Getting braces is a big step toward a confident, healthy smile—but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. For many teens, the adjustment to braces can come with a few bumps in the road. The good news? These challenges are completely normal, and they’re all manageable with the right tools, habits, and support.
At Providence Orthodontics, we’ve helped hundreds of teens navigate life with braces—and we’re here to guide your family through every step of the journey. From discomfort and dietary changes to confidence issues and sports safety, let’s take a look at the most common challenges teens face with braces and how to overcome them.
1. Initial Discomfort & Soreness
The challenge: When braces are first placed—or after an adjustment—it’s common to feel pressure, soreness, or irritation in the mouth.
The solution:
- Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, or smoothies for a couple of days.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover brackets that irritate cheeks or lips.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief (as directed by a parent) if needed.
Remind your teen that this discomfort usually fades within a few days and means the braces are doing their job.
2. Eating With Braces
The challenge: Certain foods can damage braces or get stuck in brackets, making mealtimes a little trickier.
The solution:
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods (like popcorn, caramel, gum, or nuts).
- Cut foods like apples and carrots into small pieces.
- Encourage teens to rinse or brush after meals to keep their braces clean.
We give all of our patients a list of braces-friendly foods to make shopping and snacking easier!
3. Self-Consciousness
The challenge: Some teens feel unsure about how they look with braces, especially in the first few weeks.
The solution:
- Remind your teen that millions of teens wear braces—it’s totally normal.
- Show them before-and-after photos to help them visualize their future smile.
- Let them choose fun band colors to express their personality (a great confidence booster!).
At Providence Orthodontics, we’re all about creating a fun, supportive environment where your teen feels good about their smile-in-progress.
4. Playing Sports & Instruments
The challenge: Braces can make sports and musical instruments feel awkward at first.
The solution:
- For sports: We provide custom-fit mouthguards to protect your teen’s teeth and braces.
- For instruments: With a little practice, playing wind or brass instruments becomes second nature again. Orthodontic wax can help reduce irritation until lips adjust.
5. Oral Hygiene Habits
The challenge: Brushing and flossing around brackets and wires takes more time and attention than usual.
The solution:
- Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush and brush for two full minutes.
- Try tools like floss threaders, orthodontic flossers, or water flossers to make cleaning easier.
- Stay consistent with brushing after meals to avoid plaque buildup and stains.
We teach each teen how to keep their smile clean and check in on hygiene during every visit.
6. Broken Brackets or Wires
The challenge: Accidents happen—sometimes a wire pops out or a bracket breaks.
The solution:
- Call our office right away so we can schedule a repair.
- In the meantime, use wax to protect the area and avoid hard or crunchy foods.
- We’re always available to answer questions or get your teen in for a quick fix.
7. Staying Patient Through the Process
The challenge: Braces take time, and teens might get discouraged waiting for the end result.
The solution:
- We celebrate progress at every visit so patients stay motivated.
- Remind them how far they’ve come with side-by-side smile photos.
- Stay positive! Every day in braces brings your teen closer to the smile they deserve.
We’re Here for Your Teen—Every Step of the Way
Braces may come with a few challenges, but they also come with big rewards. At Providence Orthodontics, we make the process easier, more fun, and more comfortable so your teen can enjoy the journey and the results.
