Over 2,700 ★★★★★ Reviews – Trusted Family Dentist Near You in Mesquite, Balch Springs and Garland TX
PPO INSURANCE / MEDICAID / CHIP | SPECIAL OFFERS | SAME-DAY EMERGENCIES | EVENING & WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS | HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL
At Inspire Dental & Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontist provides expert braces treatment for teenagers across our Mesquite, Garland, and Balch Springs locations. The teen years are the most common and often the most effective time for orthodontic treatment, and we offer full upper and lower arch braces starting at $2,999 with flexible payment plans. We accept Medicaid, CHIP, and most PPO plans, and same-day treatment starts are available.
The teenage years represent the most effective window for orthodontic treatment. Most permanent teeth have erupted by early adolescence, the jaw is still actively growing, and that growth can be guided as part of the correction. Tooth movement through actively developing bone is faster and more responsive than in adults, which often means shorter treatment times and better overall outcomes for equivalent corrections.
At Inspire Dental & Orthodontics, our board-certified orthodontist evaluates each teenager's specific bite, alignment, and jaw growth stage before recommending treatment. We offer full upper and lower arch braces starting at $2,999, clear aligner options through Invisalign, and same-day treatment starts once a plan is in place.
The following conditions are among the most common reasons teenagers begin orthodontic treatment. Left uncorrected, many of these worsen as growth continues and become more complex to treat in adulthood.
Teeth overlap when the arch lacks enough space. Makes brushing and flossing less effective and raises decay risk significantly over time.
Extra space between teeth causes neighboring teeth to drift, traps food, and affects both function and long-term alignment stability.
Upper front teeth overlap the lower teeth excessively. Can cause enamel wear on lower teeth, jaw strain, and speech difficulties if left untreated.
Lower jaw extends beyond the upper, affecting chewing function and causing uneven tooth wear. Easier to correct during active jaw growth.
Upper and lower teeth do not meet correctly on one or both sides. Can affect jaw growth symmetry and cause TMJ strain if untreated.
Upper and lower front teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, affecting chewing and speech. Often more responsive to correction during adolescence.
Traditional stainless steel brackets and wires. The most cost-effective option and the most capable for complex corrections. Highly reliable and the most common choice for teen patients.
Clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend with the teeth. Work identically to metal braces with a more discreet appearance. Popular with teens who are self-conscious about the look of metal.
Custom clear trays that are virtually invisible and removable for eating and sports. Designed specifically for teen patients with compliance indicators built in. See our Invisalign page for full details.
Teeth move more readily through developing bone during adolescence, which often means shorter treatment times compared to equivalent corrections in adults.
Addressing crowding, bite issues, and jaw asymmetry during the teen years prevents these from becoming harder and more expensive to correct in adulthood.
The teen years are among the most socially formative, and a straighter smile consistently has positive effects on self-confidence and social comfort.
Straight teeth are dramatically easier to brush and floss. Correcting crowding reduces long-term risk of decay and gum disease at an age when oral hygiene compliance is already challenging.
Medicaid may cover braces for teens when medically necessary. We accept most PPO plans with orthodontic benefits and offer flexible monthly payment options.
Once your teen's treatment plan is approved and insurance is verified, we can place braces the same day as the consultation in most cases, so there is no waiting to get started.
Braces starting at $2,999. Medicaid, CHIP, and most PPO plans accepted. Same-day starts available at all three locations.
Here is an honest step-by-step overview of the entire process from consultation through retainers.
We examine your teen's teeth, bite, and jaw development, take digital X-rays and photos, and give you an honest assessment of what treatment is needed and why.
Your orthodontist presents a detailed plan with the recommended approach, expected treatment duration, projected outcome, and full cost breakdown including insurance and payment plan options.
We verify orthodontic benefits and Medicaid eligibility before the start appointment so your family knows exactly what to expect financially with no surprises.
Brackets are bonded to the front surface of the teeth and the archwire is threaded and secured. This appointment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Your teen leaves with full written care instructions.
Your teen returns every four to eight weeks for archwire adjustments that apply fresh tooth-moving force and keep treatment progressing on schedule.
We take periodic X-rays and photos to confirm teeth are moving as planned and that root and bone health remain excellent throughout active treatment.
When treatment is complete, brackets and wires are removed and teeth are polished. Your teen sees their new smile for the first time without any hardware in place.
Retainers are fitted at the same appointment and must be worn consistently to prevent teeth from shifting back. We schedule follow-up visits to confirm stability over time.
Medicaid covers braces for teens in Texas when treatment meets medical necessity criteria, typically for significant crowding, bite problems, or jaw misalignment affecting function. Our board-certified orthodontist provides the clinical evaluation and documentation required for Medicaid pre-authorization, and our team handles the process in-office so families do not need to navigate it on their own.
For families with PPO dental insurance, most plans that include orthodontic benefits apply to teen patients, though lifetime maximums and age cutoffs vary by plan. We verify your specific coverage before the consultation and apply all eligible benefits toward the cost of treatment. Flexible monthly payment plans are available for any remaining balance.
Teen orthodontic treatment at Inspire Dental & Orthodontics is planned and overseen by our board-certified orthodontist. Board certification by the American Board of Orthodontics requires passing a rigorous written and clinical examination and reflects a higher level of demonstrated expertise than a general license alone. Our orthodontist works specifically with teen patients every day across all three locations and understands the developmental considerations that make teen treatment different from adult care. Our bilingual team (English and Spanish) ensures clear communication with both patients and parents throughout the entire treatment process.
Teens who prefer a removable, less visible option may be candidates for Invisalign Teen. Learn more about braces and what to expect from the American Dental Association.
Real reviews from families at our Mesquite, Garland, and Balch Springs locations.
"My 14-year-old was nervous about braces but the orthodontist here was so patient and made her feel at ease right away. They started the same day as the consultation which we did not expect. Six months in and the difference is already incredible."
"We used Medicaid for our son's braces and the team here handled all the paperwork and approval process for us. He qualified and his treatment is fully covered. The orthodontist is excellent and the office runs very efficiently. Highly recommend."
"Le pusieron brackets a mi hija aquí y desde el primer día el equipo fue increíble con ella. Nos explicaron todo en español, el precio fue muy accesible y el resultado es fantástico. Ya terminó el tratamiento y su sonrisa es perfecta. Gracias a todo el equipo."