a lot of different reasons. Some are ready and asking for treatment themselves. Others are noticing crowding, a shifting bite, or teeth that never quite lined up. Some families are referred by their dentist, while others simply know it’s the right time to take the next step.
Whatever brings your family in, we’ll make sure the experience feels comfortable, clear, and worthwhile from the very beginning.
Whether you visit us in Boone or North Wilkesboro, the first appointment is relaxed and informative. No pressure, no commitment. We’ll take photos, digital scans, and any necessary X-ray, evaluate your teen’s bite and development, and walk you through what we’re seeing and the options that make the most sense.
Your teen will leave with a clear understanding of their smile and what the path forward looks like.
We believe finances shouldn’t stand between your teenager and exceptional orthodontic care. We partner with OrthoFi to help families customize payment options, manage accounts online, and maximize insurance benefits. Coverage is verified at your initial visit and claims are handled for you so there are no surprises.
A balanced bite protects teeth, gums, restorations, and jaw joints from destructive forces—creating lasting comfort, function, and stability.
Optimizing jaw position supports healthier breathing, balanced facial structure, and a naturally youthful appearance over time.
Proper arch development creates a fuller smile, stronger facial support, improved function, and lasting stability.
Ideal tooth position and smile arc create a youthful, natural smile that looks balanced in motion and at rest.
Coordinated midlines and a balanced bite create a symmetrical, harmonious smile that feels naturally centered within the face.
Balanced tooth proportions create a natural, refined smile with harmony, flow, and function.
Consistent tooth color enhances a healthy, vibrant smile and elevates the final result.
Healthy, symmetrical gum contours frame the teeth and complete a balanced, clean, and refined smile.
Thoughtful retention protects alignment, bite, and long-term stability—keeping today’s smile confident for years to come.
Using our proprietary ten-point framework, The OP Smile™, we create a personalized plan that goes far beyond straight teeth to optimize your entire smile.
Using our proprietary ten-point framework, The OP Smile™, we create a personalized plan that goes far beyond straight teeth to optimize your entire smile.
Whether we use Damon braces or Spark clear aligners, every phase of your treatment is crafted to efficiently move your teens teeth and finish with an exceptional smile. Your teen’s orthodontist can walk you through both options and help your family choose the path that fits their goals, lifestyle, and timeline.
You’ve likely heard of Invisalign. Spark™ clear aligners work in a similar way, but with advanced materials and exceptional clarity, making them the preferred choice of our doctors for a more discreet, refined treatment experience clarity that our doctors prefer for their patients.
These nearly invisible trays fit snugly over your teeth and can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing. Spark aligners are a strong choice for teens who are motivated to wear them consistently and want a more discreet look throughout treatment.
The Damon® Ultima System uses an advanced, low-friction approach that goes beyond simply straightening teeth to create broader smiles, improved facial balance, and healthier overall results, often with less need for extractions.
Unlike traditional braces, Damon Ultima brackets and wires are designed to work together more efficiently, using lighter forces to move teeth more comfortably. This can mean fewer adjustments, easier hygiene, and a more comfortable treatment experience overall.
Because braces work continuously 24/7, no reminders needed, no worrying about wear time. A great option for teens and parents who want reliable results without the extra responsibility of removable trays.
Beyond braces and aligners, we offer a full range of specialty services to support airway health, facial balance, and the kind of finishing details that take a great result to the next level.
We take an airway-centered approach to care, evaluating concerns that can affect breathing, sleep quality, and overall health. Our team uses advanced diagnostics and treatment planning to create a strong foundation for both a beautiful smile and long-term wellness.
If your teen is self-conscious about excess gum display, our orthodontists offer solutions to create a more balanced, natural-looking smile using modern techniques and appliances.
Precise gum contouring brings harmony and symmetry to the smile, improving the appearance of the gum line so the final result looks polished and complete.
Small, conservative changes to tooth shape and edges can make a meaningful difference in how the smile flows and fits together, often the finishing touch that takes a great result to the next level.
Safe, effective in-office whitening designed to help your teen’s final result shine. A bright, even finish is the perfect last step at the end of their orthodontic journey.
Follow-up visits are spaced to keep treatment moving without constantly pulling your teen out of school or disrupting your family’s schedule. For patients who qualify, remote monitoring allows us to check progress between visits from anywhere. No extra trips to the office, no interruptions to their routine. Every appointment that does happen is purposeful and moves the treatment forward.
When active treatment is complete, we provide custom retainers and clear guidance on how to keep that smile exactly where we left it. Your teen will know how often to wear their retainers, how to take care of them, and when to check back in so nothing shifts over time.
The teen years go fast. Starting treatment at the right time can shape not just a healthy smile, but the confidence that comes with it for years to come. Schedule a complimentary consultation at our Boone or North Wilkesboro office and let’s take that first step together.
Most teens are ready to begin treatment between the ages of 11 and 15, once most of their adult teeth have come in. That said, timing is different for everyone. If you’re unsure whether your teen is ready, a complimentary consultation is the easiest way to find out. We’ll let you know exactly where things stand and whether now is the right time to start.
Both are excellent options, and the right choice depends on your teen’s needs, bite complexity, and how they’ll manage treatment.
Spark aligners offer a discreet, flexible option using advanced materials our doctors prefer, but they require consistent wear. Braces work continuously without relying as heavily on compliance, making them a strong option for more complex cases or when keeping up with aligners may be a concern. Rubber bands (elastics) can be used with both braces and aligners, something many patients don’t expect, so with great compliance, treatment outcomes are often very similar.
We’ll walk through both options at your consultation so your family can choose what fits best.
Treatment length varies depending on the complexity of your teen’s bite and smile, the type of treatment chosen, and how consistently they follow through with aligner wear and appointments. Most teen treatments fall somewhere between one and two years, though some are shorter. We’ll give you a realistic timeline at your consultation and keep you updated throughout.
Most teens adjust quickly. There’s typically a short breaking-in period at the start of treatment and after adjustments, but it rarely slows anyone down for long. We design appointments to minimize disruptions to school and activities, and remote monitoring means many check-ins can happen without an office visit.
The consultation is completely pressure-free. No procedures, no commitments. We take some photos and digital scans, talk through what we’re seeing, and answer every question your teen has. Our goal is to make sure they feel informed and comfortable before anything begins.
We’ll work with you on the next steps. Replacement aligners can be ordered or sometimes the next aligner in the series fits and can be worn for a little longer. We’ll help keep treatment on track with as little disruption as possible.
Our team will walk you through your options and help you understand how your insurance benefits apply. Through OrthoFi, we’re able to customize flexible payment plans that fit most family budgets. We pride ourselves on making the financial conversation simple and clear so your family can focus on the treatment, not the paperwork.
Most families come to us directly, and a referral typically isn’t required to schedule a consultation. If your insurance requires pre-authorization, we’ll help you navigate that process.
