Braces aren’t exactly on most teens’ wish lists. However, if your child’s been referred to an orthodontist, it’s probably not just for looks. Bite issues, crowding, and alignment problems can lead to bigger dental headaches later if they’re left alone too long.
Teenagers react to orthodontic treatment in all kinds of ways. Some are all in from the first appointment. Others would rather do anything else. Dr. Joanna Yu sees both ends of that spectrum every day. She works with teens at Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics here in Windham and Portland and helps make the process feel less overwhelming for them and for you.
Why This Age Range Matters
Teenagers are in that window where everything’s shifting between jaws, teeth, and bone structure. It’s the right time to make adjustments that stick. Waiting too long can mean more invasive work down the line, while starting too early doesn’t always help either.
The right time for treatment depends on what’s going on with your teen’s bite and smile. Some kids need early intervention before all their adult teeth are in, while others can wait until everything’s grown in and stable. Dr. Yu evaluates each case based on what’s happening in your child’s mouth, not just their age.
This isn’t a race to match what their friends are doing—or something to put off just to avoid picture day. The real goal is to catch issues while their teeth and jaws are still growing, which makes it easier to guide everything into place before those problems become harder to fix.
Different Options, Different Responsibilities
Teens don’t all respond the same way to structure or routine, and orthodontic treatment is a commitment. Some need something that stays put. Others do better when they have a little more control. That’s where treatment choices come in.
Metal Braces
These are the go-to for a reason. They handle everything from mild crowding to more complicated bite issues without needing much from your teen beyond regular check-ins and daily brushing. The brackets are more compact than they were years ago, and the wires don’t cause as much irritation as older systems did. Once they’re on, they do the job, and your teen doesn’t have to remember to put them in or take them out.
Invisalign
Some teens are great candidates for Invisalign clear aligners. They’re removable, nearly invisible, and come with fewer food restrictions. However, success depends on consistent wear. If your teen’s likely to take them out and forget to put them back in, this might not be the best fit. For motivated kids who want a more discreet option, it’s worth asking about. Dr. Yu will help you weigh the options based on what needs to be corrected and what your teen can realistically manage.
Getting Used to the Change
Every orthodontic appliance comes with a learning curve. Even if your teen is excited, that first week is going to feel different. Teeth are adjusting. Routines are shifting. It’s an adjustment for everyone.
The First Few Days
There is usually some soreness right after braces go on or when a new Invisalign tray is introduced. That’s part of the process. It doesn’t last long, but it can be frustrating at first. Stick with soft foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, smoothies, and keep some wax and a cold compress handy. You don’t need to hover, just help them stay ahead of the discomfort.
Food Rules
Hard and sticky foods are a no-go with braces. That means gum, caramel, popcorn, ice, and similar foods. These things can snap brackets or bend wires, which sets treatment back. It’s annoying at first, especially when everyone around them is eating stuff they can’t. Most teens adjust faster than you’d think. Stock up on braces-safe snacks, and the rest falls into place.
Invisalign wearers have fewer rules, but they still need to brush after eating and before popping the trays back in. It’s easy to forget when they’re in a rush or at school, so having a travel toothbrush in their bag helps.
Hygiene Habits
Brushing and flossing take more effort with braces. There are more places for food and plaque to hide, so rushing through isn’t going to cut it. Your teen will need to take their time, and yeah, they may not love hearing that from you. Dr. Yu’s team does a good job of showing them how to clean properly without turning it into a lecture.
Being the Backup Support
You don’t have to micromanage every move, but you do need to stay in the loop. Teens want independence, but that doesn’t mean they will remember every appointment or change their aligners on time without a nudge. Here are a few ways to stay involved without becoming the orthodontic police:
- Set reminders for checkups or tray changes
- Keep dental wax, pain relief, and cleaning tools stocked
- Encourage small wins, like how far they’ve come since that first visit
- Let them vent without trying to fix it all
Some teens worry about how they look with braces. If that’s the case, talk about it. Normalize it. This isn’t forever, and the confidence boost at the end usually outweighs the awkward moments along the way.
Missed Appointments Can Delay Progress
Skipping visits or being inconsistent with aligner wear can drag this process out. Every check-in matters. It’s how Dr. Yu tracks progress, makes adjustments, and keeps everything on course.
The good news is that appointments are usually quick and can be worked around school and activities. Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics is great about staying on time, and their team understands that life happens. If you’re proactive about rescheduling when things come up, it keeps the whole process moving.
What About After the Braces Come Off?
When the last tray is done or the braces come off, your teen will finally get to see the result they’ve been waiting for. But the work doesn’t stop there. Retainers matter. They keep everything in place while the bone and tissue around the teeth settle.
Your teen may need to wear their retainer full-time for a stretch, then switch to nights only. Whatever Dr. Yu recommends, stick to it. It’s the difference between keeping that new smile or watching it slowly shift back.
One Step at a Time
You don’t have to figure everything out right away. Start with a consultation. Ask your questions. Give your teen space to ask theirs, too. It’s their smile and their experience. Dr. Joanna Yu has worked with teens at all stages; some are eager to begin treatment, others take a little longer to feel comfortable. The focus is always on making treatment doable, not overwhelming, at Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics.
If you’re unsure whether now is the right time or just want to understand the options better, reach out to the Windham or Portland office. We will give you a clear look at what’s ahead and help you decide what fits.