From sports practices at Trimmier Park to band rehearsals and weekend crawfish boils, teens in Mobile are busy (and their orthodontic care should fit right in). Dr. Bennett and the team at Bennett Orthodontics understand that treatment is just one part of a teenager’s active world, not the whole thing. That’s why the experience they offer is built around flexibility, comfort, and a little encouragement along the way. Let’s start with the orthodontic options available and how they’re made to work with your teen’s day-to-day.
Choosing the Right Fit for Your Teen
Teen treatment at Bennett Orthodontics is designed to work with real life: school schedules, after-school snacks, selfies, and everything in between. Dr. Bennett offers options that give teens the flexibility and confidence they need without making things complicated.
- Metal Braces – The classic option, but sleeker and more comfortable than ever. Teens can show off their personality with different band colors at each visit.
- Clear Braces – Made from tooth-colored materials that blend in for a more low-key look, perfect for teens who want something less noticeable.
- Invisalign® Clear Aligners – Removable, nearly invisible trays that are a great fit for responsible teens who can stick to a routine. They make brushing, flossing, and eating favorite Mobile foods like a Dew Drop Inn burger a whole lot easier.
With the right fit in place, the next step is making sure your teen gets the most out of treatment. Here’s how to help your teen keep things moving in the right direction.
How to Help Your Teen Stay on Track
Braces and aligners don’t run on autopilot, especially during the teen years. Even the most responsible kids can use a little support to stay consistent with their care. The good news? You don’t have to micromanage to make a big difference. Here’s how to help without hovering:
Work Smarter, Not Louder
Use phone alarms or apps to remind them about trays or rubber bands. It keeps things on track without turning into a daily argument.
Make It Fit Their Life
Schedule checkups around school and activities. Bennett Orthodontics offers appointment times that actually work for busy families.
Keep the Kitchen Braces-Friendly
Have soft, safe snacks on hand so your teen isn’t tempted to grab something that could snap a bracket.
Celebrate the Small Stuff
Whether they nail a hygiene routine or get through an adjustment like a champ, a little encouragement goes a long way.
When teens feel supported (but not smothered), they’re more likely to take the lead. Now let’s explore why all this effort is worth it.
The Confidence You Don’t See Coming
There’s the smile you see, and then there’s everything that comes with it. Orthodontic treatment may start with just straightening teeth, but it often ends with something bigger: a teen who stands a little taller, speaks with more confidence, and finally stops covering their mouth when they laugh.
Here’s what tends to shift along the way:
- Confidence That Feels Natural – It’s not overnight, but over time, you’ll catch them smiling more in group photos or speaking up when they used to hold back.
- Better Habits Without the Reminders – Flossing, brushing, remembering appointments—it all starts to click, and that sense of ownership builds fast.
- Comfort in the Everyday – Fixing bite issues makes chewing, speaking, and even sleeping easier, even if your teen doesn’t realize it right away.
- A Quiet Boost in Responsibility – Wearing aligners or rubber bands teaches consistency, and that lesson carries into more than just orthodontics.
Once the last bracket comes off or the final aligner is done, there’s still one more step to cover. Let’s talk about what comes next.
What Happens After the Braces Come Off
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t really “end”. It just enters a new phase. After all the appointments, adjustments, and progress photos, your teen’s smile is ready to shine. Now it’s about keeping it that way.
Retainers: The Unsung Hero
Once treatment is finished, retainers do the heavy lifting behind the scenes. They hold everything in place while the bones and gums settle into their new positions. Dr. Bennett will go over how often your teen should wear them and when to ease into nighttime-only wear. The trick? Making it part of the nightly routine (just like brushing their teeth or setting an alarm for school)
Follow-Ups Still Matter
Even after braces or aligners are off, it’s worth checking in. Dr. Bennett may schedule a few quick visits to make sure things are staying put and the retainer still fits well. These appointments are short, simple, and often reassuring for both teens and parents.
Celebrate the Win
Finishing treatment is a big deal, and it’s worth more than just a new retainer case. Many families mark the moment with a little local flair: dinner at Callaghan’s, a trip to the Wharf, or something as simple as printing that first confident smile on this year’s school photo.
Next up: let’s talk about how to get started.
Getting Started is Easier Than You Think
All it takes to begin orthodontic treatment is a simple conversation (and a free consultation!) Dr. Bennett and the team at Bennett Orthodontics know how to meet teens (and parents) where they are. The first visit is relaxed, informative, and all about figuring out what makes sense for your family. No pressure, no confusing jargon: just a clear look at what’s going on and what comes next.
The office is right here in Mobile, not far from schools, parks, and all the spots you’re already driving to. And once your teen walks through the door, they’ll feel it’s a place that really “gets” them.
Not Your Average Ortho Experience
Teens have enough going on, and braces shouldn’t add to the chaos. With Dr. Bennett and the team at Bennett Orthodontics, treatment fits into real life without becoming the main event. It’s straightforward, supportive, and maybe even a little fun. If your teen is ready (or almost ready), scheduling a free consultation in Mobile is an easy first step. Contact us today and come meet the team that knows how to turn teen treatment into something that actually works!