Love is in the air, and so is showing up for someone through the good and the uncomfy of orthodontic treatment. It may be your partner navigating their smile tweak, your teen prepping for the school dance, or your kid dealing with their first adjustment; knowing how to help makes all the difference. 

If someone you care about is rocking LightForce braces or Invisalign, we’re here to add some more ideas to your support belt. 

What Their Journey Looks Like

Starting orthodontic treatment at any age is a big (and exciting) commitment. Your partner may feel a little self-conscious right when they start treatment. Your teen might stress a little about school photos. Your younger kid might be dealing with soreness and wondering why they can’t have fruit snacks anymore. 

This is where you come in. Your encouragement when they’re feeling less confident, your patience when softer food is asked for, and your support when they’re having a rough day show them that this treatment is worth it, especially in the end. 

Foods to Embrace (and Avoid)

While you don’t really need to watch what they eat with Invisalign (just make sure they take out their aligners), they may still have some soreness, so these braces-approved foods may make meals more enjoyable for everyone. 

Go-To Easy Breakfasts

Soft meals at breakfast can be as easy as they are fun! Try out making some fancy yogurt, pudding, or smoothies. By adding soft fruits like bananas, berries, or melons, the creative juices are always flowing (literally). You could even try creating an acai bowl, banana ice cream, or any of the smoothies in Dr. Sudit’s Pain in the Mouth cookbook! You soon will feel like you’re at a trendy Linden Hills brunch spot, think favorites like Tilia, Martina, Picnic, The Harriet Brasserie, or Cafe Cerès. 

Need Some Dinner Ideas?

Let’s start with soft pasta, rice, and soups. You’ve got so many options with this… Italian pasta dishes, pad thai, and if you’re on that protein kick, simple chicken and cooked veggies. Soft breads, tortillas, and steamed or roasted veggies are good options for those with braces. 

Don’t worry, parents with picky eaters, there’s a plethora of soft foods for your kids. You’ve got mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and of course, some chicken noodle soup.

Sweet Treats!

We aren’t promoting the sugary treats, but we know that sometimes life does call for dessert. These first couple could also help with soreness, and that is all we need to justify having a sweet treat. Ice cream, popsicles, and smoothies are always a hit. For special celebrations or a cozy night in, soft cookies, baked apples, or even cake are all safe to enjoy worry-free. 

Here’s a list of some no-go’s in the food department with braces:

• Hard candies
• Caramel and taffy
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Chewy gummy candies
• Corn on the cob
• Raw apples and carrots

If your meal includes something that could break a bracket, cut it up into small pieces or cook it down to make it softer for them. 

What to Say 

Trying to find the right thing to say? Here are a few examples you can have ready in your back pocket.

If they’re feeling a little low on confidence or just having an off day, try saying:

• “Your smile’s going to be incredible, just look at your progress in your at-home monitoring app!”
• “I’m proud of you for doing this for yourself. You deserve it.”
• “That color makes your eyes really pop!”
• “Want me to grab you a soft snack?”

Support By Age

Supporting Your Partner

Be patient! If they are wearing Invisalign, they will have to adjust to popping out their aligners before eating or drinking. Support them by letting them take their time and privacy. They will be a pro in no time with taking them in and out.

It takes time to get the new routine down or remember to keep ortho supplies on hand. Be your partner’s hero by keeping a small ortho kit with you in case they forget! If they’re feeling uncomfortable or have something stuck in their brackets, you’ll save the day by stepping in with what they need. 

Learn their routine and appointments. Mark the days when they may have to swap out their trays or have an adjustment appointment.  It’s an exciting moment for them, because progress is being made! It will mean a lot to have you cheering them on. 

Supporting Your Teen

Respect their independence and let them manage their own care, but check in regularly. 

Help them plan ahead for sports. If they’re on a sports team that’s pretty hands on, make sure they are ready to go with a mouth guard to keep things comfortable and secure.

Help your teen feel confident with their braces. Look up trending color combinations or complementary colors for their eye color. Braces aren’t just treatment… they’re an accessory! Pick a color combo that makes their smile (and eyes) shine.

Supporting Your Kid

Help them create a routine. Set reminders for brushing and swapping their rubber bands. Keep it consistent and something they can feel ownership of!

Pack their school bag smartly. Send some braces-friendly snacks to school. 

Celebrate progress during their treatment. Take pictures of the new color of bands they put on. When they reach halfway, make sure they know how good they’re doing. An ice cream party is a perfectly acceptable celebration ;)

Support is Always Key

Supporting someone through treatment means sharing in the excitement, offering encouragement on the tough days, and showing up with kindness through every phase. It’s not about perfection,  it’s about progress.

The braces may be temporary, but feeling supported, celebrated, and confident during the journey is what makes the biggest difference.