Braces might not spark the same excitement as a night out on Fremont Street, but for teens, they often mark a big step. Hansen Miller Orthodontics, with Dr. Hansen, Dr. Miller, Dr. Benaloul, Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Jolley, and Dr. James, understands what this phase can feel like for families across Las Vegas and Henderson. If your teen’s just starting treatment (or dragging their feet about it), here’s how you can help them feel supported every step of the way.
Make It Feel Like Their Decision (Even If It Wasn’t)
Most teens don’t love being told what to do, especially when it involves wires, rubber bands, and fewer snacks. But giving them some say in the process can go a long way in building buy-in.
Let them choose rubber band colors that match their vibe (hello, Golden Knights gold or school spirit shades), pick their own toothpaste flavor, or decide how to celebrate their first appointment. Even little choices can help them feel like this isn’t something happening to them—it’s something they’re actively part of.
Once they feel some ownership, it’s easier to shift their focus toward the fun—and yes, there is fun to be found in the braces experience. Let’s take a look at how to make it a little more memorable.
Celebrate the Small Stuff
Big changes feel more manageable when you celebrate the little wins along the way. Hansen Miller Orthodontics—home to Dr. Hansen, Dr. Miller, Dr. Benaloul, Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Jolley, and Dr. James—encourages families across Las Vegas and Henderson to mark moments that matter, even if they seem small at first. Did your teen get through their first wire change without complaint? Or finally figure out how to floss around brackets? Celebrate it. Those mini victories add up fast.
A few fun ways to celebrate:
- Grab their favorite milkshake from Luv-It Frozen Custard after an adjustment
- Snap a “braces progress” pic and post a side-by-side
- Plan a soft-foods dinner with their favorites—hello, mac and cheese night!
- Let them pick the next movie for family night
These little celebrations help shift the focus from what’s annoying to what’s going well. Up next, let’s look at how humor (and the right attitude) can take the edge off the tougher days.
Laugh Through the Awkward
Braces come with their fair share of weird moments: rubber bands snapping mid-sentence, mystery food stuck in brackets, or that unmistakable lisp after new trays. The good news? Humor makes it all easier. Dr. Hansen, Dr. Miller, Dr. Benaloul, Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Jolley, and Dr. James have seen how a little laughter can turn awkward into manageable. Encourage your teen to poke fun at the small stuff and take it in stride; it lightens the mood and reminds them it’s okay not to love every part of the process.
Here are a few ways to keep things light:
- Practice “before and after” selfie poses—over the top, cheesy smiles encouraged
- Keep orthodontic wax on hand and name it something ridiculous (like “Brack-Attack Blocker?)
- Make up bracket-friendly snack reviews (ranking the best mashed potatoes in Vegas, perhaps?)
- Share your own awkward teen photos to even the playing field
A little humor turns frustration into a funny story they’ll laugh about later. Next up, let’s talk about how your presence (without overstepping) can make this process smoother behind the scenes.
Be Supportive, Not Overbearing
Your teen doesn’t need a micromanager; they need a quiet co-pilot. The team at Hansen Miller Orthodontics knows that orthodontic treatment is smoother when teens feel like their parents trust them to handle things. That doesn’t mean stepping back entirely, you just have to find ways to stay involved without hovering.
Let Them Take the Lead
Give your teen a say in how they want to manage their routine. Maybe they want to set their own brushing reminders or be in charge of packing their ortho kit for school. Letting them have control builds confidence and lowers resistance.
Stay in the Loop (Casually)
Ask how appointments went or what color bands they picked, without making it an interrogation. Showing interest without pressure keeps the door open for questions and keeps you connected without micromanaging.
Show Up When It Matters
Be there for the check-ins, especially the tougher ones. Your presence at appointments (especially the first few) lets them know you’re in it with them, even if you’re not the one in the chair.
The more supported (and less smothered) your teen feels, the more they’ll rise to the challenge. Next, we’ll cover a few ways to keep that momentum going when the novelty wears off.
Keep the Momentum Rolling
The early excitement, like new rubber band colors, first-day selfies, even extra attention from friends, can wear off fast. The team at Hansen Miller Orthodontics often reminds families that staying on track requires consistency and motivation. And here in Las Vegas, there’s plenty of ways to make that consistency feel a little more rewarding.
Revisit the “Why”
When your teen feels over it, remind them of the goal but don’t make it a lecture. A casual, “Remember how excited you were to smile in senior photos?” can do more than a list of reminders ever could.
Pair Appointments with Perks
Tie ortho check-ins to something they enjoy. A stop at Mothership Coffee, a post-visit boba run, or a walk around The District at Green Valley Ranch can turn a chore into something to look forward to.
Keep Progress Visible
Track their before-and-after with a private photo folder or let them handle their own braces “highlight reel.” Seeing the changes unfold gives them something tangible to feel good about.
Sometimes support just means showing up with a smoothie after a tough wire change. Now let’s wrap things up with how to get started (or re-energize the process) with the team at Hansen Miller Orthodontics.
Smiles Don’t Happen Solo
Every great performance needs a solid backstage crew, and when it comes to braces, that’s you! Hansen Miller Orthodontics, with Dr. Hansen, Dr. Miller, Dr. Benaloul, Dr. Wyatt, Dr. Jolley, and Dr. James, is here to back you up at every step. Schedule a consultation at any of our Las Vegas or Henderson offices today and help your teen steal the spotlight (for all the right reasons!)