More and more teens and young adults are discovering the many benefits of clear aligners. In fact, the lifestyle of the average teenager makes them great candidates for clear aligners! Traditional metal braces interfere with sports, healthy eating, socializing and other common teenage activities such as playing musical instruments. With clear aligners, not only is the treatment virtually invisible, the trays are also comfortable and removable, allowing teens to participate normally in their lives.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
A series of custom-made aligner trays is used to gradually shift your teen’s teeth into place. Each tray is designed to move just one tooth or one section of teeth at a time. Once the tray’s work is complete (typically every two weeks), we will exchange it for the next. Clear aligners can treat the same issues that traditional metal braces do such as overbites, crowding and other alignment problems.
Pain and Soreness
Because there are no brackets and wires, clear aligners do not cause significant pain or soreness. In some cases, patients feel temporary discomfort (pressure) for the first few days after switching trays. That pressure may be uncomfortable but is also a good sign that the trays are doing their job!
Caring for Clear Aligners
Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day. They should only be removed for cleaning, eating and drinking. To clean the trays, simply brush and rinse them each time you brush your teeth.
Treatment Time
Treatment time typically falls within the range of 9-16 months, and is dependent on full compliance with our instructions for use. For more information on the various invisible braces solution for teens, please give us a call! You may also want to visit Invisalign for more information.