How to Support Your Teen Through Orthodontic Treatment

At Younis Orthodontics in Martinsburg, we know that learning how to support your teen through orthodontic treatment can make all the difference. This stage of life already comes with plenty of ups and downs, and adding teen braces to the mix doesn’t make it any simpler. Whether your teen is struggling with new routines, feeling self-conscious, or just dealing with mouth tenderness after an adjustment, your support can help keep them on track and in good spirits.

Discuss Your Teen’s Feelings About Orthodontic Treatment

Getting braces can stir up all kinds of feelings. Some teens are excited to get started, while others feel self-conscious or nervous. It’s common for them to worry about their appearance, speech, or how their friends might react.

They may not say much, but your listening ear can help them.   Let them vent if they need to. Listen without jumping in with solutions right away. You don’t have to fix every problem. Just being there matters.

Make Daily Care

Braces come with new responsibilities, and it can be tough for teens to keep up. Creating structure makes it easier for them to stay on track without constant reminders. Try:

• Helping them set up a consistent brushing and flossing routine
• Keep tools like floss threaders and orthodontic brushes in their bathroom at all times
• Putting a sticky note on the mirror or a reminder in their phone about oral hygiene after meals

When they miss the mark, skip the lectures (unless it happens frequently). Ask what’s getting in the way and offer to help problem-solve. Remember, keeping their braces clean is new to them, so be patient!

Stock Up On Braces-Friendly Food

Braces can mean big changes to your teen’s usual eating habits. Crunchy chips, chewy candy, sticky granola bars—those are all off the table. Biting into whole apples or crusty bread can cause damage, too. If they forget and eat the wrong thing, it might lead to a broken bracket or wire, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.

Take time to go over what not to eat with braces together. Post the list on the fridge or pantry as a reminder. It’s also helpful to stay stocked on braces-friendly foods to avoid temptation. Think easy-to-eat options like:

• Mashed potatoes or pasta
• Yogurt and smoothies
• Scrambled eggs or soups
• Boneless meat
• Soups
• Soft fruits & vegetables
• Muffins

Reminding them that these small food choices can help them stay on track, avoid extra visits, and maybe even complete orthodontic treatment quicker can be a great motivator!

Provide A Portable Braces Kit

Your teen’s daily routine won’t always be predictable, but their braces care is. A portable braces kit helps them stay prepared wherever the day takes them. Whether they’re heading to school, work, or practice, having the right tools makes a big difference between a good day and a bad day. Plus, it helps them easily keep their braces clean and treatment on track whenever they are! 

We recommend including items like these in their care kit:

• Braces wax
• A travel-sized toothbrush & toothpaste
• Extra rubber bands if they wear them 

• Orthodontic floss, or floss threaders & floss
• Interdental brushes
• Compact mirror for quick checks

They can keep their braces kit in their backpack, pocket, or purse so it’s always close by when they need it. Though it might sound like “overkill” (to them) to carry this with them all day, every day, we promise it’s worth it. The braces care kit will elevate their orthodontic experience and make it that much more enjoyable. (Bonus tip: if they’re prone to losing things, consider making more than one for designated spaces.)

Help Them Handle Discomfort

Soreness is a normal part of the process, especially right after adjustments. Help your teen understand that discomfort is temporary and that it means things are moving in the right direction. You can help them get through it with small gestures:

• Serve soft meals for the next day or two
• Offer braces wax for any wires causing irritation
• Use cold compresses or over-the-counter pain relief as recommended

Sometimes, it’s not the pain itself; they might be irritated because they find the process annoying or less than ideal. Letting them know they’re doing a good job can go a long way, even if they don’t show it.

Celebrate Their Orthodontic Treatment Milestones

Treatment takes time, and your teen might lose steam along the way. Recognizing progress helps keep motivation up. You don’t have to go big—a small treat or fun outing can mark the moment without turning it into a production.

• Treat them to a braces-safe snack after a tough appointment
• Plan something fun when they reach a halfway point
• Acknowledge their consistency or improvements in cleaning

These little moments remind them that their effort is worth it.

Support Their Confidence

Teens can be hard on themselves, especially when they feel different from their peers. While you might see a strong, growing smile, they might only notice what’s missing from their normal routine or the braces staring at them in the mirror.

Support their confidence by focusing on their strengths, such as how they’re handling something new and challenging. You don’t need to overdo it. A quick, specific compliment can sometimes mean more than a big pep talk.

Make Appointments Feel Manageable

Your teen’s schedule is probably already packed, so squeezing in orthodontic appointments can feel like a hassle. Let them be part of the planning process. Ask which days or times feel least stressful, and try to avoid conflicts with school or extracurriculars when possible.

Once you’ve found a rhythm, stick to it. Creating a predictable routine helps the appointments feel less like interruptions and more like part of the month. For additional structure, add something simple to look forward to afterward, like picking up ice cream at Tad’s Dairy Barn or Nutter’s or choosing dinner that night.

During visits, encourage your teen to ask their own questions or share how things are going. Feeling involved gives them more ownership and makes the process feel a little more manageable.

Stay Connected With Your Martinsburg Orthodontist

Your teen is putting in a lot of work for their smile transformation to be successful, and your encouragement helps more than you might realize. And you’re not on your own, either. From creating the personalized treatment plan to giving your teen their retainer and everything in between, we’re here to help. Dr. Younis and the team at Younis Orthodontics in Martinsburg are happy to answer your questions and offer advice so you and your teen can have the smoothest, most stress-free orthodontic experience possible. Contact us or schedule a free consultation today—we’re ready when you are!