Parents are often curious about how they can best support their teenagers when they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment. The truth is, you know your teen best, but Thacker Orthodontics can definitely help shed some light on ways you can cheer them on throughout their orthodontic treatment.
Choosing An Appliance
It isn’t always apparent which appliance is the best fit for a patient until we have a deeper conversation with them about their lifestyle, needs, and treatment goals.
Our offices offer metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign Teen, each with its own pros and cons. Check out this blog on our website, which explains all of the nuances of these three options! Dr. Jim and Dr. MaryEvan will be able to help your family make the best choice.
How to Smartly Support Your Teen
For teenagers, having a parent in their corner throughout treatment can be very helpful. You can be a source of encouragement and make the entire treatment plan feel more manageable.
Every teen will respond to your efforts differently, of course. But here are several things you can do to help them succeed:
- Normalize the Experience: Remind them that many of their peers are going through the same thing. Share your own braces experience or show celebrity “before-and-after” stories to help them feel more confident about their experience.
- Create an On-the-Go Braces Kit: We always recommend patients have access to a small bag with a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, orthodontic wax, and pain relief if needed. Storing it in a backpack or locker helps them stay prepared for maintenance at school or practice.
- Be a Good Listener: Let them vent without minimizing their feelings. Whether it’s soreness, embarrassment, or frustration, knowing you’re a safe resource helps build trust and makes treatment feel less isolating.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge when your teen hits a milestone, like finishing their first set of aligners or getting their braces tightened. Small celebrations can pack a big punch, especially if you do them consistently over the months.
- Emphasize the Big Picture: Keep the focus on what they’re working toward: a healthier smile that will last a lifetime. Reinforcing the “why” behind treatment helps teens stay committed, even when it gets tough.
Teen Orthodontic Myths, Explained
We also want to take this opportunity to debunk a few common misconceptions about orthodontic treatment that may deter your teen from starting.
- Myth: Metal braces are the only effective treatment.
Reality: Invisalign for Teens and our clear braces are great for many cases, offering teens a discreet alternative to traditional braces. - Myth: Orthodontic treatment takes years.
Reality: Many teens complete treatment in 16 to 20 months, depending on the severity of their case and their compliance. We won’t know for sure until we see them for a consultation. - Myth: Teens can’t handle the responsibility of clear aligners.
Reality: Many teens thrive with Invisalign, especially when they understand how dynamic it is. The trick to success is creating a consistent care routine and sticking to it. - Myth: Orthodontic care is the same everywhere.
Reality: Unfortunately, some orthodontic offices will not offer the same high standard of care that we do at Thacker Orthodontics. Remember that the treatment outcome is a long-term result, meaning you want to make sure you’re with doctors who will get it right.
Why Your Teen Might Choose Invisalign Treatment
Finally, we want to highlight Invisalign for Teens. This variation provides a flexible orthodontic option that helps your child feel more confident throughout the treatment process. Here’s why so many families at Thacker Orthodontics choose it:
- Comfort: Made from smooth plastic, the aligners won’t irritate cheeks and gums the way brackets and wires sometimes can.
- Appearance: Invisalign aligners are clear and discreet, allowing your teen to smile confidently in photos and social settings without hurting their treatment progress.
- Convenience: Teens can freely remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush, and floss, resulting in fewer restrictions and easier hygiene. That being said, they still need to keep them in 20-22 hours per day.
- Fewer appointments: With no wires to tighten and aligners provided in sets, appointments are typically every 8 weeks, and there are fewer emergency visits since clear aligners don’t sustain as much damage.
All In the Family
As a family-owned, multi-generational practice, it’s no surprise that families remain a significant focus of ours. We consider it a privilege to walk alongside our teen patients during their smile transformation. Our team is always happy to see new faces in our Cincinnati and Hillsboro offices—please reach out to us to schedule a free consultation.