Football season. Finals. Prom. A part-time job. Your teen’s calendar is already full, and the last thing they need is orthodontic treatment that gets in the way. At Kulits Orthodontics, we build teen treatment plans that move at your family’s pace, not the other way around. Whether it’s traditional braces or Invisalign Teen, Dr. Paul Kulits and our team have been helping Snohomish County teens smile with confidence since 1992, and we’re just as invested in the process being easy as we are in the results being great.
Most teens have all, or nearly all, of their permanent teeth in place by the time they reach middle school, which makes this a natural window for orthodontic treatment. Even better, the jaw is often still developing during the early-to-mid teen years, so teeth and bite issues tend to respond faster and more predictably to treatment than they will later in adulthood.
There’s a social upside, too. Because braces and Invisalign® Teen are so common during adolescence, your teen won’t be the only one in the hallway with a treatment plan; many go through it alongside friends and classmates. That familiarity tends to ease a lot of the self-consciousness parents worry about.
Not sure if it’s time for a consultation? These are the signs Dr. Paul asks parents to keep an eye on:
If you’re noticing one or more of these, a complimentary consultation with Dr. Paul is the easiest next step. No pressure, no obligation, just honest answers about what, if anything, your teen needs.
Every teen’s smile and every teen’s schedule is different. That’s why we offer a range of treatment options, each chosen to fit your teen’s specific needs, comfort, and lifestyle.
Traditional braces remain one of the most effective, reliable ways to correct even complex bite and alignment issues, and today's braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever. Teens can personalize their treatment with fun band colors, and because braces are fixed to the teeth, there's nothing to lose, forget, or leave in a locker.
For teens who want a more discreet option, Invisalign Teen offers the same trusted Invisalign technology used by adults, custom-built for a still-developing smile. It includes features like compliance indicators, so both your teen and Dr. Paul can track wear time, and built-in allowances for erupting molars. Aligners are removable for eating, sports, and special events, then go right back in.
Once active treatment wraps up, a retainer protects the results your teen worked for. We'll walk you through the retainer options that best fit their lifestyle, from bonded retainers to clear Vivera retainers.
One of the biggest worries we hear from parents (and teens) is whether treatment will get in the way of everything else going on. The short answer: it won’t, as long as you know a few basics.
Sports: Teens in braces or Invisalign can absolutely keep playing. We recommend a properly fitted mouthguard to protect teeth and appliances during practices and games. Ask us, and we’ll help you find the right one.
Dr. Paul Kulits has been treating Snohomish County teens since 1992, and he’s the doctor your teen will see at every single visit, start to finish. He’s a Board-Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), trained at Johns Hopkins, UConn Dental, and Albert Einstein Medical Center, and he serves on the Clinical Advisory Council of the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, a national recognition of his expertise in tooth movement and facial growth.
Just as meaningful to local families: Dr. Paul is now treating the second generation of patients in Snohomish County, parents who once sat in his chair as teens, now bringing in their own kids.
“We have been going here since my brother and I were kids, and now my son goes here! They are kind and very knowledgeable.” — Savannah H.
Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment for teens, and our team is happy to help you review your benefits so there are no surprises. We also offer flexible financing options, so cost is never the reason your teen has to wait.
Kulits Orthodontics proudly serves teens and families across Arlington, Everett, and all of Snohomish County. Contact us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul and find out exactly where your teen’s smile stands, with zero pressure and zero guesswork.
Book Your Consultation | Arlington: (360) 435-2764 | Everett: (425) 355-8730
Most teens are ready for full orthodontic treatment between ages 11 and 14, once most or all of their permanent teeth have come in. That said, every smile develops on its own timeline. If your teen had a Phase 1 evaluation as a child, Dr. Paul will already have a good sense of when Phase 2 should begin. If not, a complimentary consultation is the best way to find out exactly where things stand.
It depends on your teen’s bite, lifestyle, and personal preference. Braces are fixed to the teeth, work well for more complex cases, and can’t be lost or forgotten. Invisalign Teen is removable, nearly invisible, and includes compliance indicators so you and Dr. Paul can track wear time. During your consultation, Dr. Paul will walk you through which option best fits your teen’s specific needs; there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all answer.
No. Teens in both braces and Invisalign Teen can keep playing sports and instruments. For sports, we recommend a properly fitted mouthguard to protect teeth and appliances. For wind instruments, most teens adjust within a week or two of starting treatment. If your teen has specific concerns, just ask; we’re happy to help.
Treatment time varies based on each teen’s specific bite and alignment needs, but most teens complete treatment in 12 to 24 months. Because the jaw is often still developing during the teen years, treatment can move more efficiently than it would for an adult with the same issue. Dr. Paul will give you a personalized timeline at your consultation.
For many cases, yes. Invisalign Teen is built specifically for a still-developing smile, with features like compliance indicators and room for erupting molars. For more complex bite or alignment issues, braces may be recommended for faster, more precise movement. Dr. Paul will recommend the option that gives your teen the best outcome, not just the most popular one.