The majority of parents are full of questions as their teenagers begin orthodontic treatment, which makes a lot of sense. Wiesemann Orthodontics understands the pivotal role of a parent as a supporting figure for teens, so we’re going to let you know some of the ways you can help make treatment run smoothly.
All About Teen Orthodontics
The teen years, typically between ages 12 and 16, are universally the most common time to begin orthodontic treatment. By this age, most permanent teeth are present, and the jaw is developed enough to respond well to braces or aligners.
Dr. Wiesemann and the Wiesemann Orthodontics team have years of experience treating teens and customizing care based on their needs. Whether it’s crooked teeth, spacing issues, or bite problems, we’re well-versed in spotting these concerns early and recommending the best course of action.
Common signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic care:
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Crowding or gaps between teeth
- Jaws that make noise or shift
- Protruding teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
Early intervention can help prevent serious issues from emerging down the road and help your teen have better oral health as an adult.
How Can You Support Your Teen?
To cover this topic, we’re going to share some candid, frequently asked questions that we often hear as an orthodontic practice. The truth is, supporting your teenager is always a balancing act—you want to encourage budding independence, but you also want to offer much-needed guidance.
“My teen is really self-conscious about their braces—how can I help?”
Acknowledge their feelings and remind them that many of their friends and peers go through the same thing. If you or a family member has had braces, allow them to serve as examples. Encourage your teen to focus on the long-term payoff. It can also help them to feel more in control when you let them choose brace colors or aligner case designs.
“How do I encourage better oral hygiene during treatment?”
Make oral and orthodontic care a fundamental part of the daily routine, right after breakfast and before bed. Provide the right tools as needed: floss threaders, an electric toothbrush, or a water flosser. Lead by example and consider turning it into a shared routine with yourself or a sibling if it isn’t already.
“They’re tired of all the orthodontic rules—how do I keep them motivated?”
It’s okay to agree that the rules can be annoying, but they exist for a reason. Help them track their progress and consider setting mini-rewards along the way for positive reinforcement. You know what your child likes best! Food, trading cards, funds for their favorite video game, a cosmetic item, plushies, etc.
“What if my teen says they don’t care about their teeth anymore?”
This isn’t always an accurate statement. It might be a sign of burnout, frustration, or emotional overload. Don’t panic—stay calm and listen. Sometimes, they just want to be heard. Again, it can help a lot to remind them of the bigger objective, and that this is merely a single step in getting there.
“How can I make orthodontic care feel less like a burden?”
Keep an ortho-care kit in their backpack, plan easy-to-eat meals after appointments, and work with their personal schedule to make appointments less disruptive. Little things like picking up their favorite snack after an adjustment or sending a supportive text can make them feel cared for, not controlled.
A Collaborative Process
With every aspect of teen orthodontic treatment, it’s a collaboration between Dr. Wiesemann, parents, and teens. In many respects, the partnership between you and the doctor is especially meaningful. Here’s how you can make the most of this dynamic as a parent:
- Attend consultations and check-ups at Wiesemann Orthodontics to stay informed about treatment progress and expectations.
- Ask questions openly—understanding the “why” behind each step helps you guide your teen better when you’re not standing in the office with us.
- Share concerns early, whether it’s about discomfort, compliance, or motivation, so we can offer solutions in a timely manner.
- Follow home care instructions, including oral hygiene tips and dietary guidance. Remember that you can always reach out to us for additional information.
- Encourage communication between your teen and their orthodontist, helping them feel involved and responsible. This is especially important if your teen is usually more reserved around doctors.
A Work in Progress
Orthodontic treatment hardly offers instant gratification, but it’s an extremely valuable learning experience in patience for all teenagers. We’re lucky to serve families in Bowling Green, Russellville, Portland, and White House. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation at your convenience.