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Braces for Teens: What Parents Should Know Before Starting Treatment

Watching your child grow into their smile is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with questions. 

If your teen has been recommended for braces, you may be wondering what the process looks like, how long treatment usually takes, and what you can do to support them at home.

At Bronte Family Orthodontics, we work closely with families every day to make the braces journey smooth, positive, and confidence-boosting. 

If you’ve been searching for braces for teens in Milton, Ontario, this blog post will walk you through everything you need to know before your child begins their orthodontic treatment.

Why Teens Are the Ideal Age for Braces

The teenage years are one of the best times to begin orthodontic care. By this age:

  • Most permanent teeth have come in

  • The jaw is still growing and responsive

  • Bite and alignment issues are easier to correct

  • Teens are mature enough to care for their braces

Braces at this age not only improve your teen’s smile but also support better oral health, chewing, and long-term confidence.

How Long Do Braces Take? Understanding the Timeline

Every teen’s smile is unique, so treatment time varies, but most teens wear braces for 18 to 24 months. 

Some may finish earlier if alignment is minor, while others may need a little more time depending on the complexity of their bite.

Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:

1. Initial Consultation

Your teen meets with Dr. Aggarwal to evaluate their teeth, bite, and facial structure. We take digital scans, photos, and X-rays to create a personalized plan.

2. Braces Placement

This visit is exciting for teens! Braces are gently placed on the teeth, typically within 40-60 minutes. There’s no drilling or discomfort, just a feeling of slight pressure.

3. Adjustment Appointments (Every 6–10 Weeks)

These check-ins are quick and keep everything moving as planned. Teens continue to progress gradually and safely toward their new smile.

4. Active Treatment

This is when teeth do most of the shifting. Your teen will start to notice positive changes within a few months.

5. Braces Removal

A day teens look forward to! The removal process is simple, comfortable, and always followed by photos and lots of smiles.

6. Retainers

Retainers help maintain the beautiful results. Your teen will wear them regularly, usually at night to keep their teeth in their new positions.

Helping Teens Adjust: What to Expect During the First Week

The first week is truly the “adjustment phase.” Here’s what most teens experience:

  • Mild soreness as the teeth begin to shift

  • Adapting to the feeling of brackets and wires

  • Avoiding certain foods to prevent breakage

The good news? Most teens adapt quickly, usually within a few days.

We recommend:

  • Soft foods (yogurt, smoothies, pasta)

  • Saltwater rinses to soothe tender gums

  • Orthodontic wax if brackets feel rough

  • Over-the-counter pain relief if needed

Foods to Avoid With Braces

Food habits matter when it comes to successful treatment. Avoiding certain foods helps prevent breakage and keeps treatment on track.

Avoid These:

  • Gum and sticky candies

  • Hard foods like popcorn, nuts, and ice

  • Crunchy foods like hard tacos, pretzels, and raw carrots

  • Chewy snacks like toffee and caramel

  • Biting into whole apples or corn on the cob

Great Alternatives:

  • Soft fruits (berries, bananas, sliced apples)

  • Cooked vegetables

  • Pasta, rice, soups

  • Smoothies

  • Soft sandwiches

  • Tender meats

A small shift in eating habits can prevent delays and keep braces functioning properly.

Daily Care Tips for Teens Wearing Braces

Keeping teeth clean with braces requires a bit more attention, but with the right routine, it becomes second nature.

1. Brushing After Every Meal

This helps remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup around brackets.

2. Flossing Daily

Floss threaders or water flossers make this much easier.

3. Avoiding Sugary Drinks

Sodas and energy drinks can lead to staining around brackets.

4. Wearing Elastics (If Recommended)

Elastics play an important role in correcting the bite—consistent wear ensures faster progress.

5. Protecting Braces During Sports

A store-bought braces or orthodontic mouthguard protects teeth and brackets during physical activity.

The Bronte Family Orthodontics team always takes time to help teens develop good habits in a supportive and encouraging way.

Supporting Your Teen Emotionally Through the Process

The braces journey is exciting, but teens sometimes feel self-conscious or unsure at the beginning. Your encouragement can make a big difference.

Here’s how parents can help:

  • Celebrate milestones (getting braces on, finishing the first month, etc.)

  • Offer soft food favourites during the first week

  • Remind them that many of their friends will also be wearing braces

  • Reassure them that braces are temporary, but their smile will last a lifetime

At our clinic, we make sure every visit feels positive and comfortable so teens feel confident throughout the journey.

Start your Orthodontic Journey with Bronte Family Orthodontics

If you’re exploring braces for teens in Milton, Ontario, choosing an orthodontic home where your child feels supported is important. 

Our clinic is built around creating a warm, friendly experience for young patients and their families.

Families choose us because we offer:

  • A welcoming, teen-friendly environment

  • Advanced digital scanning (no messy molds)

  • Personalized treatment plans

  • Flexible scheduling to fit family routines

  • Clear communication at every step

  • Encouragement and support that make teens feel comfortable

If you’re considering braces for your teen, we would love to help walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. 

At Bronte Family Orthodontics, we’re committed to making your child’s orthodontic journey feel reassuring, informed, and even a little bit fun.

Book a consultation with our friendly team today.