Braces have a way of shifting the tone at home. What used to be a simple morning routine now includes managing sore teeth, food limitations, and the occasional emotional outburst after an adjustment. Teen orthodontic treatment can feel like one more thing added to an already full schedule, but you’re doing your best to stay on top of it all.
This isn’t new territory for Kanning Orthodontics. Families across Kansas City and Liberty come in every week, dealing with the same pushback, the same questions, the same stress behind the scenes. Dr. Neil Kanning and Dr. Sebastian get it. Teen orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to turn into a daily argument, but going in with a game plan makes all the difference.
Let Them Speak for Themselves
You know why they need braces. But if they don’t understand it or if no one’s explained it to them, they’re going to resist. Not because they’re difficult, but because it feels like something being done to them.
Let them ask questions during the consultation. Let them be part of the conversation when it comes to how things will look, how long it might take, or what’s expected of them. Even small choices, like picking the color of their bands, can give them a little control back. That makes a difference. It helps them feel seen instead of sidelined. When they’re part of the conversation from the beginning, they’re more likely to stay on board when things get uncomfortable later.
What Helps And What Doesn’t
There’s no way around it; adjustments can be uncomfortable. Soreness might hit harder some days than others. The first few weeks are usually the roughest, and you’ll both need time to adjust. A few things that help:
- Stick with soft food when things feel tight. Mac and cheese, soup, or smoothies work well.
- Have cold options ready, like ice water or frozen fruit. Not just to soothe, but to offer something simple when they don’t want to talk.
- Remind them to brush after meals, especially if they’re in Invisalign. Keep a travel brush in their bag for school.
- Pain relievers are okay, especially at night, when it’s harder to ignore the ache. Just follow the instructions and don’t overdo it.
- You don’t have to hover. But staying one step ahead makes it easier to support them without the eye rolls.
Invisalign or Braces, Depends on the Kid
Some teens want Invisalign because it’s clear and removable. Others would rather have something they don’t have to think about. Neither one is better across the board; it comes down to what they’ll follow through with.
Braces
These stay put. No forgetting to wear them. They’re smaller than they used to be, and still the go-to for more complex cases.
Invisalign
Clear trays that come out for meals and brushing. Less visible, fewer food rules, but they have to wear them for at least 22 hours a day. If they tend to lose things or bend the rules, it might not be the best fit.
Dr. Neil Kanning and Dr. Sebastian will talk through both options and help figure out what makes sense for your teen, not just what sounds good upfront.
The Food Complaints Will Come
Even if your teen rolls with most things, food tends to hit a nerve. Certain textures are off-limits, like sticky, crunchy, chewy, and that’s usually where their favorite snacks live. You’ll hear about it, especially when everyone else is eating what they can’t.
Instead of making it a bigger deal, just make sure there’s stuff in the house they can eat without thinking too hard. Soft pasta, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies are basic, but comforting. After an adjustment, their mouth might be sore for a few days, so having those options ready helps more than you’d think.
If they’re doing Invisalign, the rules are different but still require effort. They’ll need to brush every time they eat and rinse their trays before putting them back in. It’s repetitive, and they’ll forget sometimes, but the more you normalize it at home, the easier it gets.
Their Frustration Is Real
It’s easy to brush off that braces aren’t permanent, and they’ll adjust. However, right now, your teen is dealing with discomfort, changes to their appearance, and the pressure of keeping up with everything that comes with treatment. That can be a lot for them to deal with.
They might stop smiling in photos. They might snap at you after an appointment. It’s not about being dramatic. It’s about not having the words yet for how uncomfortable or self-conscious they feel. You don’t need to talk them out of it. Just let them have their moment, be there for it, and remind them they won’t feel this way forever, even if today it feels like they will.
Keep Things Moving Without Nagging
Consistency is what gets results. Missed appointments, forgotten aligners, broken brackets; it all adds up. Micromanaging every detail won’t help either. Instead, try the following:
- Make appointments part of the routine.
- Set reminders for aligners if they’re in Invisalign.
- Keep their dental cleanings on schedule.
- Let them handle more as they get used to it.
Kanning Orthodontics has helped teens all across Liberty and Kansas City stick with their treatment, even when things get tough. The support doesn’t stop once the brackets go on. If something’s not working, they’ll walk through it with you, without judgment or overwhelm.
Braces Don’t Last Forever, But the Confidence Does
Your teen won’t always remember how annoyed they were about not eating popcorn. What sticks is how they feel when they look in the mirror a year from now. When their bite fits better. When their smile feels like something they want to show. That’s the win. Not just straighter teeth, but fewer headaches, less jaw tension, and more confidence that carries into everything else they do.
If you’re figuring out what’s next or you want support that doesn’t add more stress to your plate, Dr. Neil Kanning and Dr. Sebastian at Kanning Orthodontics is here to help with a complimentary consultation. With locations in Kansas City and Liberty, they’ll walk you through what makes sense for your teen and help you support them without losing your mind in the process.
