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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!