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Braces For Teens

Home » Braces » Braces For Teens

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Braces are a rite of passage for many teens. At VanLaecken Orthodontics, we proudly provide high-end and comfortable braces for teens who want to achieve their best and brightest smiles.

What to Expect

Some teenagers may feel nervous about getting braces. Though teens generally feel more comfortable with orthodontist visits than younger children do, the changes in appearance and temporary lifestyle adjustments from braces can serve as a source of apprehension for some.

For this reason, we’ve found that our patients benefit most from knowing what to fully expect from braces for teens. At VanLaecken Orthodontics, our experienced orthodontists and their team strive to help both parents and teens make the most of their orthodontic treatment.

Getting Started with Braces Treatment

At VanLaecken Orthodontics, all treatment begins with a free consultation. Our team will examine your smile and bite. We will also utilize digital scans and x-rays to create a digital impression of your smile.

After the initial examinations, our team and your orthodontist will sit down with you to discuss treatment options. They may suggest one or more types of treatment depending on your teen’s corrective needs.

Types of Braces Available

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces provide dependable treatment for even more severe cases. Recent advancements in this corrective treatment option make it more efficient and comfortable to achieve your smile goal.

The Damon bracket system we use allows for more efficient movement of the teeth. In addition, the design of these brackets allows for greater comfort, improved appearance, and potentially faster treatment times.

Clear/Ceramic Braces

Designed to be a more aesthetically discreet treatment option, clear ceramic braces work in the same way that traditional braces do, but offer a more natural appearance. While they offer the same level of effectiveness, they are not quite as durable as metal braces, so they may not be for everyone. However, if you are able to take proper care of your braces, clear braces may be a great option for you!

Life With Braces

No matter when a patient undergoes orthodontic treatment, adjusting to the new orthodontic appliances may at first appear to be a challenge. However, with the right guidance and commitment, adjusting to life with braces is easy and promotes better oral health.

Foods to Avoid

Avoiding sticky, hard, and chewy foods helps protect your orthodontic appliance, teeth, and comfort. Try to avoid taffy, hard candy, crunchy nuts, popcorn, and chewing gum during your treatment.

In the absence of the above treats, make creative, healthy eating choices instead! For example, you can find new smoothie flavors, try fun yogurt creations, or make delicious, mashed potatoes and binge guilt-free.

Protecting Your Mouth During Sports

Another common concern about traditional braces for teens involves mouth protection during sports or athletic activity. You can prevent injury during contact sports and other high-impact activities by wearing protective mouth gear. Choose well-fitting mouthguards designed for teens with braces for optimal comfort.

Cleaning Your Teeth with Braces

One of the biggest adjustments to come with braces is properly cleaning and caring for your braces. For teens with traditional braces or fixed brackets, carefully brushing the teeth removes harmful bacteria and prevents damage to the teeth and gums.

Use threaded or water flossers to clean hard-to-reach spots around brackets and underneath wires. Our team will give your teen specific instructions on how to care for their teeth and braces during treatment.

Let’s get started!

request an appointment

We promise to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment in a loving, caring atmosphere located for your convenience in Aberdeen, Brookings, Milbank, Sioux Falls, and Watertown, South Dakota. Get started by requesting a free consult today!

Request Free Consult

Our 5-Star Experience

patient TESTIMONIALS

Liesl H.
I have had the opportunity to bring all 3 of our children to VanLaecken Orthodontics over the years and they have been so great to work with! They are patient, kind and willing to work with you and help in whatever way they can!!
Codi S.
If you need Orthodontic care...this is the place to be! The staff are always so sweet, kind and caring! ALL of them are absolutely amazing! Dr. Nate is very experienced and does a fabulous job explaining how the process works, what the next step is and the best treatment plan to fit your specific needs. I can't say enough about how awesome my experience has been!
Kay-Lee W
I cant say enough great things about VanLaechen Ortgodontics! Great service and a wonderful atmosphere. Everyone is so kind, compassionate, professional, They are absolutely amazing at VanLaecken Orthodontics! My smile is absolutely beautiful!! I highly highly recommend them!! I am very very pleased.
Riley R.
The workers are very friendly and my teeth look great! Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else!
Valeria Alexandra Medina M.
I loved how they treated me and made me feel special. They were never mean, and always made sure you were okay.
Sara J.
The team at VanLaecken is outstanding! Professional, easy to work with, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Sara B.
Excellent customer service, very detailed services specific to each patient, for faster correction time. Would highly recommend.
Michelle B.
The assistants were very kind and the doctor easily explained what will happen during the process of braces. Excited to see what the end results will look like!
Melissa D.
I can’t say enough great things about VanLaecken Orthodontics and their amazing team. My smile started as an 11 out of 10 on the "hard to correct" scale, but they tackled it with such expertise, care, and dedication that I’m still in awe of the results.

From day one, they made me feel confident and comfortable with the process. The entire crew goes above and beyond—not just in their orthodontic skills but also in creating a supportive, welcoming environment. They patiently answered all my questions, worked around my schedule, and cheered me on every step of the way.
Kristen O.
Very professional, organized, helpful, and informed. I never feel like my time is wasted.
Kaley S.
Love this place!! Everyone is super welcoming and I enjoy coming here. Definitely recommend getting your teeth work done here!!
Stella B.
I got invisilign with vanlaecken, and I really enjoy my teeth. My teeth were over corrected a few times which had to be fixed. But other than that great people and I loved my service
Stella B.
I got invisilign here and I do love how my teeth look, although my teeth were overcorrected a few times and had to be readjusted, which took extra time and got a bit annoying. But overall the app was pretty helpful and the people were friendly.
Kat R.
amazing staff, especially Anne and Dawn!! Great service as well, thanks for all that you guys do!!!!
Jeffery H.
Friendliest staff and best orthodontists in the world, therefore, the universe. :). If you need your teeth straightened this is the place to be.
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Come Visit Us

our convenient locations
ABERDEEN
  • 631 S Roosevelt St.
    Aberdeen, SD 57401
Phone
  • (605) 226-3120
BROOKINGS
  • 410 Mayfield Dr. Suite #1
    Brookings, SD 57006
Phone
  • (605) 692-7063
MILBANK
  • 102 W 4th Ave. Suite 2
    Milbank, SD 57252
Phone
  • (605) 432-5011
SIOUX FALLS
  • 1518 E 69th St.
    Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Phone
  • (605) 789-7000
WATERTOWN
  • 600 4th St. NE Suite 103
    Watertown, SD 57201
Phone
  • (605) 882-1500

ABERDEEN


ABERDEEN

BROOKINGS

BROOKINGS

SIOUX FALLS

SIOUX FALLS

MILBANK

MILBANK

WATERTOWN

WATERTOWN
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Milbank

Sioux Falls

Watertown

Brookings

Aberdeen

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