Jun 20, 2025

Help! My teen won’t wear their aligners - now what?

The struggle is real - and we get it! If you’re a parent navigating the world of clear aligners with your teen, chances are you’ve already heard a few familiar lines:

“I forgot to put them back in.” “They’re annoying at school.” “It’s just one day...”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

At SmileStyle Orthodontics, we see it all the time. Teenagers are balancing school, sport, social lives - and now aligners too. Compliance is a big part of Invisalign^® success, but it’s not always easy. The good news? There are plenty of ways to support your teen (without constant nagging) and help them stay on track.

Why aligner wear matters

Invisalign^® aligners are most effective when worn for 20–22 hours per day. Not hitting that target means slower progress, uncomfortable re-fitting, or even reversing previous movement.

But this isn’t about perfection. It’s about understanding why your teen might be struggling - and working with them to problem-solve.

Common reasons teens skip aligner wear

• Discomfort: New aligners can feel tight at first - especially during the first day of a new set.
• Embarrassment: Some teens worry about speaking or looking “different” at school.
• Forgetfulness: Let’s be honest - teens are busy. Forgetting to put them back in after meals happens.
• Lack of ownership: If treatment feels like something being “done to them,” motivation drops.

Our expert tips to boost compliance

1. Shift from policing to partnership

Instead of constant reminders, involve your teen in their progress. Show them what their smile is working toward - especially using 3D scans or before-and-after images.

2. Use tech to your advantage

At SmileStyle, we use Dental Monitoring - a powerful app that lets us (and your teen) track progress remotely using smartphone scans. It gamifies treatment in a subtle way, and many teens love the independence.

3. Choose the right timing

If your teen has big events (formals, sport trials, exams), we’ll help plan aligner changes to fit. Feeling like treatment fits around their life makes a huge difference.

4. Reframe the conversation

Aligners = freedom. Compared to fixed braces, Invisalign^® gives teens control over when and how they wear them. Highlight that flexibility as a benefit, not a burden.

5. Get support from us

Sometimes, it helps for advice to come from someone other than Mum or Dad. We regularly chat with teens at their appointments to troubleshoot and encourage.

What if they really can’t commit?

Not every teen is ready for clear aligners - and that’s okay. If consistent wear proves difficult, we may recommend clear or self-ligating braces instead. These still offer subtle aesthetics and excellent outcomes, but with less reliance on daily discipline.

We’ll always work with you to find the right option that matches your teen’s personality, lifestyle, and level of readiness.

Let’s work together

Teen orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to be a battle. At SmileStyle Orthodontics, we believe in empowering families with options, support, and solutions that actually work.

Whether your teen is thriving with their aligners or needs a little extra help, we’re here to guide you - without judgement, just experience.

Book a free consultation today and let’s get their smile back on track.