Braces are a big milestone for many teens—and with the right mindset and support, they can be a positive experience! Parents play a huge role in helping teens feel confident and comfortable throughout orthodontic treatment. Here are a few things we've observed over the years that can really help your teen thrive!
Normalize the Experience: Remind your teen that braces are a rite of passage—many of their friends are going through the same thing. Take first day photos! If you make it comfortable, it will help any nervousness they have about the experience.
Encourage Good Habits: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene, steering clear of sticky snacks, and consistently wearing rubber bands are essential steps that can significantly shorten treatment time and enhance your results. Adolescence can be a challenging period, and while it's crucial for teens to take ownership of their dental care, they still require guidance and encouragement to achieve the best possible outcomes. Supporting them through this journey is vital for their success and confidence.
Celebrate Small Wins: From the first wire change to the last bracket is removed, celebrate progress with small rewards or a favorite treat day. We're a big fan of Happy Braces Day gifts that include homecare items and soft foods for those first few days! Progress pics can also help teens see the change in their smile, which can encourage them on the days they feel burned out. And who wouldn't love a "Deband Basket" for when the braces come off!
At Hester & Morris Orthodontics, we make braces a positive, memorable journey. We're here for you! Call us today to start your teen’s smile transformation! Learn more about us at www.hmorthodontics.com.
Invisalign® for Teens: Why Modern Orthodontics Fits Busy Family Life
Between school, sports, and social life, teens today are busier than ever—and so are their parents! Invisalign® aligners offer a flexible, lifestyle-friendly way to achieve a beautiful smile without slowing anyone down.
Eat, Play, Smile: Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning no food restrictions and no brackets to break during basketball practice or band rehearsal.
Less Chair Time, More Family Time: With advanced digital monitoring, many check-ins can be virtual, saving parents from missed work and teens from missed class.
Responsible and Rewarding: Teens learn accountability by caring for their aligners, tracking wear time, and seeing how responsibility leads to great results.
So, what are you waiting for? See if Invisalign® Teen is the right fit for your family’s lifestyle—book your complimentary smile consultation here http://www.hmorthodontics.com or give us a call at Hester & Morris Orthodontics.
Straight Smiles, Strong Confidence: How Orthodontics Shapes Teen Self-Esteem
The teenage years are full of growth, discovery, and yes—plenty of self-awareness. As parents, you want your teen to feel confident in who they are, and sometimes a smile is the key to unlocking that confidence. At Hester & Morris Orthodontics, we see every day how transforming a smile can help a teen stand taller, laugh more, and face the world with assurance. We are not just in the teeth business, we're in the people business! And your teen's smile AND confidence is of the upmost importance to us! Here are a few things we've seen over the years in South Georgia, about how having orthodontic treatment can affect your teen's confidence.
The Power of a Smile: Research shows that a confident smile can improve social interactions, academic engagement, and self-perception. Over almost 40 years of practice, we can usually tell when there are some social concerns for the teeth. Never smiling with teeth, or hiding a smile, can be tell-tale signs of self-consciousness.
Overcoming “Braces Anxiety”: Some teens fear braces will make them stand out, but with options like Invisalign® Teen, treatment can be discreet and comfortable. Clear braces also appeal to some. We are fortunately living in a time where culturally, braces are not just accepted, but embraced, with much less stigma as from generations prior. Kids and teens often come in wanting braces! What a great time to be an orthodontist!
Confidence in Progress: Our team celebrates every milestone, helping teens feel proud of their progress along the way. We're part coach, part cheerleader to help make sure your teen is staying consistent to following their homecare instructions. Whether it's proper elastic wear for bite correction or compliance for Invisalign, we are here to help keep your teen's smile on track, pressing towards that finish line. The result is worth every step!
Confidence starts with a smile. Schedule your teen’s free consultation today and let’s begin their journey toward a lifetime of confidence.
When most people think about braces, they picture middle or high school students. But the truth is, more adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment to improve their smiles and oral health. At Hester and Morris Orthodontics, we believe it’s never too late to invest in yourself.
Why Adults Choose Braces
Life can be busy, and many adults didn’t have the chance to get braces when they were younger. Others may find their teeth have shifted over time. Whether it’s for health, appearance, or confidence, braces can be an excellent choice for adults. Straight teeth not only look great but also make it easier to brush, floss, and maintain good oral health.
Treatment Options for Every Lifestyle
Today’s orthodontic options go far beyond the traditional metal braces of years past. We offer:
Clear Aligners (like Invisalign®): Nearly invisible and removable for meals and special occasions.
Ceramic Braces: Tooth-colored brackets that blend in for a more subtle look.
Traditional Braces: Modern, smaller, and more comfortable than ever.
We’ll help you find the treatment that best fits your needs, lifestyle, and goals.
Benefits Beyond the Smile
A straighter smile can do more than improve your appearance. Correcting bite issues can:
Make chewing and speaking easier
Reduce the risk of uneven wear or dental damage
Support healthier gums and teeth
Boost your confidence in both personal and professional settings
Getting Started Is Simple
Your journey begins with a consultation at Hester and Morris Orthodontics. We’ll evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals, and create a personalized plan. No matter your age, it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
