If you’re a parent of a teen, you know just how important it is to make sure that their teeth are healthy and look great. That’s why clear aligners might be the perfect choice for your teen.
While traditional braces will always be an excellent option for straightening teeth, clear aligners offer a discreet option to straighten teeth. Some teens prefer clear aligners because they don’t want to draw attention to their treatment.
Let’s dive in and look at what exactly clear aligners are and how they can help your teen achieve a straighter, healthier smile.
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are a modern, removable orthodontic treatment that creates beautiful smiles. They are thin, comfortable aligners that fit snugly over your teen’s teeth and gently shift them into place. With clear aligners, there are no wires or brackets, so they are barely noticeable during treatment. Because clear aligners are removable, you can eat and drink what you like while undergoing treatment.
Clear aligners have been around for a while, but recent technological advances have made them even better. They are now more comfortable and easier to wear than ever before. The technology also allows for better progress tracking and more precise treatment plans.
Benefits of Getting Clear Aligners
For teens, clear aligners can make a world of difference in their self-esteem and confidence. Teeth alignment creates an attractive smile and promotes healthy teeth and gums. Clear aligners make it easier for teens to participate in sports or music activities. Clear aligners’ smooth, comfortable fit makes it possible to speak clearly and without lisping.
Invisalign Teen aligners are created with the same Invisalign technology seen in adult patients, but with a few additional features that have been developed with teenagers in mind.
Special features of Invisalign Teen include:
Special features designed to accommodate the eruption of adult teeth include canines, second premolar, and second molars.
Is There Ever a Time Where Metal Braces Are More Effective?
In some cases, metal braces may be the more effective way to treat specific orthodontic issues. For example, clear aligners may not correct the issue if your teen has an overbite or underbite. In these cases, traditional braces may be needed. However, clear aligners are a great alternative to metal braces and can treat most orthodontic issues. Sometimes people start with metal braces and switch to clear aligners for the final stage of treatment.
Clear aligners may be ideal for straightening your teen’s teeth, so talk to your orthodontist to see if this option is right for them. A consultation is the best way to determine if clear aligners or metal braces are ideal. Both options are highly effective in creating beautiful, healthy smiles, and your orthodontist can help you decide which is suitable for your teen.
Custom-made aligners
Clear aligners are custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly. These aligners are designed based on a 3D scan of your teeth and bite. The 3D scan allows your orthodontist to create a tailored plan for your teen’s teeth.
You will be provided with a series of aligners that are changed every two or three weeks to gradually move your teeth into their desired position. Your orthodontist will provide a treatment plan outlining when you should wear your aligners and how long.
For example, you may need to wear your aligners for 20 hours a day but can take them out when eating, drinking, or playing sports. Every two weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners that further adjusts your teeth.
Properly caring for Clear Aligners
It’s important to take proper care of your clear aligners to get the best results. After each meal, brush and floss your teeth, then rinse and brush your aligners with toothpaste or a clear aligner cleanser. Store them in their protective case when you’re not wearing them. Your orthodontist can provide more detailed information on properly caring for your clear aligners.
Learn more about clear aligners for teens today!
At About Faces and Braces, we believe you deserve the best orthodontic treatment available. That’s why we offer clear aligners for teens to get the perfect smile. Contact us today to learn more about how our clear aligners can help your teen get the beautiful smile they deserve.