It is common for many individuals to undergo orthodontic needs in their teenage years. Traditionally, many people would turn toward braces for their dental needs, but today, more individuals are choosing clear aligners or Invisalign treatment. Aligners have become one of the most popular treatment plans in modern orthodontics. They are a more discreet alternative to braces and are easier to care for. Below is a guide that will answer any questions you may have about our clear aligners and whether your teen’s smile is a good candidate for them.
A Parent’s Guide To Teen Orthodontic Treatment
Clear aligners are an orthodontic treatment that allow teeth to gradually shift by using a series of custom-made trays. Each tray is meant to be worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next set. Each set gently shifts teeth into the correct position. Aligners are a great option for teens for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons teens love our aligners is because of how discreet they are compared to braces. Parents love them because they correct issues without the need for constant appointments that traditionally come with having braces.
Are Teens Good Candidates For Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners can treat a number of different orthodontic issues that many teens experience. If your teen is experiencing crowding, gaps between teeth, or bite issues, aligners are a good option to quickly fix their alignment and dental issues. It is important to note that aligners are only an option if your teen has lost the majority of their baby teeth. Their adult permanent teeth are key to being able to safely proceed with aligner trays. They also need to wear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. This is the only way they will see results. If your teen struggles with routines, aligners may not be the right choice for them. They need to be dedicated and motivated to keep up with their dental treatment plan to see real results with their smile.
The Differences Between Invisalign And Traditional Braces
There are many differences between clear aligners and traditional braces. The biggest difference is that clear aligners are removable, and braces are not. Being able to remove trays is perfect if your teen has a special occasion they are preparing for and doesn’t want the look of braces. Aligner trays are also much more comfortable than braces. Braces rub against the inside of your mouth and tend to catch food. Our trays are smooth and lie gently against the inside of your mouth, so you have no discomfort. You also remove your trays when you eat. This will allow your teen to keep up with their oral hygiene more easily. One of the other big advantages of aligner trays is that they do not have any of the food restrictions that come with braces.
When You May Want To Consider Braces
There are a handful of reasons you may want to consider braces for your teen. If your teen has a complex dental issue, braces may be a better option to achieve the desired results. If they tend to be forgetful or you think they may struggle with leaving in trays for at least 22 hours a day, the ease of braces may be a better option for them. If you need more guidance, call us today, and an orthodontist can help answer any questions or concerns you may have.
The Benefits Of Clear Aligners For Teens
They Are Discreet And Nearly Invisble
One of the main reasons clear aligners are so popular is because of their appearance, or lack thereof. Our aligners are molded perfectly to each of your teeth. Our custom trays will sit perfectly on your teens teeth and practically disappear. This is perfect for kids who may feel self-conscious about braces and want a more subtle alternative.
They Are Comfortable
As stated above, our aligners are far more comfortable than traditional braces. Braces come with wires and abrasive brackets. Orthodontics has evolved significantly to allow us to create a system that works better for our young patients. Our trays are molded perfectly to your teeth, so they are snug and sit smoothly on your skin. This is especially loved by teens who play sports or instruments.
Trays Are Easy To Swap Out And Care For
Our aligners are removable and easy for teens to care for. Your teen will remove them for eating, brushing, and flossing. Not only does this make it easier for them to keep their teeth clear and have good oral hygiene, but they also don’t need to avoid certain foods during their treatment.
Your teen will receive a personalized treatment plan from our orthodontist. They will be instructed to wear a certain set of trays for a period of time before swapping them out for the next set in their treatment plan. This quick and easy swap will be done at home. You will get a series of trays all at once. This means fewer appointments and allows them to not miss any school, work, or after-school activities.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Most teens have to wear their aligner trays for six months to two years. Treatment plans are based on each case and the complexity of the adjustments needed. Many teenagers experience shorter treatment plans compared to adults. This is due to younger teeth being able to move more easily. Orthodontics plays an essential role in helping guide jaw development while your child is still growing. When teens are evaluated early on, it can help with their development and make it easier for their smile and bite to be perfect without complications down the line when they are adults.
The Challenges of Invisalign For Teens
The main challenge many people have with aligners is wearing them for 20 to 22 hours a day. You may have a teen who experiences slower progress due to their lack of commitment. If they remove them too frequently or forget to put them back in, their treatment will take longer, and they can run into complications with their treatment plan down the line. The other most common issue we find that teens have with aligners is misplacing them. Since they are removable and clear, there are times when some of our teens have accidentally misplaced or thrown away their trays, especially during lunch. Since we create every single tray in-house, we are able to quickly make replacements so your teen can get their treatment plan back on track as soon as possible.
Is Your Teen A Good Candidate?
Clear aligners can be a great orthodontic treatment for many teenagers. They can offer the comfort and convenience that traditional braces can’t match. If you are interested in finding out if your teen is a good candidate for aligner trays, contact Hutta Orthodontic Specialists today. An orthodontist will evaluate your teen’s smile to determine if our aligners are the right choice for them. Contact us today to set up a dental consultation appointment!