Orthodontic treatment is a pivotal experience in the lives of more teenagers than you may realize. A parent’s role doesn’t necessarily make or break their success, but it can greatly enrich the overall experience when done right. Mack Orthodontics is here to provide guidance to parents who want to learn how to better support their teens through orthodontic treatment.
Why Teens Might Need Orthodontic Treatment
Between the ages of 12 and 16, most of your child’s permanent teeth have erupted, making it a great time for orthodontic intervention. During this stage, Dr. Mack and our team at Mack Orthodontics can identify and correct issues like crowding, gaps, improper bite, or jaw misalignment.
Untreated orthodontic issues can lead to lasting problems as years go on, including:
- Trouble chewing or speaking
- Jaw pain and headaches
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease
- Tooth wear or trauma due to poor bite alignment
In some cases, symptoms will be plainly apparent to you and your teenager, but other times, it’s only after a professional exam with Dr. Mack that you can see the whole picture. Common symptoms include:
- Teeth that are crowded, crooked, or spaced too far apart
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Jaws that click, shift, or seem out of proportion with the face
- Frequent cheek or lip biting
- Teeth that don’t meet properly when the mouth is closed
Braces & Clear Aligners: What Are Your Options?
When it comes time to choose the right orthodontic treatment, Dr. Mack considers a lot of factors to make the right call. He will assess your teen’s clinical needs, as well as their personal preferences, to make a decision.
Metal Braces
These are considered the “traditional” choice for a reason—because they have a long tradition of working well! The metal braces of 2025 are very lightweight and less uncomfortable than those of the past. They’re usually our first option for more complex cases and allow for the addition of colorful elastic bands that many teens enjoy.
LightForce Clear Braces
LightForce braces use 3D-printed technology to create custom brackets that blend with your teen’s natural tooth color. This provides the precision of traditional braces with less visibility. They’re a nice option for teens who want discretion without compromising functionality.
Invisalign & Spark Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer a nearly invisible solution. Because they’re removable, your teen can continue eating all their favorite foods and maintain normal brushing and flossing routines. This option is especially popular with teens involved in sports, music, or other extracurricular activities where braces could pose an obstacle
They also require responsibility: Clear aligners must be worn 20–22 hours a day and changed weekly.
Answering Candid Questions
Our team values transparency when communicating with patients of all ages, and this is particularly important when it comes to our teenage patients. Every single teen is different, and their experience is often shaped by their relationship with you. So, let’s answer some pressing questions parents have.
Q: My teen is embarrassed about how they look—how can I support them?
Self-consciousness is very common, especially at the start of treatment. It can be helpful to remind them that many of their peers are also undergoing treatment. If they’re wearing braces, you can encourage personalization with colored bands; if they have aligners, remind them how discreet they are. Help them focus on positives whenever possible.
Q: What if my teen forgets to wear their aligners regularly?
Consistency is the secret behind clear aligners, so missed wear can delay progress. Try to take a look at the successful routines they already have in place, and see how aligner wear can be integrated into that. Make sure they understand how skipping wear impacts their timeline and encourage them to talk with us about why it matters.
Q: What if I feel like I’m doing everything and it’s still not working?
First, give yourself credit—orthodontic treatment is a team effort, and your role matters. Ask your teen what kind of support they want from you. Sometimes, giving them ownership can be more helpful than taking the lead. Remember that Dr. Mack and our team are always in your corner, offering bespoke advice whenever possible. We can help reframe expectations or even speak directly with your teen to help restore motivation.
A Lasting Impact
No one said orthodontic treatment was easy! Everyone responds individually, and part of our job is to help steer the ship when waters get choppy. Whether you’re in Burlington or Hillsboro, we consider it a privilege to get to help your family through this process. The results are truly game-changing. Schedule your free consultation today!