Posted on May 6, 2025
Your teen may feel a bit sore after getting braces, but this usually fades within a few days. Eating soft foods can make the transition easier. Regular checkups and brushing thoroughly around the brackets play a big part in keeping everything on track.
At our Marietta orthodontic office, we’re here to support your teen at every stage. Smilebliss creates customized plans to help build a straighter smile and more confidence.
If you’re ready to learn more or have questions about getting started, contact us today. We’d love to guide your teen’s journey toward a healthy smile.
Braces help support long-term oral health and confidence during a time when your teen’s jaw is still growing. This period is ideal for orthodontic care because the bones are easier to guide.
Braces help correct crooked teeth, spacing, and bite alignment issues. Addressing these concerns now can help prevent more serious problems later, such as jaw discomfort, tooth decay, and gum issues.
There’s also a big confidence lift. A straighter smile often helps teens feel more comfortable expressing themselves. Most treatment plans last between 18 and 24 months, and keeping up with appointments and oral care helps everything stay on course.
Understanding what’s involved helps your teen prepare mentally and emotionally, so the experience becomes more manageable. The results can mean a lifetime of better function, improved oral health, and more confidence in social and professional settings.
Your teen’s first visit with the orthodontist is a major step. This initial consultation takes around 30 to 60 minutes. During that time, we take X-rays, digital scans, and photographs to understand your teen’s alignment and create a treatment plan.
We’ll walk you through options, how long treatment may take, and pricing information. Early evaluations help us act quickly, which is why millions of teens across North America start orthodontic treatment each year to work toward a better smile.
Getting braces is an exciting step in your teen’s journey toward a straighter smile. Knowing what to expect can help both parents and teens feel more confident going into the appointment. The process usually takes one to two hours and involves little discomfort.
The orthodontist will begin by thoroughly cleaning each tooth, removing any buildup. This step helps the brackets stick properly.
It’s also a good moment to talk about any concerns or questions. Brushing and flossing beforehand helps the process go more smoothly.
Brackets are attached to each tooth using bonding cement. Placement is based on a detailed plan for how the teeth need to move.
Your teen may feel a little pressure during this stage, but it’s quick and manageable.
Once the brackets are in place, a thin archwire is inserted and secured. This wire gently moves the teeth over time. Adjustments will be made during follow-up visits.
Your teen might feel slight pressure after the wire is connected, which is a sign the treatment is moving in the right direction.
Teens can choose fun colors for their ligatures—the small bands that hold the wire in place. Whether it’s school colors or something seasonal, this adds a bit of fun and personal flair to the process.
Some discomfort is normal after braces are placed. Teeth, gums, and soft tissues in the mouth need time to adjust. Most soreness improves in the first week.
It’s common to feel tightness or dull pain right after the appointment. Lips, cheeks, and the tongue may also feel irritated. Your teen should stick to soft foods and give their mouth time to adjust.
Discomfort peaks in the first two days and typically fades by day five or six. Minor soreness may return briefly after future adjustments.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can ease any discomfort. Eating soft, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, or smoothies helps too. An ice pack can ease jaw tenderness, and orthodontic wax helps prevent irritation from brackets.
Mild sores may develop where brackets rub the inside of the mouth. Warm saltwater rinses and orthodontic wax help with healing. If sores persist or worsen, let us know.
Contact us if there’s severe pain or something breaks, such as a bracket or wire. Staying in touch helps solve problems before they interrupt progress.
Getting braces can bring changes to daily habits. With some patience, your teen will settle into their new routine and start seeing progress quickly.
Right after getting braces, stick to soft options like eggs, soup, pasta, and smoothies. Avoid hard or sticky foods such as popcorn, caramel, or chewing gum—they can damage the braces or cause pain. After a few weeks, eating will feel more normal again.
Braces may affect speech for a short time. Encourage your teen to practice speaking clearly and slowly. Chatting regularly with family or reading aloud helps them feel more confident.
Oral care is especially important with braces. Use interdental brushes, floss threaders, and fluoride mouth rinse to keep teeth and gums clean. Remind your teen not to chew gum or skip flossing—good habits now help avoid tooth decay.
Braces often become a meaningful part of your teen’s growth. While the first week may be an adjustment, the rewards are long-lasting. With regular checkups and consistent care, your teen will be on track toward a smile that they’ll be proud to show off.
We’re here to help at every stage—from first appointment to final reveal. If you’re ready to begin, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Smilebliss makes orthodontic treatment a smooth experience for the entire family. Let’s take the first step together.
