Getting braces as a teenager is a big step, and it feels much less mysterious when you know what is coming. Here is the whole journey, step by step, from the specialist team at Milk Orthodontics.
Reviewed and updated by the Milk Orthodontics specialist team, July 2026.
Step 1: The first look, which is free
Everything starts with a free 20 minute Smile Assessment, in the clinic or over Zoom. No referral needed. We look at your teen's smile, explain what we see in plain language, and tell you honestly whether now is the right time to start. Deciding between braces and aligners? Our teen orthodontics guide compares both honestly.
Step 2: Records and the plan
If you decide to go ahead, a full diagnostic work-up is $390: photos, X-rays and a specialist examination, followed by a written treatment plan and an exact quote. Our fees are all-inclusive of records, appliances, appointments, retainers and aftercare, so the number you see is the number you pay.
Step 3: Fitting day
Fitting braces takes around an hour and does not hurt. Teeth usually feel tender for a few days afterwards, which soft foods and patience sort out. Most teens are back at school the same day.
Living with braces
School, sport and music all carry on. A custom-fit mouthguard keeps sport safe, instruments settle within days, and a small care kit in the school bag handles cleaning after lunch. Colour bands are there if your teen wants them, and subtle options if they do not. Many of our teens choose LightForce 3D-printed custom braces, designed digitally to fit each tooth exactly for precise, comfortable treatment.
Adjustments every 6 to 10 weeks
We see your teen roughly every 6 to 10 weeks to keep everything moving to plan, and we work around school hours where we can. Teeth can feel tight for a day or two after each visit, then settle.
Braces off, retainers on
Most comprehensive teen treatments take around 12 to 24 months. When the braces come off, retainers protect the result, and at Milk they are included in the fee along with aftercare. Our guide to teeth retainers explains what to expect.
What it costs
Comprehensive specialist treatment starts from $9,900 with most cases around $10,400, all-inclusive and including GST. Interest-free in-house plans work out around $60 to $76 a week, there is $500 off if paid in full, and family discounts apply for siblings. Full detail on our pricing page.
Want to see the finish line first? Browse real before and after results from Auckland teens and adults we have treated.
Wondering about your own smile?
The first step is a free 20 minute Smile Assessment with our specialist team, in the clinic or over Zoom. A full diagnostic work-up with a written plan and an exact quote is $390, and interest-free weekly plans make treatment manageable.
Curious what treatment costs? See honest pricing, or browse real before and after results from our Auckland patients.
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