The moment your teen finds out they’re getting braces usually falls somewhere between an eye roll and a deep sigh. But what if it felt more like a high-five than a hassle? At McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton, Dr. Matthew McNutt and the pediatric dental team at Southern Smiles in Cary—Dr. Narineh Panoosian and Dr. Dan Howell—help families turn orthodontic prep into something a little more fun. Let’s start with a few ways to make the lead-up to braces feel less like a big deal and more like a smart move.
Start with the Why (Without the Lecture)
Before the brackets come out, it helps to talk about why braces are on the table. Not with a long monologue, just a quick, honest chat that connects the dots. Maybe it’s because chewing feels weird. Maybe a dentist spotted something that’s easier to fix now than later. Either way, understanding the purpose can help your teen feel more in control.
Dr. McNutt at McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton takes the time to explain what’s happening with your teen’s bite in a way that actually makes sense. Over in Cary, Dr. Panoosian at Southern Smiles often helps bridge the conversation with visuals or before-and-after photos to make things more real. When kids know this isn’t just about appearances, they’re more likely to feel involved rather than dragged along.
Up next, let’s cover a few things to expect so your teen isn’t caught off guard when brace day rolls around.
Braces Day Breakdown
Braces day might sound dramatic, but it’s an appointment with a purpose and a dash of personalization. Teens often walk into the office feeling a mix of nerves and curiosity, and walk out ready to rock colored bands or clear brackets.
Here’s how it goes:
- Cleaning and prep – A quick polish makes sure surfaces are smooth before anything’s attached.
- Bracket bonding – Teens can choose between traditional metal or nearly invisible clear braces, depending on what feels right for them.
- Wire setup – An archwire connects those brackets and gets the alignment moving.
- Finishing touches – Dr. McNutt checks everything, offers a care kit, and helps your teen choose colored bands or go for discreet clear ones.
Along with metal and clear braces, McNutt Orthodontics also offers in-house clear aligners, giving teens the chance to choose what fits their routine, comfort level, and personal style. In the end, braces day typically lasts one to two hours.
The first week is where the rubber meets the road (or, in this case, the brackets meet the snacks). Up next: tips to help your teen ease in without any drama.
Surviving the First Week Like a Pro
That first week with braces can feel like a crash course in patience, softer foods, and getting used to a new rhythm. While it might not be anyone’s favorite week, there are simple ways to make the adjustment smoother for your teen. Here’s what tends to help:
Stock the fridge with braces-friendly eats
Think mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, smoothies, yogurt, and scrambled eggs. Skip the chips and popcorn at the movie theater for now.
Stick with wax
Orthodontic wax is a must for any rough spots. A small dab can keep a wire from irritating cheeks or lips while things settle.
Keep pain relievers on hand
A little over-the-counter support goes a long way if there’s soreness after adjustments.
Rinse with saltwater
A warm saltwater rinse can soothe irritated areas and help your teen feel more comfortable by day two or three.
Most teens are already back to normal snacks and routines by the end of the first week. Coming up next: how to help them stick with their new oral care habits, even during busy days at school.
Braces in the Real World
Once the newness wears off, it’s all about consistency. Between classes at Clayton High, soccer practice at East Clayton Community Park, and late-night fries with friends at Hwy 55, your teen’s schedule doesn’t slow down. That’s why forming habits that work in real life matters most.
Here’s how to help those good habits go the distance:
Make it easy to brush and go
Keep a small braces-care kit in their backpack or locker with a toothbrush, travel toothpaste, floss picks, and wax. Brushing after lunch can be as quick as a TikTok scroll.
Let tech do the nagging
Apps or reminders on their phone can prompt them to brush and swap elastics (or check in with their aligners).
Encourage ownership
Give them the freedom to choose fun toothbrush colors, flavored floss, or a cool case for their aligners. When it feels like theirs, they’re more likely to stay on top of it.
Build in rewards
Whether it’s a movie night or a pit stop for ice cream at Nancy Jo’s Homemade (after braces-friendly options, of course), small incentives help keep motivation up.
Coming up next: what to expect during check-ins and how to keep things on track between visits.
What to Expect at Check-Ins
Once braces routines are rolling, regular check-ins at McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton are like pit stops: quick, efficient, and surprisingly helpful. Dr. Matthew McNutt makes sure every visit keeps your teen’s smile moving in the right direction, whether it’s tightening a wire, swapping out colors, or celebrating progress with a high five.
Between visits, there’s still work to be done on the home front. Here’s how your teen can stay on track without breaking stride:
- Brushing after meals and before bed
- Flossing daily (yes, even with brackets!)
- Wearing rubber bands exactly as instructed
- Letting the office know right away if something feels off
Even when life gets hectic, small daily habits can make a big impact. And if something goes off track (like a broken bracket or skipped rubber bands), don’t stress. The team at McNutt Orthodontics is always here to help your teen bounce back and keep things moving forward.
Smiles in Progress, Clayton Style
Braces don’t have to put life on pause, especially not in a place like Clayton. With Dr. McNutt and the Tooth Mover Teams at McNutt Orthodontics in Clayton and Cary, your teen can take on treatment with confidence, snacks that make sense, and support that feels local. Book your free consultation today and help your teen smile through every stage of life!