Spring is a time of new beginnings. For many teens, it’s when they start their orthodontic journey. Adjusting to braces can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right support, your teen can navigate this transition with confidence. Let’s explore five simple ways you can help your teenager adjust to life with braces and set them up for orthodontic success.
1. Create a Braces-Friendly Food Plan Together
Those first few weeks with braces can make eating uncomfortable as your teen’s mouth adjusts to the new hardware Sit down with your teen to create a shopping list of braces-friendly foods they actually enjoy. Stock up on softer options like yogurt, pasta, smoothies, and scrambled eggs for those tender days after adjustments.
Teach them to cut firmer foods into smaller pieces rather than biting directly with their front teeth. This supportive approach shows you understand their discomfort while giving them choices that keep them well-nourished during treatment.
2. Build a Portable Braces Care Kit
School days, sports, and social activities don’t stop for orthodontic treatment, but your teen can feel prepared for any situation. Help your teen assemble a small kit that fits in their backpack or sports bag. Include a travel toothbrush, orthodontic wax for irritations, a small mirror, and a water bottle for rinsing after meals.
For athletes, make sure they wear a properly fitted mouthguard designed specifically for braces. This simple preparation gives your teen confidence to handle minor issues without interrupting their day or feeling self-conscious.
3. Celebrate Small Milestones Together
The journey with braces can seem long to a teenager, but acknowledging progress along the way makes it more manageable. Mark adjustment appointments on a shared calendar and plan a small treat afterward. Perhaps opt for a braces-friendly smoothie or a non-food reward like downloading a new movie.
Take progress photos every month so your teen can actually see how their smile is changing. These visual reminders help during moments of frustration when the end goal seems far away. Celebrating small victories keeps motivation high throughout treatment.
4. Create a Positive Mindset About Treatment
How your teen thinks about their braces can significantly impact their adjustment experience. Help reframe their perspective by focusing on the end results and the investment in their future smile. Share before-and-after photos from our office’s successful cases (with permission) to show the amazing transformations possible.
Remind them that many celebrities and athletes had braces before their perfect smiles. You might even find current celebrities who are proudly wearing braces. This positive mindset helps them see braces as a worthwhile step toward their best smile.
5. Partner with Them on Oral Hygiene Routines
Keeping braces clean requires extra effort, but you can help your teen develop habits that protect both their appliances and their smile. Invest in quality cleaning tools like an electric toothbrush with an orthodontic head and a water flosser that makes cleaning between brackets easier.
Schedule a “training session” where you both learn proper cleaning techniques from our team. For younger teens, consider a family brushing time in the evening to model good habits. This partnership approach shows you’re on their team rather than just giving another set of instructions to follow.
Want personalized guidance for your teen’s specific orthodontic situation? Schedule a progress check with our team. We’ll assess how their treatment is advancing and provide custom recommendations to help them adjust to life with braces.
Call Russ Ford Orthodontics today at 719-782-7016 for an appointment in Colorado Springs, CO. You can also schedule online.
