Braces for Teens in Tampa & Brandon, FL
Miller Orthodontics offers metal and ceramic braces for teens at our Tampa, Brandon and Apollo Beach offices. Your teen's first visit is free, treatment starts at $300 down, and Medicaid is accepted at Tampa and Brandon. We offer evening visits at Tampa so school comes first.
Free consultation, no referral needed, $300 down. Hablamos Español.
When is the right time for teen braces?
There is no single right age. Most teens start when most of their permanent teeth are in and their jaws are still growing, which makes it easier to guide teeth into place. If you are unsure, a free visit tells you whether to start now or wait.
Types of braces for teens
- Metal braces with colored bands that your teen picks and changes at adjustments.
- Ceramic braces with tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable.
- Invisalign Teen, a clear removable option. See Invisalign for teens.
What the first visit looks like
The visit is free. Dr. Miller does an exam, we take photos and X-rays as needed, and you get a recommended plan with your exact cost in writing. Many teens can start the same day.
Cost and payment
Most patients invest between $3,000 and $7,200 for comprehensive treatment. You start with $300 down, with payments as low as $169 a month. Our in-house plan has 0% interest and no credit check, and we offer HFD financing too. Discounts are available for pay-in-full, families, military, students, teachers and first responders. We verify your insurance benefits before your first visit at no charge. See fees and financing.
Medicaid for teens
Florida Medicaid covers braces for children under 21 when the bite problem is severe enough to qualify, and coverage is all-or-nothing. We accept Medicaid at Tampa and Brandon, not at Apollo Beach. Pre-authorization is done the same day as the visit. See Medicaid braces.
Living with braces
- Sports and music. Wear an orthodontic mouthguard for contact sports. We provide one at no charge if you need it. Wind and brass players usually need one to three weeks to adjust.
- Soreness. Getting braces put on does not hurt. Soreness starts about 24 hours later and can last one to two weeks. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relievers help.
- A broken bracket. Call us. See orthodontic emergencies.
- Retainers. After braces, your teen wears retainers. The first set is included.
For parents
Most teens come in every 6 to 10 weeks for a 15 to 30 minute visit. Tampa is open until 7pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and Brandon is open Wednesdays. No referral is needed.
Where we see teens
Tampa (Carrollwood)
1303 W Fletcher Ave, Tampa, FL 33612.
Mon, Tue, Thu 8am to 7pm; Fri 8am to 2pm. Closed Wednesdays.
Medicaid accepted.
Brandon
213 Kingsway Rd, Brandon, FL 33510.
Wednesday 8am to 4pm.
Medicaid accepted.
Apollo Beach
Miller Orthodontics – Apollo Beach (inside SmileLynn Pediatric Dentistry), 122 Harbor Village Ln, Apollo Beach, FL 33572.
Tuesday 8am to 4pm.
Patients check in at SmileLynn's front desk; Miller Orthodontics handles scheduling.
Medicaid is not accepted at this office.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best age for braces for a teen?
Most teens start when most permanent teeth are in and the jaw is still growing, often in the early to mid teens. The right time depends on your teen's teeth. A free visit with Dr. Miller tells you whether to start now or wait.
How much do braces for teens cost in Tampa?
Most patients invest between $3,000 and $7,200 for comprehensive treatment. You start with $300 down, and you get your exact cost in writing at your free consultation.
Does Medicaid cover braces for teens?
Florida Medicaid covers braces for children under 21 when the bite problem is severe enough to qualify. We accept Medicaid at Tampa and Brandon, not at Apollo Beach. See Medicaid braces.
How long will my teen be in braces?
Most patients are in treatment 12 to 24 months. Simple cases can finish in as little as six months, and complex bite corrections can run 30 months or more. Dr. Miller gives you an estimated timeline at your free consultation.
Will my teen need teeth pulled?
Some do. About 30 to 40 percent of our patients have teeth removed as part of treatment. At Miller Orthodontics the braces go on first, and any extractions happen after, coordinated with your dentist or an oral surgeon.
Can my teen play sports or an instrument with braces?
Yes. Wear an orthodontic mouthguard for contact sports. We provide one at no charge if you need it. Wind and brass players usually need one to three weeks to adjust, and orthodontic wax helps.
Can my teen choose colors?
Yes. Metal braces use colored bands that your teen picks and can change at each adjustment.
What if a bracket breaks?
Call (813) 427-2237. We will tell you what to do and see you at the right office. See orthodontic emergencies.
Do you offer evening or after-school appointments?
Yes. Our Tampa office is open until 7pm on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and Friday until 2pm. Brandon is open Wednesdays and Apollo Beach is open Tuesdays.
Schedule your teen's free consultation
Why Patients Choose Miller Orthodontics
Complimentary Smile Assessment (Doctor Exam, X-rays, and Photos)
0% Financing as low as $300 down and $169/mo
Dr. Zack Miller, DDS, MS the 6th orthodontist in his family, combining clinical excellence with a genuine passion for his community
Braces or Invisalign metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners for smiles of all ages
We Accept All Insurances and verify your benefits before your visit
No Referral Needed
Hablamos Español Spanish-speaking staff to help you at every visit
We've removed the barriers. No waiting weeks, no hidden fees, just a straightforward path to confidence.
Book Your Free Consultation
Complete the form below or call (813) 427-2237. Same-day braces available.