Between school drop-offs, last-minute grocery runs, and soccer games at Timber Creek Park, life with a teenager in Benbrook doesn’t exactly slow down. But while the calendar’s packed, the decision to start orthodontic treatment can actually be one of the simpler choices. Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem at Bortnem Orthodontics make it easy for teens to get the care they need, without putting life on pause. So when’s the right time to start, and how do you find the right fit? Let’s break it down.
Why the Teen Years Make Orthodontic Sense
There’s a reason so many teens around Benbrook are getting started with orthodontic treatment—it’s one of the best times to do it. Growth spurts during these years give Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem at Bortnem Orthodontics have a natural advantage when it comes to moving teeth and guiding jaw development. Since most permanent teeth are in place by the early teens, it’s the perfect opportunity to set the stage for a healthier, more confident smile.
Starting treatment early with Bortnem Orthodontics can help make things simpler down the road—and give your teen a confidence boost right when it matters most. So, what kind of treatment works best for active, on-the-go teens?
Treatment Options That Actually Fit a Teen’s Life
All teens are into different things: some are scoring goals at Benbrook Middle-High, others are rehearsing at the local theater or spending weekends exploring Dutch Branch Park. That’s why Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem offer a range of orthodontic options that keep up with real-life schedules, social events, and everything in between.
Here’s what’s on the table:
- Traditional Braces: Reliable, effective, and anything but boring. Today’s versions are sleeker, more comfortable, and come with customizable color bands.
- Clear Braces: Just as powerful, with a more subtle look for teens who prefer to keep things low-key.
- Invisalign for Teens: Nearly invisible and removable, these aligners are great for teens who can stick to a routine and want flexibility on game days, during band practice, or before photos.
Each plan is shaped around what works best for your teen’s lifestyle. Once treatment begins, the focus shifts to keeping things consistent and manageable—let’s talk about that next!
Real Life with Braces (or Aligners) in Benbrook
Orthodontic treatment shouldn’t throw a wrench in your teen’s daily routine, and with the right approach, it won’t. Whether your teen is out shopping, cheering at Friday night games, or grabbing dinner with friends, braces or aligners can fit right in.
Here’s how treatment stays manageable:
Sports and Activities
Braces won’t hold your teen back from contact sports or marching band. For extra flexibility, Invisalign aligners can be removed during games or performances.
Eating Out
Traditional braces come with a few food restrictions, but most teens quickly adjust. Invisalign users just pop out their trays before meals.
School-Friendly Care
Keep a small dental kit in their backpack for quick brushing after lunch or snacks—nothing fancy, just a brush, flossers, and a case for aligners if needed.
Appointments
Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem work around school schedules and extracurriculars, making it easy to stay on track without skipping out on commitments.
Orthodontic care becomes just another part of the routine—one that can quietly build something much bigger: confidence. Let’s talk about that next.
Confidence That Goes Beyond the Smile
Teen years come with a whirlwind of firsts—first dances, first jobs, first awkward selfies with friends at Clearfork or after practice. During all of it, confidence plays a huge role. That’s why treatment with Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem are about more than just function—it’s about helping teens feel good when they look in the mirror and even better when they step into a room.
Here’s how orthodontic care can boost confidence during this stage of life:
- Visible Progress: Watching their smile change gives teens a reason to feel proud.
- Improved Self-Esteem: Feeling good about their teeth often translates into stronger social skills and more self-assurance in group settings.
- Better First Impressions: School photos, job interviews, first impressions—they all hit differently when your teen feels good about their smile.
- Positive Habits: Treatment encourages responsibility and self-care skills that carry into adulthood.
Of course, to see results, your teen needs a routine that works. Let’s cover how to help them stay on track.
Keeping Teens on Track Without the Nagging
Getting a teen to stick to a routine can feel like chasing a moving target—but orthodontic care doesn’t have to be one more thing to fight about. With a little creativity (and a few backup plans), staying on track with braces or Invisalign can be easier than expected. Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem work with families to create plans that fit into real life, because no one wants orthodontics to be a daily battle.
Here are some simple ways to help your teen stay consistent:
- Make oral care easy: Keep a toothbrush, flossers, and orthodontic wax in a pouch they can throw in a backpack or gym bag.
- Set phone reminders: A quick buzz can be all it takes to remember to wear aligners or brush after lunch.
- Involve them in the process: Let teens choose their brace colors or pick aligner case designs to help them take ownership.
- Work around their schedule: Appointments at Bortnem Orthodontics are quick and can be timed around sports, rehearsals, or that AMC movie night.
Once the routine clicks, treatment becomes second nature, and before long, those brackets or aligner trays are in the rearview mirror. That final stretch sets the tone for lasting confidence and habits that stick.
Benbrook Smiles Start Here
From early-morning practices to late-night study sessions, your teen’s life is full, and their orthodontic care should fit right in. Drs. Eric and Lena Bortnem at Bortnem Orthodontics make it easy to start treatment that works with your teen’s routine, not against it. With personalized plans, flexible options, and a focus on confidence, it’s orthodontics made for real life in Benbrook. Schedule a free consultation today and give your teen one more reason to smile every time they step out the door!
