Braces for Teens
in jessup, md
Call Us Today (301) 760-2194
Boosting Teen Confidence with Modern Braces
Give Your Teen a Smile They'll Love
The teen years are full of big moments — and your smile should make you feel great, not self-conscious. At Smile Craft Orthodontics in Jessup, Maryland, we make braces easy, fast, and comfortable for today's busy teens. We use the Damon braces system, which moves teeth more gently and needs fewer office visits than old-style braces.
Dr. Chike Akpua is a board-certified orthodontist and former pro athlete. He knows what it's like to stay focused and confident under pressure — and he brings that same energy to helping teens get great smiles. With tools like 3D scans and digital treatment planning, your teen gets care that fits their life.
What to Expect
Your Teen's Smile Journey
We keep things simple and stress-free. Here's how it works:
1
Free Consultation & Custom Plan
We start with a full exam using 3D scans — no goopy impressions needed. Your teen can even see what their smile will look like when treatment is done. Then we build a plan that fits their teeth, their goals, and their schedule.
2
Treatment
We place the brackets using a precise lab process so everything fits right from day one. The Damon system moves teeth gently with less friction, which means fewer visits (usually every 8–10 weeks) and less soreness along the way.
3
The Big Reveal
When treatment is done, the braces come off and your teen's new smile is ready to show the world. We give them a custom retainer and simple tips to keep their smile looking great for life.
We offer More than Just Braces
Teen Braces Options We Offer
Every teen is different, so we offer more than one type of treatment. Our Damon braces system is our top choice for most teens — it's fast, comfortable, and gets great results. For teens who want something less visible, Invisalign for Teens uses clear trays that are nearly invisible and easy to remove. We also offer Custom Braces that are planned using AI and 3D printing for a truly one-of-a-kind fit.
We treat whole families too. If a younger sibling or a parent also needs orthodontic care, we can treat everyone at the same practice — making life a lot easier for busy families.
Jessup, MD Premier Orthodontist
Meet Dr. Chike
Dr. Chike Akpua played professional soccer in Portugal, Egypt, and Ireland before becoming an orthodontist. That background helps him connect with teen athletes and understand the real pressures they face. He knows that braces need to work around sports, school, and social life — not get in the way of it.
Dr. Chike earned his dental degree from Meharry Medical College and his orthodontics degree and Master of Science from Case Western Reserve University. He's also involved in local youth soccer, so giving back to young people is something he truly cares about. His goal is to give every teen a smile that builds their confidence for years to come.
How Our Modern Braces Works
We use some of the best tools in orthodontics to get your teen great results in less time.
The Damon System
The Damon system uses a special bracket that holds the wire without elastic ties. This cuts down on friction by up to 80%, so teeth move more smoothly and with less force. That means less soreness, fewer visits, and faster results — especially for teens whose bones are still growing and respond well to gentle pressure.
Precise Bracket Placement
We place brackets using a lab process called indirect bonding. First, we map out exactly where each bracket should go on a digital model. Then we place all the brackets at once in your teen's mouth. This makes the appointment shorter and more comfortable, and it means the brackets are in the right spot from the very start.
What's in the Braces?
Braces have a few key parts: brackets (the small pieces on each tooth), wires (which connect the brackets and move the teeth), and sometimes rubber bands or small springs for fixing the bite. Our team will walk your teen through everything — how to brush, what to eat, and how to take care of their braces day to day.
Common Questions
FAQ about Adult Teens
Will braces stop my teen from playing sports?
No. Millions of teen athletes wear braces and compete just fine. We provide special mouthguards made for braces that protect the teeth, lips, and cheeks. Dr. Chike played pro sports himself, so he knows exactly how to help your teen stay safe and perform their best.
Do braces hurt a lot?
Not with the Damon system. It uses light, steady pressure to move teeth, which is much gentler than old-style braces . Some teens feel a little soreness for a day or two after an adjustment. Regular pain relievers like ibuprofen take care of it. Most teens say it gets easier after the first couple of visits.
Are braces still big, bulky metal brackets?
Not anymore. Today's brackets are much smaller and sleeker. We also offer clear ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth. Many teens choose clear brackets on the front teeth and metal on the back — so the braces are barely noticeable but still strong where it counts.
Will my teen have to stop eating their favorite foods?
Mostly no. There are a few foods to avoid — like hard candy, ice, and sticky snacks — because they can break a bracket. But most everyday foods are totally fine with small changes, like cutting an apple into slices instead of biting into it. Our team gives you a simple guide so your teen always knows what's safe to eat.
Are braces just for looks?
No — braces fix real health problems too. They correct bite issues, reduce jaw pain, and make teeth easier to clean, which lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease . Fixing these things during the teen years is actually the best time to do it, because the jaw is still growing and responds faster to treatment.
How often do we need to come in?
With the Damon system, most teens only need to come in every 8–10 weeks. That's less often than traditional braces, which usually require visits every 4–6 weeks. We also offer early morning and after-school appointments so treatment fits around school and activities.