Teen years can be unpredictable—between homework, sports, and social plans, it’s easy to overlook what’s going on with your teen’s smile. In Lake Oswego, families turn to Dr. Delplanche and the team at Delplanche Orthodontics for thoughtful, local care that fits right into a teen’s busy schedule. Let’s take a closer look at when orthodontic care might make sense for your teen and what to expect if treatment is needed!
When Your Teen Might Need Orthodontic Treatment
Some orthodontic issues are easy to spot—others take a trained eye. Still, there are a few common clues that it might be time to schedule a visit with Dr. Delplanche at Delplanche Orthodontics in Lake Oswego. If your teen mentions these concerns (or if you’ve noticed them yourself), it’s worth having them checked out:
- Teeth that appear crowded or spaced far apart
- Complaints about difficulty chewing or biting
- Jaw tension, especially after meals or talking
- Audible clicking or popping in the jaw
- Speech concerns that weren’t present before
- Teeth that don’t seem to touch evenly when biting down
Even subtle changes can hint at a growing issue, and an early evaluation can help avoid more complicated treatment down the road. Next, let’s explore what options are available for teens once treatment is recommended.
Treatment Options That Fit a Teen’s Lifestyle
Just like every teen has their own style, their smile deserves an approach that fits. That’s why Dr. Delplanche and the team at Delplanche Orthodontics offer a range of solutions designed to match different needs, preferences, and routines. From the hallways of Lake Oswego High to the stage at Lakewood Center for the Arts, teens can straighten their teeth without disrupting their routine.
Metal Braces
These aren’t the braces you remember. Today’s metal braces are sleeker, lower-profile, and more comfortable than ever. With colorful band choices, they can even show off school pride during football season at Lakeridge.
Clear Braces
Made with ceramic materials that blend with your natural tooth color, clear braces offer a more subtle look with the strength of traditional brackets.
Invisalign® for Teens
A popular choice in Lake Oswego, these removable trays offer near-invisibility and flexibility. Teens can remove them to eat, brush, or perform in a school play, making them a favorite for active students.
Each option is tailored during a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Delplanche, ensuring that your teen’s treatment fits both their goals and their day-to-day life. Up next, let’s talk about how orthodontics can help teens stay confident during a time of so much change.
Confidence in the Classroom and Beyond
Orthodontic care can do more than adjust spacing or bite issues, it can ensure teens feel more self-assured every day. From classroom presentations to hanging out at George Rogers Park, confidence matters. The team at Delplanche Orthodontics supports that confidence by making the treatment approachable, flexible, and effective.
Why Confidence Counts During Treatment
- Social Comfort: Teens are often self-conscious about how they look. Low-visibility options like Invisalign® or clear braces help them feel more comfortable in group settings.
- Classroom Presence: Whether answering questions or giving a speech, feeling good about their smile can make teens more likely to speak up.
- Photos, Sports, and Stage: School photos, theater productions, and varsity games—all moments where confidence and comfort matter.
How Delplanche Orthodontics Supports Teen Confidence
- Treatment plans are designed around lifestyle and personal goals
- Options that allow for flexibility during sports, performances, and events
- A local team that’s built strong connections in the Lake Oswego community
With the right plan in place, orthodontic care becomes one more thing your teen feels good about. Next, let’s review what to expect during the first visit.
What to Expect at the First Visit
Starting orthodontic treatment can feel like a big step, but the first appointment is more about learning than doing. Teens (and parents) will get a chance to meet the team at Delplanche Orthodontics, ask questions, and get a clear idea of what the process looks like from start to finish.
Here’s what typically happens at your teen’s first appointment:
Digital Imaging
Using tools like the iTero Digital Scanner, the team creates a 3D model of your teen’s teeth—no goopy impressions or awkward trays.
Comprehensive Evaluation
Dr. Delplanche examines bite, spacing, jaw function, and overall dental development.
Treatment Planning
Based on what’s seen in the scan and exam, Dr. Delplanche presents options tailored to your teen’s needs and preferences.
Q&A Time
You’ll have the chance to ask about treatment timelines, costs, and any concerns you or your teen may have.
The goal is to leave the office with a plan that feels comfortable, realistic, and right for your teen. Next, let’s look at how orthodontic care fits into daily routines—and how teens can stay consistent with treatment.
Keeping Treatment on Track
Once braces or aligners are in place, the real work begins—but it doesn’t have to slow your teen down. Here’s how teens can manage treatment effectively while keeping up with daily activities:
Stick to the Schedule
Aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day, and braces require consistent care. Setting reminders or tying habits to daily routines (like brushing after breakfast) helps keep everything on track.
Protect Your Gear
For teens involved in sports at Lakeridge High or community leagues at Hazelia Field, wearing a mouthguard is a must, especially if they’re in braces.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Brushing and flossing are even more important during treatment. Carrying a travel toothbrush or using floss picks after lunch can make a big difference.
Check In Regularly
Appointments with Dr. Delplanche are usually every 8–12 weeks, keeping progress moving and giving the team a chance to make any needed adjustments.
With consistent habits and support from a trusted local orthodontist like Dr. Delplanche, teens in Lake Oswego can move through treatment with confidence and convenience.
Orthodontic Care That Supports Every Milestone
Teen years are full of changes—but with the right orthodontic care, a confident smile doesn’t have to be one of them. Dr. Delplanche and the team at Delplanche Orthodontics are here to make treatment easy, personalized, and right around the corner for families in Lake Oswego and Beaverton. Book your free consultation and take the first step toward a smile your teen will be proud to show off—on stage, at school, and everywhere in between!