Orthodontics for Teens In Bozeman, MT
The teen years are one of the most common times to begin orthodontic treatment.
By this stage, most permanent teeth have arrived, and orthodontics for teens can address crowding, spacing, bite concerns, and other needs at an important stage of development.
At Headwaters Orthodontics, Board Certified orthodontist Dr. Vivian Snider creates personalized treatment plans with braces and clear aligners for teens in Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley.
With advanced technology, flexible treatment options, and a team that makes visits genuinely fun, we help teens feel comfortable, involved, and confident throughout their smile journey.

Open Hours
- MON
- 8 AM - 5 PM
- TUE
- 8 AM - 5 PM
- WED
- 8 AM - 5 PM
- THU
- 8 AM - 5 PM
- FRI
- By Request
Does my teen need braces or clear aligners?
Every smile develops differently, so there isn't one age when every teen should start orthodontic treatment.
You may notice crooked or crowded teeth, spaces between teeth, or a bite that doesn't seem to line up properly. Other orthodontic concerns aren't always as easy to spot.
During your teen's complimentary exam, Dr. Snider will evaluate their teeth and bite to determine:
- Whether orthodontic treatment is recommended
- What concerns should be addressed
- Whether braces or clear aligners may be a good fit
- When the right time is to begin treatment
And your teen gets a voice in the conversation too. We'll talk through their options together, answer everyone's questions, and help your family feel confident about what comes next.

Did you know…
Your teen has a say in their treatment! We'll talk through their options and help them feel like part of the team from day one.
What happens at my teen's first orthodontic visit?
Your teen’s first visit is all about getting to know their smile, understanding their needs, and giving your family clear guidance on what comes next.
During their complimentary exam, we'll:
- Take comfortable digital images and a goop-free 3D scan
- Evaluate their teeth, bite, and overall smile
- Talk with your teen about what they'd like to change
- Explain whether orthodontic treatment is recommended
- Walk you both through braces and clear aligner options
- Answer questions about treatment time, cost, and what to expect
Our job is to help you and your teen understand what's happening with their smile and provide clear, personalized guidance on what comes next.


Orthodontics That Fits Teen Lifestyles
School. Sports. Friends. Activities. Life is already busy.
We use advanced technology and thoughtful treatment planning to make orthodontics easier to fit into your teen's routine.
Personalized Treatment
Flexible Appointments
A Fun, Welcoming Team
Clear Aligners or Braces for Teens?
When it comes to braces vs. clear aligners for teens, there's no one-size-fits-all treatment.
Headwaters Orthodontics offers both braces for teens and OrthoFX® clear aligners for teens, so treatment can be personalized to your teen’s orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
Braces are reliable, always working, and don't require your teen to remember to put them back in. Clear aligners are nearly invisible and removable, giving responsible teens more flexibility around eating, brushing, sports, photos, and everyday life.
Dr. Snider will talk you and your teen through the advantages of each and recommend the option that best supports their smile and everyday life.

Orthodontics for Teens
How much do braces for teens cost?
The cost of braces for teens depends on your teen's individual orthodontic needs and personalized treatment plan.
After Dr. Snider evaluates their smile, we'll provide a clear cost of treatment and help you find a payment option that works for your family's budget. We offer flexible payment plans with 0% interest in-house financing and can help you understand and maximize any available orthodontic insurance benefits.

Orthodontics for Teens
Orthodontics They’ll Enjoy
We know teens don't exactly dream about spending their afternoon at the orthodontist.
Dr. Snider and our fun-loving team have created a bright, energetic space where teens can relax, ask questions, joke around, and feel like they're part of their own treatment, not just along for the ride.
We also use advanced orthodontic technology to personalize care and make treatment more efficient, with longer intervals between appointments and remote monitoring for OrthoFX patients when appropriate.
Your teen gets expert orthodontic care. You get clear communication and a team that's easy to work with. And hopefully, everyone actually enjoys the process.

Signs Your Teen May Need Braces or Aligners
Crowded or Crooked Teeth
Teeth that overlap, twist, or don't have enough room to come in properly are common reasons for teen braces or clear aligners. Orthodontic treatment can guide the teeth into healthier positions and create a more balanced smile.
Gaps or Spacing
Noticeable spaces between teeth can occur because of tooth size, missing teeth, or how the teeth and jaws developed. Dr. Snider can determine what's causing the spacing and whether orthodontic treatment could help.
Bite Problems
Overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, or teeth that simply don't come together properly may benefit from orthodontic treatment. Correcting the bite isn't only about appearance; it can also support healthy function and long-term oral health.
How does teen orthodontic treatment work?
Complimentary Exam
Complimentary Exam
Dr. Snider will evaluate your teen's teeth and bite, listen to their concerns and smile goals, and explain whether orthodontic treatment is recommended.
We'll talk through braces and clear aligner options together so both you and your teen have the information you need to feel confident moving forward.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Personalized Treatment Plan
If treatment is recommended, Dr. Snider will create a plan specifically for your teen's smile, which may include braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances based on their individual needs.
We'll explain what she recommends and why, what to expect, and how your teen can help keep treatment moving forward.
Treatment & Support
Treatment & Support
Once treatment begins, we'll be there to guide your teen all the way to their new smile.
Advanced technology helps us personalize care and make appointments efficient, while our team keeps things positive, answers questions, and celebrates progress along the way.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the teen.
Braces are always working and don't depend on remembering to wear an appliance. Clear aligners offer more flexibility because they're removable for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Dr. Snider will consider your teen's orthodontic needs, lifestyle, preferences, and readiness to take responsibility for treatment before recommending an option.
Yes. Teens can continue participating in sports during orthodontic treatment.
If your teen plays a contact sport, we'll explain how to protect their teeth and orthodontic appliances and recommend an appropriate mouthguard when needed.
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, but coverage varies.
Our team will review your benefits, file claims on your behalf, and help you understand how any available orthodontic coverage applies to your teen's treatment.
Yes. Headwaters Orthodontics offers OrthoFX clear aligners for teens who have all of their permanent teeth.
Clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible, but they need to be worn consistently. Dr. Snider will help determine whether your teen's orthodontic needs and lifestyle make clear aligners a good option.
Treatment time varies depending on your teen's orthodontic needs, treatment plan, growth, and how their smile responds to treatment.
Your teen also plays an important role. Following Dr. Snider's instructions, keeping teeth clean, avoiding broken brackets, and wearing elastics or aligners as directed can all help treatment stay on track.
The cost of teen braces depends on your teen's individual treatment needs and personalized treatment plan.
After their complimentary exam, we'll provide a clear cost of treatment and explain your options. Headwaters Orthodontics offers flexible payment plans with 0% interest in-house financing, and we'll work with you to create a payment plan that meets your family's needs.
There isn't one ideal age for every teen to begin braces. Treatment timing depends on which permanent teeth have erupted, how the teeth and jaws are developing, and the orthodontic concerns that need to be addressed.
Dr. Snider will evaluate your teen's smile and recommend the right timing based on their individual development.
Signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment include crowded or crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, teeth that don't come together properly, or an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite.
Some orthodontic concerns aren't obvious just by looking at the smile, so an evaluation with Dr. Snider is the best way to determine whether treatment is recommended.
Teens with braces can still enjoy plenty of their favorite foods, but they'll need to avoid foods that are especially hard, sticky, or likely to damage brackets and wires.
We'll give your teen clear instructions when treatment begins so they know what they can eat and how to protect their braces

Let’s Get Started
Bozeman choose Headwaters Orthodontics.