What do school plays, soccer games, and group selfies all have in common? They’re better with a confident smile! In a town like Winnetka, where teens juggle packed schedules at New Trier, bike rides to Glencoe Beach, and coffee runs to Hometown Coffee & Juice, orthodontic treatment needs to keep up. Dr. Brady and the team at Brady Orthodontics know how to make orthodontic care work with real life, not against it. So, why are the teen years the sweet spot for orthodontic treatment?
Why the Teen Years Are Prime for Orthodontic Treatment
Between growing bones and growing social lives, teens are in a perfect phase for orthodontic treatment. Around this time, most permanent teeth are in place, but the jaw is still developing, making it easier to guide teeth into better positions. Plus, with many classmates starting treatment around the same time, there’s a sense of normalcy that helps teens feel more at ease about getting braces or aligners.
Starting orthodontic care during these years also means it’s often done before major milestones like college tours, senior portraits, or events like the Winnetka Music Festival. It’s all about timing—and when everything lines up, results tend to come faster and with fewer complications.
Now that we’ve got the “why” covered, let’s talk about the “how”—and explore the treatment options Brady Orthodontics offers for teens.
Treatment Options That Fit Teen Life
Braces have come a long way since you were in high school, and teens in Winnetka have more choices than ever. Dr. Brady offers modern treatment options that keep up with packed schedules, personal style, and everything in between.
Here’s what Brady Orthodontics has on the menu:
Metal Braces
Classic, efficient, and surprisingly customizable with colorful bands that let teens show off school spirit or personal style.
Ceramic Braces
These low-profile braces blend in with teeth, making them a great choice for anyone who wants a more subtle look without sacrificing strength.
Clear Aligners
Nearly invisible and removable, clear aligners are perfect for teens who want flexibility for sports, music, and everything else on their calendar.
InBrace Hidden Braces
Tucked behind the teeth and completely out of sight, InBrace is ideal for teens who want zero visibility and zero fuss.
With the right option in place, treatment becomes just another part of the routine, not something that gets in the way. Let’s take a peek at what day-to-day life looks like with braces or aligners.
What Daily Life Looks Like During Treatment
Early morning school drop-offs at Washburne, quick stops at Graeter’s for a scoop after class, and evening practices at Skokie Playfield—teen schedules in Winnetka don’t leave much wiggle room. Orthodontic care needs to keep pace, and with the right treatment plan, it easily becomes part of the routine without slowing anything down.
Here’s how it all plays out:
- Morning Routine: A few extra minutes to brush, floss, and clean aligners or check braces before heading out the door. Once it becomes a habit, it’s as easy as grabbing a backpack.
- Lunchtime at School: With aligners, just pop them out before eating and pop them back in after a quick rinse. With braces, skipping sticky or crunchy snacks is part of the deal—but plenty of braces-friendly favorites are still on the menu.
- Sports & Activities: Braces don’t bench you. Mouthguards make contact sports safe, and aligners can be removed during games or practices. From soccer at Skokie Playfield to theater rehearsals, treatment doesn’t get in the way.
- Evening Routine: Clean aligners or brush around brackets before bed—it’s the last step in the day and helps keep treatment on track.
It’s all manageable, especially with a team like Brady Orthodontics supporting you through the process. Still, it’s normal to have questions—so let’s clear up a few common ones next.
Common Questions from Teens and Parents
When braces or aligners enter the conversation, so do the questions—and lots of them! Brady Orthodontics hears it all, and Dr. Brady is always ready with answers that make sense (and ease a few nerves along the way). Here are a few of the most common things teens and parents want to know:
- “Will it hurt?”
There might be a little soreness when braces are first placed or when switching to a new set of aligners, but it usually fades fast. Most teens are back to their usual routines by the next day.
- “Can I still play sports?”
Absolutely. For athletes, Dr. Brady recommends a custom mouthguard to protect your smile during contact sports. Aligners can be removed for practices and games.
- “How long will treatment take?”
Most treatments take between 12 to 24 months, but it depends on your case. The good news? With consistent wear and good habits, some teens finish even faster.
- “What if something breaks or gets lost?”
Brackets pop off, and aligners occasionally go missing—it happens. Call Brady Orthodontics, and the team will help get things back on track quickly.
Understanding the process helps everything feel a little easier. And when it’s all said and done, the benefits go far beyond a better bite—let’s take a look at the long-term payoff.
Why It’s Worth It in the Long Run
Braces or aligners may only be part of life for a couple of years, but the benefits last well beyond high school. Straighter teeth mean easier brushing, fewer dental issues, and less wear and tear over time.
For teens, you have to show up with confidence—whether that’s in the classroom, at a job interview, or snapping pics at Tower Road Beach with friends. Orthodontic treatment builds more than a smile—it builds habits, self-assurance, and comfort that can carry into every stage of life. And in a place like Winnetka, that kind of confidence fits right in!
Smiles Built for the Spotlight
Teens in Winnetka deserve a smile that matches their energy and confidence, whether they’re at school, playing sports, or hanging out with friends. With Dr. Brady and the team at Brady Orthodontics, orthodontic treatment becomes something that fits seamlessly into every teens’ busy life. Schedule your complimentary consultation today in Winnetka and Evanston—because every great Winnetka story deserves a grin that steals the spotlight!