Getting braces can be a big adjustment — especially for teens. It’s an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile, but it also comes with changes in daily routines, food choices, and self-image.
As a parent, your support can make all the difference in helping your teen transition smoothly into life with braces. Whether they’re excited, anxious, or somewhere in between, there are simple ways you can help them feel more comfortable and confident.
Here are practical, parent-friendly tips for helping your teen thrive during their orthodontic journey.
Set Realistic Expectations
The first step in supporting your teen is helping them understand what to expect. Braces aren’t painful to put on, but some soreness is common in the first few days — and after adjustments.
Reassure your teen that:
- Discomfort is temporary and manageable
- Everyone adjusts to braces at their own pace
- The results will be worth it
Let them know that it’s completely normal to feel a little awkward at first — especially when it comes to talking, eating, or smiling. Most teens find their confidence returns quickly once they get used to the new normal.
Stock Up on Soft Foods (Especially at First)
In the first few days after getting braces, your teen’s mouth may feel sore or tender. Keeping soft foods on hand can help ease the transition and prevent unnecessary discomfort.
Try stocking the fridge or pantry with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
- Soup
- Macaroni and cheese
- Applesauce
Encourage your teen to avoid crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods that could damage brackets or wires — especially in the first week.
Create a Braces-Friendly Oral Care Routine
One of the biggest changes with braces is the need for a more intentional oral hygiene routine. Food can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of plaque buildup or staining if not cleaned properly.
Make sure your teen has the right tools, such as:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush (or an electric toothbrush)
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Floss threaders or orthodontic floss picks
- Interdental brushes
- A travel-sized toothbrush and mirror for school
Encourage them to brush after every meal and floss daily. It may take a little longer than they’re used to, but good habits now will lead to better results later.
Help Them Manage Soreness and Discomfort
It’s normal to feel some pressure or tenderness after braces are first placed — and after regular adjustments.
To help your teen stay comfortable:
- Use orthodontic wax on any brackets causing irritation
- Offer over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (as recommended)
- Encourage cold drinks or ice packs to soothe sore spots
- Stick to soft foods when discomfort flares up
Remind them that the discomfort fades quickly and is a sign that the braces are doing their job.
Encourage Self-Confidence
Appearance matters a lot to teens, and it’s common for them to feel self-conscious when they first get braces. A little encouragement goes a long way.
- Compliment their smile often — let them know how great they look
- Share photos of friends or celebrities who’ve worn braces
- Remind them that many of their peers are in treatment too
- Help them practice talking or smiling in front of a mirror to rebuild confidence
Some teens enjoy customizing their look with colorful rubber bands — let them have fun with it!
Make Appointments a Positive Experience
Orthodontic checkups are an important part of treatment. Help your teen feel involved by making visits something to look forward to, rather than dread.
- Let them keep track of their appointment calendar
- Schedule visits at convenient times (like after school)
- Grab a smoothie or treat afterward as a little reward
- Track their progress together with before-and-after photos
The more your teen feels part of the process, the more empowered they’ll be to stick with treatment and stay motivated.
Be Patient (and Stay Positive)
Every teen handles braces differently. Some breeze through treatment with little fuss, while others may need a little more patience, encouragement, or empathy.
Remind them that:
- It’s okay to have an off day
- Braces don’t define them — their smile and attitude do
- They’re not alone — millions of teens wear braces
- The results are worth the effort
Keep the focus on the long-term benefits, and celebrate progress along the way — even the small wins like getting through a tough adjustment or remembering to floss every day.
Stay on Top of Dietary Do’s and Don’ts
Braces come with some food restrictions, which can be frustrating at times. To help your teen avoid broken brackets or unnecessary delays:
Encourage them to avoid:
- Sticky foods — gum, taffy, caramel
- Crunchy snacks — popcorn, chips, ice
- Hard foods — nuts, raw carrots, hard candy
- Biting into whole apples or corn on the cob (slice them instead)
Work together to come up with braces-friendly meals and snacks they actually enjoy — and find substitutes that keep things fun and satisfying.
Keep an Eye on Retainers and the Long Game
Even though retainers come after braces, it helps to talk about the full treatment timeline early on. Knowing what’s ahead helps your teen feel informed and in control.
After braces come off, retainers are essential for keeping their smile in place. Encourage your teen to treat it like part of the process — not an afterthought — and to view the whole journey as a commitment to lifelong results.
Support Goes a Long Way
A positive attitude from you can help your teen feel more confident, more committed, and more comfortable during treatment. Your encouragement, empathy, and reminders are part of what makes the braces experience smoother and more successful.
From dealing with sore teeth to learning new brushing techniques, your support means everything — and chances are, your teen will appreciate it more than they let on.
Need a Team You and Your Teen Can Trust?
If your teen is starting orthodontic treatment, choosing the right support system can make all the difference. At Scott Orthodontics, we combine expert care with a friendly, teen-centered approach to help make the braces journey as smooth and positive as possible.
With two convenient locations in Mitchellville and Silver Spring, MD, we offer flexible scheduling, personalized treatment plans, and a supportive environment every step of the way.
Schedule a free consultation today and help your teen get started on the path to a healthier, more confident smile.
