Teen orthodontics in West Covina

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Why does my teeth need orthodontic treatment?

The teenage years are a key time for orthodontic care. As permanent teeth finish erupting and facial bones are still developing, it’s the ideal window to guide growth, correct alignment issues, and set the foundation for a healthy, confident smile. Whether it’s crowding, gaps, bite problems, or jaw misalignment, orthodontic treatment can help your teen look and feel their best—both now and into adulthood.

The benefits of orthodontic care for teens

Confidence that lasts

Straight teeth and a balanced smile can have a huge impact on a teen’s self-esteem. Orthodontic care helps teens feel more comfortable and confident as they grow into young adults.

Long-term health

Correcting bite issues early reduces the risk of future dental problems like enamel wear, gum disease, and TMJ issues. The right treatment now supports a lifetime of better oral health.

More efficient treatment

Because teens are still growing, their orthodontic treatment tends to be faster and more effective than waiting until adulthood. This can mean fewer complications and better results.

Which treatment is right for you?

Smiling woman holding a clear dental aligner near her open mouth.

Clear Aligners

A woman in a black and white striped shirt.

Damon Braces

Cost

Cost

$3,400 - $7,550
$2,950 - $6,550

Visibility

Slightly visible
Visible

Appliance Type

Removable
Bonded to teeth

Discomfort

More comfortable than braces
Some soreness

Speech

Mild lisp
Some speech changes

Best For

Mild to severe cases
Mild to severe cases

Food Restrictions

No limitations
Some limitations

Appointments Interval

10-14 weeks
6-10weeks

Our orthodontic treatments for teens

Invisalign®

Clear aligners are a popular choice for image-conscious teens. Invisalign® Teen is designed with compliance indicators and can be removed for eating and brushing—making it a flexible, comfortable option.

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Braces

Braces are a reliable and effective option for treating moderate to complex orthodontic issues in teens. We offer both traditional metal and more discreet ceramic braces to suit your teen’s needs and lifestyle.

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Space maintainers

If a teen has lost a baby tooth early or has spacing issues, space maintainers help preserve the room needed for permanent teeth to come in properly, preventing crowding later on.

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Retainers

After active treatment, retainers keep your teen’s smile in place for the long haul. Our practice offers a retainer guarantee to make it easy to maintain results through the college years and beyond.

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Airway treatment

If your teen shows signs of mouth breathing, snoring, or fatigue, airway orthodontics may help. We assess the airway and jaw structure to identify issues that could affect breathing and sleep.

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The orthodontic process for teens

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1

Personalized consultation

We begin with a one-on-one consultation with your teen and a parent or guardian. During this visit, we’ll take digital x-rays and imaging, examine your teen’s bite and alignment, and discuss any concerns or goals. From there, we create a customized treatment plan that fits your teen’s needs and lifestyle.

2

Getting started with appliances

Once a plan is in place, we’ll place braces, deliver clear aligners, or begin other prescribed treatment. Our team takes time to ensure your teen feels comfortable, understands how to care for their appliance, and knows what to expect moving forward.

3

Progress check-ins

Throughout treatment, your teen will return for regular check-ups so we can monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. These visits are quick, informative, and give us a chance to answer questions and keep things on track.

4

Retention and long-term results

When active treatment is complete, we’ll fit your teen with a custom retainer to help maintain their new smile. We also offer our retainer guarantee program to give families added peace of mind should a replacement ever be needed.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions from our clients.

Most orthodontic treatments for teens take 12–24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the appliance used. We’ll provide a clear timeline after your consultation.

For many teens, yes. Invisalign® is great for mild to moderate cases. For more complex issues, we may recommend braces for more precise control.

Our team will complete a full exam with digital imaging to determine the best treatment path. We’ll walk you and your teen through all options and help you choose what fits best—clinically and personally.

Real smiles.
Real stories.

If you are an adult patient who is considering a ortho treatment that you've been thinking about for your entire life, I highly recommend Dr. Kim. I was initially nervous about the process but Dr.Kim was very attentive and took time to come up with the plan that will address my concerns so I decided to start the treatment. My two main concerns were crowded lower anterior teeth and narrow upper jaw. Before starting the treatment, Dr. Kim clearly explained the treatment plan and timeline, which helped alleviate my concerns. Since I didn't want to wear the palate expander, Dr. Kim came up with alternative solution that can be done with Invisalign. Even as a first time ortho patient, I felt treatment plan was well thought out and precisely moving my teeth without causing excessive pain. I'm currently done with my initial treatment and waiting for refinements sets but I'm already very happy with the results so far. One Smile Orthodontics truly lives up to its name.

Yubin S.

I don't normally leave reviews, but after visiting Dr. Namgu Kim I feel compelled to share it.

I went for a consultation about possibly getting braces or Invisalign, and as someone who always had a lot of anxiety around dental visits, I was honestly nervous walking in. But the moment I met Dr. Kim, I felt at ease. He has a reassuring presence and a genuine way of listening that makes you feel cared for as a patient -- not rushed, not pressured, just understood.

Dr. Kim took the time to thoroughly examine my teeth, explain what he was seeing, and walk me through my options in a way that was clear and easy to understand. He pointed out details that other dentists had overlooked and laid out a step-by-step plan that made me feel confident about what comes next. He focused on what would genuinely serve my needs and comfort level. As someone with dental anxiety, that meant a lot. For the first time, I felt like I was in the hands of a specialist who really prioritized my well-being.

If you're considering orthodontic treatment -- Invisalign, braces, or even just a professional opinion -- I cannot recommend Dr. Namgu Kim highly enough. His expertise is exceptional, his communication is clear, and his compassion is unmatched. I walked out feeling informed, supported, and surprisingly excited about the next steps. Thank you!

Nick L.