The time spent as a teenager is very important – and busy! From school, to sports, social events, dating and more, teens have a lot on their plates. Some teens don’t want to add metal braces to the picture, and we understand that. While we think braces are not something to be ashamed of, we understand that our young patients have style preferences!
That’s why we offer Invisalign and Spark clear aligners for our awesome teen patients in Upstate South Carolina. You don’t have to change your style to perfect your smile! Here’s what you need to know about clear aligner treatment for teens:
Invisible Braces are cool!
Invisalign and Spark clear aligners are clear plastic aligners that are virtually undetectable when in place. They’re made of clear, smooth plastic material. You can wear clear aligners without your friends noticing!
These specialized teen clear aligners provide very predictable tooth movement, which can make treatment more comfortable, more precise, and more efficient than ever before.
Teens won’t have dietary restrictions with Clear Aligners.
With braces, there are certain dietary restrictions. Eating foods that are especially hard, chewy, crunchy or sticky can damage brackets and wires. With removable clear aligners, all of your teen’s favorite foods are still on the table! With clear aligners, you can simply remove them to eat your snacks and meals, drink beverages other than water, and to brush and floss your teeth. Clear aligners for teens are super convenient!
What is the Clear Aligner process like?
Clear aligners are a series of custom-designed, clear plastic trays that treat common orthodontic conditions, such as gapped teeth or spaced teeth, overbites, crowded teeth, underbites, crossbites and more. Clear aligners are practically invisible and able to completely cover all surfaces of the teeth. A teen will be required to wear a series of aligners that are changed every 1-2 weeks. Each one moves the teeth fractions of a millimeter. The aligners MUST be worn at least 22 hours a day for the prescribed time period. Failure to wear the aligners the prescribed amount of time will negatively affect tooth movement. With proper wear, clear aligners have been proven successful at moving a teen’s teeth into a predetermined and improved position.
How do the plastic aligners work?
The last clear plastic aligner used in the sequence doesn’t mean the teeth are in their final position. Should the teeth need more work, additional aligners can be ordered by an orthodontist to achieve the desired result. The amount of time required to put teeth in proper alignment may be anywhere from 6 to 24 months. The length of time will be based on the amount of movement needed by the teeth. This will be determined by the complexity and degree of the malocclusion.
Clear Aligners are comfortable.
Our teen patients often prefer the clear plastic aligners due to their custom comfort. The clear plastic aligners are individually made to fit your teeth and only your teeth. These types of aligners enable your teen to maintain their current active lifestyle, without giving up their favorite hobbies! Teens can play sports, engage in outdoor activities, play musical instruments and more. Thus there will be no disruptions in their life caused by wearing clear plastic aligners.
Clear Aligners look like your natural teeth!
The teen years are all about the social life! Many teenagers like how wearing clear plastic aligners provide a preferred cosmetic appearance. Clear plastic aligners provide them with an opportunity to have their teeth put into proper alignment without changing their appearance. Consequently, they can spend time with their friends and school – without feeling self-conscious.
Clear Aligners are easy to maintain.
Teenager patients prefer using clear plastic aligners because they are easier to care for. Clear plastic aligners can simply be removed to clean! Any type of food can be eaten without worrying about pieces getting stuck in their braces. Clear plastic aligners can be removed to ensure great oral hygiene throughout your treatment.
Still have questions about clear aligners for teens?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to guide you through your treatment process, from your very first visit, to your last appointment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Gaffney, Union, Duncan, West Spartanburg or East Spartanburg, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
