– Their teenage years,
their forever smile.
The worry we hear most from teenagers is that braces will make them stand out. These days they rarely do. With clear and ceramic braces and virtually invisible Angel Aligners, most people barely notice, and the teen years are the ideal time to treat, because growing jaws help us get the best result. Specialist care in Newmarket, Auckland, made easy for your teen and for you.
★ 5.0 from 71 Google reviews · Specialist orthodontist · No referral needed · Newmarket now, Albany from August 2026
Reviewed by Dr Shaz MacAvoy, Specialist Orthodontist. Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics), registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Options most people will not even notice
The number one worry we hear from teenagers is standing out. These days they rarely do. Here is how we keep treatment discreet.
Clear and ceramic braces
Tooth-coloured brackets that blend in, so the braces sit quietly in the background while they do their work.
Angel Aligners
Clear, removable aligners that are virtually invisible. They come out for photos, sport and meals, then go straight back in.
Confidence from day one
Most teens tell us their friends barely notice the treatment. What everyone notices is the straighter, more confident smile at the end.
A free Smile Assessment shows your teen exactly which option suits them, with an honest specialist recommendation.
Real smiles, transformed
Real Milk Orthodontics patients, treated by a specialist and shared with their permission. Comprehensive treatment like this is the work teenagers most often need, and every plan is designed for the individual smile.
See more before and after results, or explore the conditions we treat.
The most common teenage orthodontic issues
Crowded teeth, gaps and spacing, bite problems like overbites, underbites and crossbites, and high or impacted canines. All very normal, all very treatable, and the teenage years are often the perfect time, because we can use natural growth to help.
Crowding, gaps and bites
The everyday problems: teeth without enough room, spaces that never closed, and bites that do not meet properly. Left alone they get harder to clean and harder to fix later.
The growth advantage
While the jaws are still growing we can guide them. That is why 11 to 15 is the classic window: the same result often comes faster and more comfortably than it would as an adult.
Confidence at a big age
School photos, sport, first jobs, formals. A smile they are not hiding changes how the teenage years feel, and that confidence is permanent.
Younger child? Early assessment matters too. See children's orthodontics. Not sure a plan you already have is right? We do second opinions. Thinking about your own smile too? See orthodontics for adults.
The honest answer: it depends on the case, and on your teen
Both can work beautifully. Braces are the reliable workhorse. Aligners reward discipline. At the free Smile Assessment we tell you what we would choose for our own kids.
Braces, classic or LightForce custom
The dependable choice for every kind of case, from simple to complex.
- Cannot be forgotten in a schoolbag, they work 24/7
- Handles every case type, including the tricky ones
- LightForce 3D-printed custom braces for precise, comfortable treatment
- Colour bands if they want them, subtle if they do not
Clear aligners (Angel Aligners)
Nearly invisible and removable, for teens who will genuinely wear them.
- Very discreet, most people never notice
- Removable for eating, brushing, sport and music
- Needs around 22 hours of wear a day, every day
- Works well for suitable cases, we will be honest about fit
We no longer offer Invisalign. We used it in the past and now primarily use Angel Aligners, the full story is on our Invisalign page.
School, sport and everything else carries on
Clear pricing, no surprises
The first step is a free Smile Assessment. A full diagnostic work-up with a written plan and exact quote is $390. Simple cosmetic treatment from $7,900, comprehensive specialist treatment from $9,900 with most cases around $10,400, all-inclusive of records, appliances, appointments, retainers and aftercare. Interest-free in-house plans work out around $60 to $76 a week, there is $500 off if paid in full, and family discounts apply for siblings.
Teen orthodontics, answered honestly
What orthodontic issues are most common in teenagers?
The most common issues we treat in teenagers are crowding, gaps and spacing, bite problems such as overbites, underbites and crossbites, and high or impacted canines. The teenage years are often the ideal time to treat them, because the jaws are still growing and we can use that growth to help.
Should my teenager get braces or clear aligners?
Either can work beautifully. The honest answer depends on two things: the case itself, and your teen's habits. Braces are the reliable workhorse because they cannot be left in a schoolbag. Clear aligners like Angel Aligners are nearly invisible and removable, but they only work if they are worn around 22 hours a day. At the free Smile Assessment we look at both and tell you what we would do for our own kids.
Is my teenager too old to start orthodontic treatment?
No. While 11 to 15 is the classic window because growth helps us, teeth move at any age. We treat older teens and plenty of adults. If you are unsure about timing, the free Smile Assessment or a $390 full work-up will give you a clear answer either way.
How much does orthodontic treatment for a teenager cost in NZ?
At Milk Orthodontics, simple cosmetic treatment starts from $7,900 and comprehensive specialist treatment from $9,900, with most cases around $10,400, all inclusive of records, appliances, appointments, retainers and aftercare, including GST. In-house interest-free plans work out at roughly $60 to $76 a week, there is $500 off if paid in full, and family discounts apply for siblings.
How long will my teenager wear braces or aligners?
Most comprehensive teen treatments take around 12 to 24 months, depending on the case. After treatment, retainers protect the result, and at Milk retainers and aftercare are included in the all-inclusive fee.
Bring them in, we will take it from there
A free 20-minute Smile Assessment, in the clinic or over Zoom. No referral needed, no obligation, just honest specialist advice about your teenager's smile.
Want proof first? See real before and after results from our Auckland patients.