Clear aligners are the perfect way to help your teen get a beautiful smile without having metal braces. Invisalign Teen aligners are created using the same advanced technology as adult patients, but with a few special features designed specifically for teenagers. These clear aligners are custom-made to fit perfectly and move teeth gradually into their desired position.
What Are the Benefits of Clear Aligners for Teens?
Clear aligners offer many advantages over traditional metal braces, including:
• Comfort – Clear aligners are smooth and comfortable to wear and won’t cause mouth abrasions as metal braces can.
• Discreetness – With clear aligners, your teen can get the smile they want without anyone noticing.
• Eating and Drinking – Unlike metal braces, aligners are completely removable, so there are no concerns about food getting stuck in the teeth.
• Convenience – Clear aligners don’t require multiple trips to the dentist, and they can be removed for special occasions.
• Oral Hygiene – Because the aligners are removable, your teen won’t have difficulty brushing and flossing their teeth as normal.
What Types of Orthodontic Issues Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Clear aligners are an effective way to treat many orthodontic issues, such as:
Crowding
Teeth that are too close together can be easily straightened with aligners. This will help improve their overall smile and make it easier to brush and floss.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth too much, making it difficult to bite down properly. Aligners gently move the upper teeth back into their proper position.
Gaps
Aligners can close gaps between teeth and create an even smile.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when the upper and lower teeth don’t line up correctly. Aligners can be used to move the teeth back in the correct position, improving your teen’s smile and bite.
Spacing
If your teen has gaps between their teeth, aligners can be used to gradually fill in the spaces and create a more even smile.
Overbite
Aligners can be used to guide the lower jaw backward, correcting an overbite gently.
Underbite
Underbite occurs when the lower jaw protrudes forward, causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth. Clear aligners move the lower jaw back into its proper position.
How Does Clear Aligner Treatment Work?
Clear aligner treatment usually takes 1-2 years and often includes two stages. The first stage is the “active” stage, where your teen is wearing the aligners most of the day and should be switching to a new set of aligners every two weeks. After the corrective process, your teeth must remain stable in their new positions – that’s where a retainer comes into play. Every night you are required to wear it while you sleep to maintain the results gained from treatment.
Caring for Clear Aligners
Caring for your aligners is essential to get the best results from treatment. After each meal, brush and floss your teeth before brushing the aligners with toothpaste or a clear aligner cleanser. Store them in their protective case when not in use. Dr. Dimarzio and Dr. Marczak can provide more detailed information on properly caring for your clear aligners.
Other tips for cleaning aligners effectively
• Rinse the aligners with cold water before cleaning them.
• Use a soft toothbrush to remove any plaque or debris on the aligners.
• Soak aligners overnight in a denture cleaner or clear aligner cleanser to keep them fresh and clean.
• Avoid using hot water or other harsh cleaning chemicals to clean the aligners.
Why Should You Avoid Hot Water
Hot water can cause the material of the aligners to warp, which can damage them and cause treatment to be less effective. Therefore it is important to avoid using hot water when cleaning your clear aligners. Opt for lukewarm or cold water instead. This will help ensure the aligners stay in their correct shape and don’t cause any damage to your teeth.
Start Your Teen’s Clear Aligner Journey Today!
At DiMarzio Orthodontics, we understand the importance of having a beautiful smile. That’s why we offer clear aligners for teens to get the perfect smile without metal braces. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how our clear aligners can help your teen get the beautiful smile they deserve.