What do braces have in common with pep rallies, playoff games, and prom season? For teens in Mobile and Jackson, they’re all part of the mix, and they all deserve a little style and flexibility. Orthodontic care shouldn’t feel like a chore, and with the right options, it doesn’t have to! Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and the team at Pickett Orthodontics make it easier for teens to get results without missing out on everything else. Let’s break down the options that fit into real teen life.
Metal Braces That Work as Hard as Your Teen Does
From high school hallways to weekend games at Hancock Whitney Stadium, teens in Mobile and Jackson live full-speed lives. That’s why Dr. Kevin L. Pickett offers metal braces built for durability and comfort, without slowing anyone down.
Today’s design is sleeker and lighter than ever, using high-quality stainless steel to gently guide teeth into place. And for teens who want to show off their style? Color bands make it easy to match their favorite team, outfit, or mood (maybe it’s Baker High’s navy and white or Jackson High‘s purple and gold) or something new each visit.
Why Mobile and Jackson teens (and parents) love them:
- Tough enough to handle active lifestyles and packed schedules
- Fewer repairs and appointments compared to removable options
- Personalized look with colorful bands that reflect their vibe
For teens looking for something lower profile, there’s another option that blends in without blending out. Let’s explore ceramic braces next.
Clear Braces with a Subtle Touch
Not every teen wants their smile to steal the spotlight while they’re in treatment, and that’s where ceramic braces come in. Popular among students in Mobile and Jackson who prefer a more discreet look, these braces use tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend into their natural smile.
Dr. Kevin L. Pickett often recommends ceramic braces for teens who are camera-conscious but still need the reliability of a fixed treatment. They work just like metal braces, gently guiding teeth into place, but with a smoother, more understated appearance.
Why ceramic braces are a teen-favorite around town:
- Tooth-colored brackets that are barely noticeable in person or in pictures
- Smooth ceramic that’s gentle on cheeks and gums
- Stylish design with the same dependable results as metal braces
Want even more flexibility? For the right candidate, there’s an option that can be removed for school lunches, band practice, and yearbook photo day. Let’s take a look at clear aligners.
Clear Aligners: Flexible—but Only If You Are!
Clear aligners offer a level of freedom that can be a great fit for the right kind of patient. They’re smooth, low-profile, and removable. But here’s the catch: success with clear aligners depends entirely on consistent wear.
Dr. Kevin L. Pickett only recommends clear aligners to patients who demonstrate they can follow through: wearing them a minimum of 22 hours a day, every day. Missed wear time means delayed results, shifting teeth, and ultimately, a recommendation to switch to a more reliable option like metal or ceramic braces.
Subtle by Design
Made from smooth, transparent plastic, aligners are designed to go unnoticed. Perfect for students who’d rather their treatment stay behind-the-scenes.
Built for Busy Lives
Clear aligners are removable, making meals and oral hygiene simple. That means no food restrictions and no special tools, just pop them out when it’s time to eat or brush.
Custom-Made for Precision
Each aligner is digitally crafted using advanced 3D scans, offering a tailored fit that moves teeth in small, carefully planned steps.
Clear aligners can be a smart choice for teens who are up for the responsibility. But no matter which option fits best, every treatment plan comes with another important piece: retainers. Let’s talk about how teens can keep their results long after the braces come off.
The Unsung Hero of a Lasting Smile
The braces come off. The selfies start rolling in. Everything feels finished (until the retainer case shows up!) While it might not seem as exciting as getting braces off, wearing a retainer is what turns short-term results into a lifetime of confident smiles.
Retainers work by holding teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissues adapt. Without that support, teeth naturally begin to drift, sometimes within weeks.
Dr. Kevin L. Pickett sees it all the time: teens who do the hard work during treatment, only to lose progress by skipping the retainer. That’s why Pickett Orthodontics offers a Lifetime Retainers program for families in Mobile and Jackson, so it’s easy to stay on track (even years down the line!)
What makes Lifetime Retainers different?
Peace of mind. If a retainer gets lost or damaged, replacements are built into the program—no extra stress, no surprise costs.
Now that we’ve covered the “after,” let’s talk about how the Pickett Orthodontics team makes the “during” feel easy, too.
Fitting Orthodontics into Real Life
Life doesn’t slow down just because braces are in the picture. Between game nights at Ladd–Peebles Stadium and study sessions at Carpe Diem Coffee, teens in Alabama are always on the move. That’s why Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and the team at Pickett Orthodontics shape each treatment plan around real schedules.
With shorter check-ins, flexible appointment times, and a team that truly gets the pace of teen life, orthodontic care becomes one less thing to worry about. Parents get peace of mind, and teens stay focused on being teens.
No matter your family’s rhythm, there’s a plan that fits, and we’ll be here every step of the way to help make it work.
Smiles Without the Slowdown
Teen life comes with enough rules, and your orthodontic treatment doesn’t need to be one more. Dr. Kevin L. Pickett and the team at Pickett Orthodontics create treatment plans that work with your world, not against it. No matter if your teen is on the field, on stage, or just trying to survive finals week, we’re here to keep things simple, flexible, and effective. Book a free consultation in Mobile or Jackson and let’s make braces the easiest win of the school year.