Orthodontic FAQs

JT Orthodontics stands out because Dr. Teng combines personalized care with some of the most advanced orthodontic technology available. Instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, every patient receives a customized treatment plan based on their smile, bite, goals, and lifestyle.

With two convenient El Paso locations, JT Orthodontics offers modern braces, Invisalign®, 3D digital imaging, and advanced treatment planning designed to improve accuracy, comfort, and efficiency. Dr. Teng is committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic innovation, continually investing in the latest technology and techniques to help patients achieve healthier, more confident smiles with exceptional care from start to finish.

No two smiles are exactly alike, which is why Dr. Teng believes every orthodontic treatment plan should be personalized. During your consultation, he carefully evaluates your teeth, bite, jaw alignment, facial structure, and smile goals before recommending treatment.

Whether you choose braces or Invisalign®, your treatment is designed specifically for your needs—not based on a standard template. By combining years of orthodontic expertise with advanced digital technology, Dr. Teng can create a treatment plan that is more precise, efficient, and focused on delivering the best possible long-term results. His personalized approach helps patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that are built to last.

Patients choose JT Orthodontics because they receive expert orthodontic care in a welcoming, technology-driven environment. Families throughout El Paso trust Dr. Teng for his experience, attention to detail, and commitment to providing personalized treatment for every patient.

From your first consultation to your final appointment, the team focuses on making treatment comfortable, convenient, and successful. Patients appreciate flexible scheduling, clear communication, advanced technology, and treatment options including braces and Invisalign®. Most importantly, they value knowing their smile is being cared for by an orthodontist who continually embraces the latest innovations to provide outstanding results.

Your first consultation at JT Orthodontics is designed to help you understand your smile and explore your treatment options. During your visit, you’ll meet Dr. Teng and his team, discuss your goals, and receive a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation using advanced digital imaging and diagnostic technology.

Dr. Teng will explain whether braces, Invisalign®, or another orthodontic treatment is the best option for your smile. You’ll receive a personalized treatment recommendation, estimated timeline, and a clear explanation of costs, insurance benefits, and financing options. There is plenty of time to ask questions, so you’ll leave feeling confident about your next steps and excited to begin your smile journey.

Yes! In fact, it’s even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit their dentist regularly. With braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. This causes bacteria to build up that can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. Your dentist will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while wearing braces.

Playing an instrument or a contact sport may require some adjustment when you first get your braces, but wearing braces will not stop you from participating in any of your school activities. If you play a contact sport, it is recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your braces or appliance.

The amount of time spent in braces will vary depending on the individual patient, because every smile responds differently to treatment. Treatment times can take anywhere between six and 30 months, but most standard treatments take about 22 months.

• ALWAYS remember to brush your teeth after every meal and floss at least once a day.

• Make sure to use toothpaste that contains fluoride, and ask your orthodontist or family dentist if you need a fluoride rinse. This will help prevent cavities! If you take out your retainer to eat, make sure you brush your teeth, floss, and remember to keep it safe in its container so that it does not get lost or broken.

• Keep your retainer clean, too, by brushing it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You may also soak it in denture cleaner as instructed by your orthodontist. Do not put your retainer in boiling water or in the dishwasher.

• During your treatment, try to avoid foods with a lot of sugar, which increases the amount of bacteria that grows in your mouth, causing more plaque and possibly cavities.

• Avoid sticky and chewy foods (caramel, chewing gum, gummy bears), hard foods (hard candy, nuts, ice cubes), or any foods that could possibly get stuck in your braces (corn on the cob, soft bagels, ribs, taffy, etc.).

• Be sure to schedule your routine checkups with your family dentist. It is recommended that you continue to visit the dentist every six months.

If you want to improve the look and feel of your smile, then any age can be a great age to see the orthodontist. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist around the age of seven; however, orthodontic treatment is not exclusive to children and teens, with about one in every five orthodontic patients being over the age of 21. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or for a child, any time is a good time to visit the orthodontist.

Phase I orthodontic treatment, also called early interceptive treatment, is orthodontic care provided while a child still has a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth—typically between ages 7 and 10. The goal is to guide jaw growth, create space for incoming permanent teeth, correct bite problems, and address developing orthodontic issues before they become more complex.

At JT Orthodontics, Dr. Teng recommends Phase I treatment only when it offers a clear benefit. Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment, which is why regular evaluations are important. By identifying concerns early, Dr. Teng can often simplify future treatment, improve oral function, and support healthy smile development using the latest orthodontic technology.

Palatal expansion is an orthodontic treatment that gently widens the upper jaw to create more space for permanent teeth and improve the way the upper and lower jaws fit together. It’s most effective for children because their jawbones are still developing, making expansion easier and more predictable.

Dr. Teng may recommend a palatal expander to help correct a narrow upper jaw, crossbite, crowding, or breathing-related concerns. At JT Orthodontics, every recommendation is based on a thorough evaluation using advanced digital imaging and personalized treatment planning. Palatal expansion can improve bite function, support healthy jaw development, and reduce the need for more complex orthodontic treatment later.

Early orthodontic treatment can reduce the complexity of future treatment, but it does not always eliminate the need for braces or Invisalign® later. Every child develops differently, and the goal of Phase I treatment is to address problems while the jaws are still growing.

At JT Orthodontics, Dr. Teng uses early treatment to guide jaw development, create space for permanent teeth, correct bite issues, and help permanent teeth erupt into better positions. For some children, this means shorter or simpler treatment during the teen years. For others, a second phase of braces or Invisalign® may still be recommended to achieve the healthiest, most beautiful final result. Dr. Teng will explain the best approach based on your child’s unique smile and long-term orthodontic needs.

Invisalign® is a popular alternative to braces because it offers a discreet, comfortable, and convenient way to straighten teeth. Instead of metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made to gradually move your teeth into their ideal position.

Many patients choose Invisalign because the aligners are nearly invisible, can be removed for eating and brushing, and often require fewer lifestyle changes than traditional braces. At JT Orthodontics, Dr. Teng uses advanced digital treatment planning to customize every Invisalign case, helping patients achieve predictable, beautiful results. During your consultation, he’ll determine whether Invisalign or braces is the best option based on your smile, bite, and treatment goals.

For many patients, Invisalign® is well worth the investment because it combines effective orthodontic treatment with greater flexibility and convenience. The clear aligners are removable, making it easier to eat your favorite foods, brush and floss normally, and maintain your confidence throughout treatment.

At JT Orthodontics, Dr. Teng customizes every Invisalign treatment plan using advanced digital technology to ensure each patient receives the most effective care possible. While the cost of Invisalign is often comparable to traditional braces, many patients appreciate the added comfort, aesthetics, and convenience. During your consultation, our team will review your treatment options, insurance benefits, and financing plans to help you choose the solution that’s right for you.

Invisalign First® is a clear aligner treatment designed specifically for younger children who still have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. It helps guide jaw development, create space for incoming permanent teeth, and correct certain orthodontic issues during a child’s early years of growth.

At JT Orthodontics, Dr. Teng may recommend Invisalign First for children who are good candidates for early orthodontic treatment. Using advanced digital technology, each series of aligners is custom-designed to fit your child’s growing smile while providing a comfortable, removable alternative to traditional orthodontic appliances. Not every child is a candidate, so Dr. Teng will recommend the treatment that provides the best long-term outcome.

Invisalign First® is typically designed for children between 6 and 10 years old who are in the early stages of orthodontic development and have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. The ideal age depends on your child’s dental growth rather than a specific birthday.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At JT Orthodontics, Dr. Teng uses advanced digital imaging to evaluate jaw growth, tooth development, and bite alignment to determine whether Invisalign First, another early treatment option, or simply continued observation is the best choice for your child.

Neither Invisalign First® nor braces is universally better—the right treatment depends on your child’s orthodontic needs, age, and ability to wear aligners as directed. Invisalign First offers the advantage of clear, removable aligners that make brushing, flossing, and eating easier, while traditional braces may be a better choice for certain complex tooth movements or for children who may not consistently wear removable aligners.

At JT Orthodontics, Dr. Teng believes treatment should be personalized, not one-size-fits-all. After a comprehensive evaluation, he will recommend the option that will provide the healthiest bite, the best smile, and the most predictable long-term results. His goal is always to choose the treatment that best fits your child’s unique needs—not simply the newest technology.