What’s tougher: keeping up with your teen’s ever-changing schedule or keeping up with their growing smile? In Derby and Wichita, orthodontic treatment often becomes part of the busy middle and high school years. Dr. Ken and Dr. JK at Dillehay Orthodontics know that timing, comfort, and confidence all matter when it comes to teens. Let’s take a closer look at what parents need to know to help their teens start strong.
Why Teens Are in the Perfect Spot for Orthodontic Treatment
Teens are in an ideal spot when it comes to orthodontics. Most of their permanent teeth have come in, but their jaws are still growing, which gives orthodontists like Dr. Ken and Dr. JK the flexibility to guide everything into better balance. Correcting issues like crowding, bite problems, or jaw misalignment now can help avoid more complicated treatment down the road.
Here’s what orthodontic treatment can help fix during the teen years:
- Crowded or crooked teeth that make brushing and flossing harder
- Spacing issues like gaps between teeth
- Overbites and underbites that affect chewing and speaking
- Jaw misalignment that can cause uneven wear or stress on teeth
- Jaw joint problems (TMJ/TMD) that sometimes show up during adolescence
Getting ahead of these issues can make a huge difference, not just for how teeth look, but for long-term dental health too. Up next, let’s take a look at the different treatment options teens in Derby and Wichita have to choose from.
Treatment Options Built for Busy Teens
Orthodontic treatment is built to match your teen’s unique needs, especially when it comes to teens with packed schedules full of sports practices, band concerts, and weekends at Derby’s Rock River Rapids. Dr. Ken and Dr. JK offer several options at Dillehay Orthodontics, making it easier to find a fit that works for both lifestyle and goals.
Here’s a closer look at the choices available:
Traditional Metal Braces
- Tough enough to handle everything from minor crowding to major bite issues.
- Colored bands let teens show a little school spirit—perfect for Derby Panthers or Wichita East Blue Aces.
- Requires regular check-ins to keep progress moving.
Clear Braces
- Works like metal braces but with tooth-colored brackets that blend in.
- A great choice for teens who want treatment that’s a little less noticeable without sacrificing strength.
Clear Aligners (3M™ Clarity™ and Simply Clear)
- Removable trays that straighten teeth discreetly.
- Ideal for teens who can keep track of their aligners and wear them 20–22 hours a day.
- Easy to manage for teens involved in sports, theater, or public speaking.
Lingual Braces (MTM No-Trace System)
- Hidden braces attached to the back of the teeth—no brackets or wires showing when they smile.
- A smooth, comfortable design that can complete minor corrections in as little as 12 to 24 weeks.
- Ideal for teens who want a discreet option without the responsibility of removable aligners.
Having options means treatment can match your teen’s personality and routine. Up next, let’s break down what life with braces or aligners really looks like day-to-day.
Life with Braces, Aligners, or Lingual Braces
Starting orthodontic treatment is an adjustment, but most teens settle into a routine faster than you might expect. Whether they’re wearing metal braces, clear aligners, or MTM No-Trace lingual braces, a few small changes can make a big difference.
- Oral Care Counts:Brushing after meals and flossing daily is critical. Lingual braces need a little extra care behind the teeth, but teens can catch on quickly.
- Smart Food Choices: Sticky, hard, or chewy foods can break brackets. Aligners and lingual braces allow a little more flexibility at mealtimes, but good habits still matter.
- Sports Stay in Play: A mouthguard is a must with braces. Teens with clear aligners or lingual braces often enjoy fewer sports-related adjustments.
- Speech Gets Smoother: Lingual braces can cause a short adjustment period with speaking, but most teens adapt quickly. Clear aligners have minimal impact on speech.
The first few weeks are all about building new habits, but once those routines are in place, treatment becomes just another part of everyday life. Up next, let’s look at how parents can help teens stay consistent and keep their treatment moving forward.
How Parents Can Help Teens Stay on Track
When parents stay involved, orthodontic treatment feels easier for everyone. A little encouragement at home can help teens with braces, aligners, or lingual braces keep moving forward without missing a beat.
Here’s how to help:
- Keep appointments on the calendar so adjustments and progress checks stay on schedule.
- Stock the kitchen with braces-friendly foods like smoothies, pasta, and soft fruits.
- Encourage good habits like brushing after meals and using floss threaders if needed.
- Help teens keep track of aligners or retainers with cases for school bags or sports gear.
- Celebrate small wins to keep spirits up along the way.
Consistency builds confidence, and even small habits can make a big impact. Next, let’s take a closer look at how long treatment usually lasts and what teens can do to keep things on track.
How Long Does Teen Orthodontic Treatment Take?
Most teen orthodontic treatments at Dillehay Orthodontics fall between 18 and 30 months, depending on each individual case. Dr. Ken and Dr. JK work closely with families to set clear expectations and keep treatment moving forward.
Braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners each follow their own pace, but staying consistent with appointments and home care plays a huge role in staying on schedule. With the right support from the team at Dillehay Orthodontics, teens can finish treatment strong and enjoy results that last long after the braces come off.
The Right Start Makes All the Difference
Getting orthodontic care during the teen years sets the stage for a lifetime of confidence. At Dillehay Orthodontics, Dr. Ken and Dr. JK work with teens and parents across Derby, East Wichita, and West Wichita to trade stress for confidence, one appointment at a time. If you’re ready to kick off the next chapter with a team that knows how to keep things simple and supportive, schedule your free consultation and come meet us!