Getting braces is a big moment for many teens. It can feel exciting, nerve-racking, and confusing all at once. Between school, sports, social events, and daily life, teens want to know what braces will actually be like.
At Woodhill Dental Specialties, we provide orthodontic treatment for teens in Dallas, TX, and Rockwall, TX. These are the most common questions we hear from both teens and parents during consultations.
“Do Braces Hurt?” is usually the first question teens ask.
Braces do not typically cause sharp pain during placement. However, it is normal to experience soreness or pressure for a few days after braces are first placed and after adjustment appointments. This discomfort occurs because a gentle, controlled force is being applied to move the teeth.
Most teens describe the feeling as pressure rather than pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods can help during the first few days. If discomfort feels severe or does not improve, it is important to contact your orthodontic office for evaluation.
After adjustment appointments, mild soreness may last two to four days. The teeth and supporting structures need time to respond to the new pressure. Eating softer foods during that time can make chewing more comfortable.
Orthodontic tooth movement happens gradually. The goal is safe, controlled movement that protects the roots and surrounding bone.
Certain foods can damage brackets or bend wires. Avoiding hard, sticky, or very chewy foods helps prevent broken appliances and treatment delays.
Foods to avoid typically include:
Softer foods such as pasta, yogurt, eggs, rice, and cooked vegetables are usually easier during the first few days after adjustments.
Limiting sugary snacks and acidic drinks also helps reduce the risk of enamel decalcification around brackets.
Gum can stick to brackets and wires, making cleaning more difficult. Braces create more surfaces where plaque can accumulate, increasing the importance of thorough oral hygiene.
While sugar-free gum is less harmful than sugary gum, avoiding gum during orthodontic treatment is generally recommended. If gum is chewed occasionally, it is important to brush and floss carefully afterward.
Teens are often curious about how braces will affect their appearance.
Orthodontic treatment focuses on improving tooth alignment and bite function. In some cases, correcting significant bite issues can subtly improve facial balance. However, braces do not dramatically change someone’s overall facial structure.
During your consultation, we evaluate jaw alignment, growth patterns, and facial proportions to create a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
Treatment length depends on the complexity of alignment and bite correction. Many teens complete treatment within 12 to 24 months, but individual timelines vary.
Factors that influence treatment time include:
Orthodontic movement must occur gradually to support long-term stability and root health. A personalized treatment plan is developed after clinical examination and diagnostic imaging.
Yes. Teens can continue participating in sports during orthodontic treatment. Wearing a properly fitted orthodontic mouthguard is strongly recommended for contact or high-impact sports.
Brackets can increase the risk of soft tissue injury if an impact occurs. A mouthguard helps cushion the teeth and appliances. If a facial injury happens during treatment, an orthodontic evaluation is important to ensure everything remains secure.
Braces require extra attention to oral hygiene. Food particles and plaque can collect around brackets and wires.
Brushing after meals with a soft-bristle toothbrush helps remove debris. Flossing daily is also important. Floss threaders or orthodontic flossers can make flossing around wires easier.
During orthodontic visits at our Dallas and Rockwall offices, we monitor enamel health and gum condition to help prevent cavities and white spot lesions.
Orthodontic elastics are small and non-toxic. If swallowed accidentally, it typically passes through the digestive system without complication.
If unusual symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, or discomfort occur, medical evaluation is recommended. If rubber bands frequently break or are difficult to manage, our team can provide replacements and guidance.
This question is way more common than you think. Some people believe that all that metal in their mouths will set off the airport security scanners, and they’ll either be tackled by a TSA agent or miss their flight because they’re being interrogated in a small room with a light in their faces.
Trust us; this isn’t going to happen. Your braces are made of a stainless steel material that won’t set off airport security scanners. You won’t have any trouble getting through airport security with braces. But if you are worried, just flash the TSA agent a big braces smile. If nothing else, you might make their day a little brighter.
Sugary and acidic beverages can increase the risk of enamel demineralization during orthodontic treatment. Brackets make it easier for plaque to collect near the gumline and around the edges of the appliance.
Limiting soda and sweetened beverages helps reduce risk. If consumed occasionally, rinsing with water afterward and maintaining consistent brushing can support enamel health.
Coffee may contribute to staining over time. Clear aligner patients should remove trays before drinking anything other than water to avoid staining the aligner material.
Adjustment visits allow us to monitor tooth movement and make controlled modifications to wires or elastics. These visits are essential to keep treatment progressing as planned.
At each appointment, we assess:
Adjustments are carefully planned to promote safe, predictable movement.
Choosing braces is a step toward improving alignment, bite function, and long-term oral health. As a specialty orthodontic practice serving Dallas and Rockwall, TX, Woodhill Dental Specialties provides comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment plans for teens.
Orthodontic treatment is not just cosmetic. Proper alignment can support improved chewing function, easier cleaning, and balanced bite mechanics.
If your teen has questions about pain, food restrictions, sports, or treatment length, our team is here to provide clear answers and personalized guidance. Scheduling an appointment allows us to evaluate alignment, review options, and create a plan tailored to your child’s needs.
Braces are a commitment, but with the right information and consistent monitoring, teens can move through treatment confidently and safely.
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