Braces for Teens in Wichita, KS

Helping Wichita Teens Achieve Healthy, Confident Smiles

The teenage years are the perfect time to straighten teeth and improve oral health. At Hansen Orthodontics, we offer braces for teens in Wichita, KS, helping young patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles with personalized treatment plans. Whether your teen has crooked teeth, bite issues, or spacing concerns, our expert team is here to provide high-quality orthodontic care in a supportive and comfortable environment.

Why Get Braces as a Teen?

Most permanent teeth have erupted by the early teen years, making this the ideal time for orthodontic treatment. At this stage, the jaw is still developing, which allows braces to guide teeth into their ideal positions more effectively than later in life. Addressing alignment issues now can prevent more serious dental problems in adulthood and improve both function and appearance.

Here are some common reasons teens might need braces:

• Crooked or crowded teeth that make cleaning difficult
• Gaps or spacing between teeth
• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite affecting bite function
• Jaw pain or difficulty chewing
• Self-consciousness about their smile

If your teen is showing any of these signs, a free consultation at Hansen Orthodontics can help determine the best treatment plan.

What to Expect with Braces

Getting braces is a big step, but our team makes the process easy and stress-free. Here’s what your teen can expect:

Initial Consultation

We begin with a thorough evaluation, including digital scans and X-rays, to assess their teeth and bite. Our orthodontist will discuss the best treatment options and answer any questions your teen may have.

Braces Placement

Once a treatment plan is finalized, we will place the braces in a comfortable, straightforward appointment. Your teen will receive guidance on how to care for their braces and keep their teeth healthy throughout treatment.

Regular Adjustments

Routine visits will be scheduled for adjustments, ensuring steady progress toward their perfect smile. These visits also give us a chance to check on overall oral health and address any concerns.

Treatment Completion

After the teeth have moved into their proper positions, we will remove the braces and provide a custom retainer to maintain the results. Wearing a retainer is essential to keeping their new smile in place for years to come.

Life with Braces

Braces require some adjustments, but with a little care and patience, your teen will adapt quickly. Here’s what they need to know:

Eating with Braces

Some foods should be avoided to prevent damage to the braces. Sticky, hard, or crunchy foods—like popcorn, caramel, and chewing gum—can cause brackets to break. However, most foods can still be enjoyed with a few modifications, such as cutting fruits and vegetables into small pieces.

Keeping Braces Clean

Brushing and flossing are more important than ever during orthodontic treatment. We recommend:

• Brushing after every meal to remove food particles
• Using floss threaders or orthodontic flossers for easy cleaning
• Rinsing with mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup

Managing Discomfort

Mild soreness is normal after getting braces or after an adjustment. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax can help ease irritation. Most teens adjust to their braces within a few weeks.

Playing Sports & Instruments

Braces won’t stop your teen from enjoying their favorite activities. If they play contact sports, a custom orthodontic mouthguard will protect their teeth and braces. Musicians may need a short adjustment period, but they can still play wind instruments comfortably with braces.

Braces Options for Teens

Hansen Orthodontics offers multiple braces options to fit your teen’s lifestyle and preferences, including:

• Traditional metal braces
• Clear ceramic braces
• Gold braces
• Champagne (rose gold) braces
• Self-ligating braces

During your teen’s consultation, we’ll discuss which type of braces will work best for their unique needs.

Request a Free Consultation for Your Teen

If you’re considering braces for teens in Wichita, KS, Hansen Orthodontics is here to help. Our experienced team creates customized treatment plans to give your teen a confident, healthy smile.