Teenagers lead busy lives, juggling school responsibilities, family activities, and fun outings. Due to this hectic schedule, frequent trips to the orthodontist for checkups and the discomfort of traditional braces can be discouraging.
That’s why it’s important for parents to consider alternative options like clear aligners when their child needs orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners offer a more comfortable and efficient solution compared to traditional braces.
Aligner Experts use the latest technology to help teens straighten their teeth without the hassle. Let’s find out more about clear aligners for teens in detail!
What are Clear Aligners for Teens?
Clear aligners for teens are made up of clear plastic and are custom-fit for your teeth. You wear these trays for most of the day, around 20 to 22 hours, taking them off for eating and brushing. Every two weeks, you switch to a new tray, and over time, your teeth gradually move into a straighter position.
On average, invisible braces for teenagers take about 12 months, but it can vary. Clear aligners for kids and teeth work well for both simple and complex dental issues, fixing things like crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
If you’re thinking about aligners for your child, it’s important to talk to an experienced orthodontist or dentist. Aligner Experts offers the best treatment in the heart of Chicago. Consult our aligner specialists to know if the aligner treatment is a good fit for your child.
How Aligners for Teens Treatment Works?
Getting clear aligners for teens is a straightforward process that starts with a consultation with an aligner specialist. During this initial visit, we will evaluate the teenager’s teeth and take digital scans through Casee to determine if clear aligners are the best treatment option for them.
Once it is established that clear aligners are suitable for the teen, a comprehensive treatment plan is created. This plan considers the teenager’s specific needs and goals for their smile transformation. The aligners are then custom-made to ensure a perfect fit, and we call the patient to deliver the aligner to the case, Casee, and hygiene kit. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks and gradually moves the teeth into the desired position.
The aligners apply gentle pressure on the teeth, causing them to shift over time. This process is repeated with each new set of aligners until the teeth have reached their final, desired position. The patients can come for virtual check-ins through the DentalMonitoring application and get periodic scans from the nearest Aligner Experts’ office to keep the treatment on track.
Benefits of Clear Aligners for Teens
From enhanced comfort and convenience to a confidence boost, aligners offer a range of benefits. Made of transparent materials, clear aligners from Aligner Experts provide a discreet and comfortable solution for straightening teeth, allowing teenagers to maintain confident smiles throughout the treatment process without the visibility of traditional metal braces.
Unlike braces, they are removable, granting teenagers the freedom to enjoy their favorite foods without the need for dietary restrictions. This flexibility ensures a hassle-free eating experience, a significant advantage over traditional braces. Their easy removal also allows the teens to uphold their usual oral hygiene routine without difficulty.
Furthermore, wearing clear aligners can significantly boost confidence. The sense of control and empowerment they provide during orthodontic treatment contributes to increased self-esteem among teenagers undergoing the process, positively impacting their overall well-being.
What to Expect During the Treatment Process?
Regular Check-Ups: Throughout the treatment process, your teen will have regular checkups with their orthodontist. The orthodontist will take digital scans using Casee to monitor their progress and make any necessary adjustments. Your orthodontist will assess their teeth and overall oral health and ensure that the treatment plan is on track.
Changing Aligners Every Few Weeks: Invisible braces for teenagers are switched every few weeks, gradually moving your teen’s teeth. As they progress, the aligners get tighter, indicating it’s time for the next set. Your teen must follow the schedule and wear the aligners as recommended.
Potential for Using Attachments or Elastics: In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend using attachments or elastics along with clear aligners for kids and teens. Attachments are small bumps on certain teeth, providing extra grip for the aligners. Elastics help with bite issues or aligning jaws, depending on your teen’s needs.
Tips for Making Aligner More Comfortable for Teens
If you’re wondering how to enhance comfort and maintain oral hygiene for teens using clear aligners, here are some practical tips to follow.
- A chewie is a small cylindrical rubbery device that is chewed on for a few minutes each day. By regularly using a chewie, teens can enhance the fit of their aligners, making them more comfortable to wear.
- Teens must wear their clear aligners for the recommended number of hours each day. Wearing aligners responsibly and consistently will not only help to align teeth effectively but also ensure greater comfort during the treatment process.
- Orthodontic wax is a clear wax made for dental use. Putting a small amount along the gum line can help reduce irritation on your gums, tongue, or lips.
- If the edges of your aligners feel rough against your tongue or cheek, you can use an emery board to gently smooth them out.
- Canker-X is a special ointment that can heal your mouth sores and canker sores. It has a numbing ingredient to ease any discomfort.
- If wearing clear aligners make your mouth dry, you can use Biotene mouth spray or XyliMelts lozenges to keep your mouth moisturized so you can talk comfortably.
- Some teens may experience mild discomfort or soreness when transitioning to a new set of aligners, which is normal. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like Advil can help with any pain or discomfort, especially during the first day or two of wearing a new set of aligners.
- Sticky or chewy foods can cause the aligners to become uncomfortable or even dislodge them. Encourage your teen to refrain from consuming foods like caramel, chewing gum, or taffy while wearing their aligners.
How to Care for Teens’ Aligners
Curious about how to take care of your teen’s clear aligners? Let’s explore the simple steps recommended by Aligner Experts to keep them clean and working well throughout the treatment process.
Oral Hygiene
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is vital when using clear aligners for teens. Remind your teen to brush their teeth after each meal and before putting the aligners back in their mouth. Food particles and plaque trapped between the aligners and teeth can lead to tooth decay and bad breath. Encourage them to floss regularly and rinse their aligners with lukewarm water to keep them clean.
Avoid Staining Substances
Some substances can stain or discolor clear aligners, compromising their aesthetic appeal. Advise your teen to avoid drinking colored beverages such as coffee, tea, or soda, especially when wearing the aligners. Additionally, they should remove the aligners before consuming any food to prevent them from getting stained.
Store the Aligners Properly
When your teen removes their aligners, it’s essential to store them correctly to avoid misplacing or damaging them. Encourage them to use the provided case whenever the aligners are not in their mouth. This will prevent accidental loss or breakage and keep the aligners hygienic.
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning the aligners regularly is a must. Instruct your teen to use a soft toothbrush and special aligner cleaner present in our hygiene kit to gently brush the aligners at least once a day. They should avoid using toothpaste or colored mouthwash, as these products can cause discoloration. Regular cleaning will keep the aligners fresh and free from bacteria buildup.
Conclusion
Clear aligners for teens are a great way to straighten their teeth conveniently. They make your smile look better, feel comfortable, and are easy to use. At Aligner Experts, we want to help your teen achieve a beautiful, straight smile with our clear aligner treatment. If you’re interested, schedule a meeting with our skilled team today. Let’s start the journey to a confident and healthy smile for your teen with clear aligners!
