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Teen Braces Survival Guide

Making Smiles Inside & Out

Smiling Woman
  • Robert Stoner Orthodontics
  • July 7, 2025

Everything You Need to Know to Rock Your Smile Journey

Getting braces as a teen is a big step, and we’re here to make sure you feel confident, informed, and ready for the ride. At Robert Stoner Orthodontics, we know that braces are more than just wires and brackets—they’re a journey to a better, brighter smile.

Whether you’ve just gotten your braces or you’re counting down the days until they come off, this Teen Braces Survival Guide has everything you need to thrive along the way.

What to Expect When You First Get Braces

Let’s be honest, the first few days with braces might feel a little weird. You’re adjusting to new hardware in your mouth, and your teeth may feel sore as they start shifting. Don’t worry, this is totally normal and only temporary!

Pro tips for the first week:

  • Stick to soft foods like smoothies, pasta, mashed potatoes, and yogurt.
  • Use orthodontic wax to cover any spots where brackets rub your cheeks or lips.
  • Rinse with warm salt water to soothe sore gums.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers (with a parent’s permission) if needed.

Braces-Friendly Foods

Yes, you’ll need to make a few changes to your snacking habits, but it’s easier than you think. Avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods helps protect your braces and keeps your treatment on track.

Eat this instead of that:

  • Soft fruit (bananas, berries) instead of apples (unless sliced thin)
  • Mac & cheese instead of crunchy chips
  • Smoothies instead of chewy candy
  • Soft tacos instead of hard shells

Keeping Your Braces (& Teeth!) Clean

Great oral hygiene is everything during braces. Food and plaque love to hide around brackets, so staying on top of brushing and flossing is a must.

Your daily routine:

  • Brush after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
  • Use an interdental brush or water flosser to clean around brackets and wires.
  • Floss once a day using a floss threader or orthodontic flossers.
  • Rinse with fluoride mouthwash to keep your enamel strong and your breath fresh.

Dealing with Emergencies

Sometimes brackets break or wires poke—it happens! If you experience any discomfort or damage, give us a call and we’ll get you in ASAP. In the meantime:

  • Use wax to cover poking wires.
  • Gently push a wire back into place with a clean pencil eraser.
  • If a bracket is loose but still attached, leave it in place and avoid hard foods.

Staying Confident with Braces

It’s completely normal to feel a little self-conscious at first, but remember—braces are temporary, and your new smile is worth it. Plus, you’re not alone. Tons of teens go through this, too!

Confidence boosters:

  • Customize your look with colorful bands—match your school colors, sports team, or the season!
  • Practice smiling in the mirror to get used to your new look.
  • Keep your eye on the prize—a straight, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.

How to Stay on Track

The more consistent you are with your care, the smoother (and possibly shorter!) your treatment will be.

  • Don’t skip appointments—they’re key to progress.
  • Wear any rubber bands or appliances exactly as instructed.
  • Follow your orthodontist’s advice (we promise, we know what we’re doing!).

Your Braces, Your Smile, Your Story

At Robert Stoner Orthodontics, we’re here to make your braces experience positive, personalized, and even fun. Whether you’re in Greensboro or Summerfield, our team is always just a call or visit away.

Got questions? Need a quick fix? Or just want to show off your progress? We’re here for it all. Schedule your next check-up or ask us anything—we’re your smile squad!

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Get started today

The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to request a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Stoner.

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Our 5-Star Experience

We are passionate about serving our patients with the highest level of care possible. Check out what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with us!

Abby L.
they were so so kind and amazing and very helpful!!
Adriane H.
Today I officially graduated from wearing my retainers. I had a wonderful journey with the whole team. I laughed and had a great time with all the ladies and Dr Stoner. They made me feel comfortable each visit. And I walked away with a beautiful smile!. Thank you to the whole staff for being so awesome!.
Jallon T.
My second time getting braces here and it went amazing! Thank you ! For making my smile perfect again
Emily F.
Working with Dr Stoner and his staff has been a wonderful experience.
The staff has been so kind and so well organized. Dr Stoner was great to explain each process and the outcome of treatment is what we hoped for and more!
Would recommend to anyone anytime to come here!!!
Andrea M.
Very professional and kind. Made my invisalign journey easy.
Valencia H.
I had such a great experience! The entire team is awesome and so happy with my new smile!
Samuel C.
Very nice and supportive people very glad I got my braces done here never felt better
Amber C.
I absolutely love this place. The staff is amazing. Shout out to Leslee for taking care of me, and Lindsey for keeping up with the progress! I came into the office to get my teeth straighter and to loose my gap and Stoner and his team has not disappointed at all. Highly recommend
Amy Q.
We have been at this practice for 10 years with four children. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else for our family's orthodontic treatment. The staff is phenomenal and the care is second to none!! Our smiles say it all!
Iris M.
Dr. Stoner and his associates are the best. I came in with teeth spreaded out in all directions. I’m happy to say they are now all perfect and straight. They are the best and I’m truly happy and grateful!
Amie C.
Great experience - the entire team is a friendly, helpful. They are easy to work with and have made this experience exceptional.
Latoria Robinson (.
They are so nice in the office. They are very helpful with helping you understand everything they have to do and it’s no rush with the work. I would tell anyone and everyone to go. My teeth looks so great until it makes me want to cry. I just love smiling now and will continue to do so. Anyone that’s need dental work on their teeth. I will say go see them as soon as possible
Brittany G.
Stoner Orthodontics has been amazing for our daughter’s aligners' journey. The staff is kind, professional, and very welcoming. Dr. Stoner explained everything clearly and made the process easy. Our daughter’s smile looks fantastic—we’re so happy with the results!
Chantay P.
I am very pleased with the staff and the services provided for the past two years my teeth look amazing and I’m very grateful to this practice for all they’ve done to help me
Lauren B.
I have had an awesome experience with Dr. Stoner and his staff! Highly recommend!
Kaelin B.
Very sweet people !! Answer every question I asked and made sure I understood everything!!
Carly M.
We have loved our experience! I would highly recommend!
Delaiah C.
110% would recommend Dr. Stoner and team!! They made a long invisalign process so much less stressful by being open communicators and always super friendly.
Ashleigh F.
Whew! Where do I start?! First of all Dr Stoner is AMAZING!! So friendly so personable and professional. I was in bad shape when I came in 2023 and him and his entire team took care of me from the beginning. I just finished my Angel Aligner treatment and I’m completely speechless. Moved to Vegas and they still made sure my treatment was flawless!! He’s a true perfectionist so just trust the process. I love my smile so much and truly recommend if you want top tier orthodontic treatment. Ashley Lindsay Ali Leslee Meredith omg I can’t name you all! From front desk to treatment floor I cannot thank you all enough. Fighting tears as I type this❤️
Amy L.
We love Robert Stoner Ortho and all of his staff. All of our children have beautiful smiles thanks to them!
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Come visit us

We have two locations conveniently located in the Greensboro area. We look forward to meeting you and your family soon!

GREENSBORO

  • 1304 Beaman Place Greensboro, NC 27408

SUMMERFIELD

  • 6161 Lake Brandt Rd. Suite D Greensboro, NC 27455

Phone

  • (336) 274-7649

Office Hours

Monday7:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday7:30am – 4:30pm
Wednesday7:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday7:30am – 4:30pm
Friday8:00am – 1:00pm
Summerfield
Greensboro
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