By Dr. Liseane Koga, DDS · Koga Orthodontics · Monroe, LA
Teen orthodontics is its own category. Between school, sports, band, drama, and social life, a teenager’s schedule is rarely compatible with bulky appointments, visible brackets, or treatment plans that don’t account for a homecoming dance or a district track meet.
At Koga Orthodontics, we design treatment around the teen patient — not the other way around. This post walks through what options work best, and when to choose Spark clear aligners vs our Pitts21 braces system for teens in Monroe, West Monroe, Rayville, and Columbia.
Why teens are a specific case
Teens have unique orthodontic considerations:
– They’re still growing — we can use that growth to guide the jaws and bite
– They care (a lot) about appearance, especially in photos and with friends
– Their compliance varies — some teens are laser-focused; others, understandably, aren’t
– Sports, band instruments, and performing arts can interact with appliances
– They need treatment that fits a school schedule, not a retiree’s
The best teen treatment balances clinical effectiveness with a life teenagers actually want to live.
Spark clear aligners for teens
Spark is our primary clear aligner brand. For many teens, it’s the ideal option.
Why teens often prefer Spark:
– Nearly invisible — photos, video calls, yearbook pictures all look normal
– Removable for eating — no adjusting what you order at Chick-fil-A
– Removable for sports, band, and performances
– No wires to poke cheeks during contact sports
– No restrictions on popcorn, corn on the cob, or sticky candy
– Easier to brush and floss (lower cavity risk during treatment)
The compliance requirement:
Spark only works if the teen wears them 20–22 hours per day. If your teen is disciplined and mature enough to take that seriously, Spark is an excellent choice. If they lose things regularly or forget reminders, we may recommend Pitts21 braces instead (which work 24/7 whether your teen thinks about them or not).
Pitts21 braces for teens
Pitts21 is our preferred bracket system, adopted by Koga in January 2025. It’s not your parents’ metal braces — it’s advanced self-ligating brackets that use lighter forces and often shorten treatment time compared to older systems.
Why Pitts21 is a strong option for teens:
– Works continuously — no compliance question, no lost trays
– Better for complex cases (significant bite correction, rotations, extractions)
– Faster adjustment appointments (no elastic ties to change out)
– Available in clear ceramic brackets for teens who want less visibility
– Often produces results 20–30% faster than traditional metal brace
What teens trade off:
– Visible (though clear ceramic brackets mitigate this significantly)
– Food restrictions (hard, sticky, chewy foods are out for the duration)
– More careful brushing and flossing required
– Temporary impact on certain band instruments (brass players adapt within a few weeks)
School schedule considerations
Here’s how we minimize classroom impact for teen patients:
– Early-morning appointments before school starts (our Monroe and West Monroe offices open early)
– Short adjustment visits — most monthly visits are 15–20 minutes, in and out
– Limited after-school slots prioritized for teen patients during exam weeks
– Emergency availability — if a bracket breaks Friday night, we have same-week repair slots
Sports, band, and performance considerations
Contact sports (football, basketball, wrestling): We strongly recommend a custom mouthguard for braces patients. Spark is easily removed for contact practice and games.
Band instruments: Brass players experience a 2–4 week adjustment period with new brackets. Spark is removable for performances and practice. Woodwind players have less interference with either option.
Dance, theatre, and performing arts: Spark is often preferred for stage performances and photos. We can also time a pre-performance adjustment so your teen peaks at the right moment.
Treatment timeline expectations
Typical teen treatment at Koga:
– Spark clear aligners: 12–18 months
– Pitts21 braces: 18–24 months
– Complex cases (significant bite work): 24–30 months
Retention afterward: retainers are worn nightly for the rest of a teen’s adolescent growth period, then indefinitely on an every-other-night schedule to prevent relapse.
How to choose between Spark and Pitts21 for your teen
The honest answer is that the best option depends on your teen’s case, personality, and schedule. During a free consultation at any Koga location, Dr. Liseane Koga will examine, discuss, and give you a specific recommendation — not a generic sales pitch for whichever option has the highest margin.
Frequently asked questions
My teen is anxious about braces. What do you do to help?
Our team is experienced with nervous patients. The first visit is always unpressured — no bracket placement, no committing. We show them what to expect, answer every question, and let them decide.
Does insurance cover teen braces?
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic care for children and teens. We verify coverage during the consultation. Louisiana Medicaid also covers qualifying pediatric cases.
Can my teen switch from Spark to braces (or vice versa) mid-treatment?
Yes, though it’s rare. If compliance is a problem with Spark, we can transition to Pitts21 braces. If a teen with Pitts21 wants to finish with aligners, we evaluate case-by-case.
How much do teen braces cost in Monroe?
Costs vary by complexity. We quote specifically during the free consultation and offer in-house, no-interest payment plans.
Book a teen consultation
Free initial consultations are available at all four Koga locations. Call or book online at kogaortho.com.
— Dr. Liseane Koga, DDS · Doctor-Owner · Koga Orthodontics