At Sandifer Orthodontics, we know beginning the smile journey is an exciting step as a teenager! This wonderful option of nearly undetectable aligners is perfect for your teen to work on their smile without straying too far from their comfort zone. We are here to provide a guide to clear aligners for teens to help them navigate what to expect during treatment.
What Are Clear Aligners?
A modern approach to straightening teeth, clear aligners can correctly position your teenager’s teeth without the use of braces. Sandifer Orthodontics is proud to specifically offer Invisalign. This treatment uses a series of clear, custom-made plastic trays that are changed each week to shift your teeth in the right direction slowly.
Invisalign Teen is a removable appliance that must stay in their mouth for 20-22 hours daily. It treats mild to severe orthodontic cases, including crowded teeth, bite issues, and general misalignment. They even have a small dot on the back of the trays that changes color, indicating how long they have been worn.
With the many advancements made in the orthodontic field, and notably with Invisalign, we can successfully predict exactly where your teen’s teeth will shift. The trays are custom-crafted based on that information, so we can make minor tweaks to achieve the best results. They can provide high-quality and lasting results that will allow your teen’s smile to thrive for a lifetime.
A Great Option For Teenagers
Known for being a subtle option, Invisalign allows teenagers an alternative to apparent braces with nearly invisible trays. They are a great way to boost self-esteem, with no one being able to notice you are going through orthodontic treatment. They allow for easy care throughout the school year when prepared with a small kit of the things you need.
Because the trays must stay in for the entire day outside of meals, your teen must be committed to making it a routine to wear them. Should the trays be taken out too long, it can disturb the treatment plan and require the aligners to be worn for an extended period. Our team believes it is an excellent opportunity to give your teen responsibility over their dental health!
Why Choose Clear Aligners Over Traditional Braces
Invisalign Teen is a perfect alternative for teenagers who want to avoid the process of metal braces and instead choose a more comfortable option that shifts your teeth just as effectively. Their elusive appearance allows image-conscious wearers to go about their day as usual without thinking about how the trays look on their teeth.
These aligners also do not carry any food restrictions during treatment, so your teen does not have to worry about their appliance breaking due to a hard cracker or sticky candy. It offers the flexibility and enjoyment of eating as usual while working towards a straight smile.
Invisalign Teen can do the same work as metal braces in less time. When worn for the appropriate amount of time throughout treatment, your teen’s smile can be completed in almost half the time traditional braces take.
What The Treatment Process Looks Like
Consultation
During your free consultation with Sandifer Orthodontics, we can discuss your teen’s oral concerns. If Dr. Sandifer determines Invisalign Teen as the best treatment to meet your smile goals, we can start scanning your teeth and custom-make your trays. We can then discuss your customized treatment plan using Invisalign Teen and talk through what the process will look like.
Treatment and Appointment Check-ins
Once the trays have been made and properly fitted, your teen will be on their way to beginning treatment! With this option, they will only need to come into the office every six to eight weeks for check-ins. These check-ins allow our team to ensure your teen’s teeth are moving in the right direction and they are using best practices to take care of their aligners.
Throughout treatment, your teen must remember to take out their trays before each meal. Before putting them back in, they need to thoroughly brush their teeth and ensure all small pieces of food are gone. Giving the trays a quick clean is also recommended if any plaque or bacteria is lingering. Any remnants of food left behind that get stuck after trays are placed back in your teen’s mouth can quickly lead to tooth decay, thus prolonging treatment time.
After Treatment Care
Depending on the case specifics, Invisalign Teen takes an average of 12-18 months to complete and reach your smile goals. Once treatment is completed, Dr. Sandifer will provide a retainer for your teen to wear each night to maintain the work accomplished toward your straight smile. Maintaining regular oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing every night, can ensure your teeth stay in the best condition.
Prepare For Care During The Day
When your teen is out and about during the day or at school, we recommend they keep a travel-size kit of items with them to care for their trays during the day properly. As mentioned, a toothbrush and toothpaste are a must-have as teeth need to be cleaned before the trays are placed back in their mouth after a meal. When unable to brush out pesky food pieces, we recommend having floss ready to remove it more precisely. Mouthwash can also be packed to handle any breath issues, but trays must be removed before use.
Begin Your Teen’s Smile Journey Today!
Nothing makes Dr. Sandifer and our team happier than seeing a teen beaming with a brand-new smile! If your teen is interested in learning more about clear aligners, feel free to give Sandifer Orthodontics a call at 601-993-1392 to schedule your free consultation today! Our office is proud to serve Jackson, Brandon, and the surrounding communities.