Between practice, games, band rehearsals, school, and everything else, a lot of the teens we see have schedules that would wear most adults out.
Orthodontic treatment can fit into a busy life. The key is picking the option that works with your teen’s activities and knowing a few simple habits that make the whole process easier.
Braces or Aligners for an Active Teen
We offer three options, and each one fits a busy teen a little differently.
Metal self-ligating braces are smaller than the braces most parents remember, and they use built-in clips in stead of color ties. Because they stay on the teeth, they’re working all day without your teen having to remember anything.
Clear ceramic braces work like traditional braces, but the brackets are clear, so they blend in with the smile. They’re a good fit for teens who want something less noticeable without taking anything in and out.
Invisalign and Spark clear aligners are clear, removable trays that move teeth a little at a time. The trays are hard to see and come out for meals. They only work when they’re worn 20 to 22 hours a day, so they’re best for teens who are ready to keep up with that.
There’s no single right answer for every teen. At the consultation, our board-certified orthodontists will talk through your teen’s schedule and activities and help you choose the option that fits.
Playing Sports during Treatment
Teens can keep playing the sports they love with braces or aligners. A few habits help protect their teeth and keep treatment on track.
We recommend wearing a mouthguard for sports during treatment. With braces, an orthodontic mouthguard is made to fit over the brackets and helps protect both the teeth and the lips.
With aligners, teens usually take the trays out for games and practices that need a mouthguard, then put them right back in afterward. That time counts against the 20 to 22 hours a day, so it helps to pop them back in as soon as the game ends.
Band, Choir, and Theater
Musicians can keep playing, too. Teens who play wind or brass instruments, like the flute, clarinet, trumpet, or saxophone, may need a little time to adjust to how braces feel against their lips. That adjustment period is normal, and most players find their rhythm again with practice.
Aligners can come out while your teen plays, as long as they go back in right after. For singers and actors, aligners can take a few days to get used to when speaking, so starting treatment a little before a big performance gives them time to settle in.
Fitting Appointments into a Packed Week
We know families are juggling school, work, practices, and everything in between. Our team works with you to find appointment times that fit your schedule, and for the aligner & self ligating braces patients, less frequent visits are needed which is nice and convenient.
Questions between appointments are easy, too. Families can call or text us, and someone from our team will get back to you.
A Few Habits that Help Busy Families
Three small things make a big difference for teens on the go.
Keep a to go kit in the sports bag. A travel toothbrush, a small toothpaste, an aligner case, and orthodontic wax (a soft wax that covers anything rubbing on the cheeks) take up almost no space and save a lot of hassle.
Pack the mouthguard with the gear. If it lives in the same bag as the cleats or the helmet, it’s much harder to forget.
Set a reminder for aligners. A phone alarm after practice or after lunch is an easy way to make sure trays go back in on time.
Every teen’s schedule is different, and so is every smile. Dr. Cyrus and Dr. Nee are happy to meet with your family at a complimentary consultation and talk through which option fits your teen’s life. Questions are always welcome by call or text at 760.743.2295. : ) We are grateful to serve surrounding areas like Poway, San Marcos, Rancho Bernardo, Fallbrook, 4s Ranch and Valley Center.
