Braces-Free Smiles with Modern Alternatives
Clear aligners have become a popular choice for teens as an alternative to traditional metal braces. While metal braces have been effective for decades, clear aligners offer a discreet way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. These aligners are a series of trays that fit snugly over the teeth, gradually moving them into alignment over time.
At Legacy Dental, we provide clear aligners for patients in Cary and the surrounding areas. Our team will help determine if this treatment is suitable for your teen. Call us at (919) 859-5459 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Explore the Options
Invisalign is an innovative solution for teens seeking an alternative orthodontic treatment. They offer aesthetic appeal and a more comfortable experience compared to traditional methods. Clear aligners typically cause less pain and require fewer, shorter appointments.
Unlike traditional metal braces, which use brackets and wires to move teeth, clear aligners utilize a series of custom-molded trays that gently guide teeth into their new positions. Teens wear each tray for one to two weeks before progressing to the next one in the series.
"Clear aligners use a series of custom-fitted trays that gently shift the teeth into alignment."
Save Time Straightening
Teens with busy schedules can benefit from clear aligners, saving time during the straightening process. Traditional braces require frequent office visits for wire adjustments, often causing teens to miss school and other activities. In contrast, clear aligners necessitate fewer office visits to monitor progress, and patients can switch out their aligners at home.
Additionally, clear aligners generally shorten the overall treatment time. The one-piece trays apply force to all the teeth simultaneously, whereas braces move each tooth individually. In some cases, clear aligners can reduce the treatment duration by up to six months compared to traditional braces for teens.
"Teens with busy lives can benefit from clear aligners, as they save time during the straightening process."
Feel Better, Look Better
One of the most notable differences between braces and clear aligners is their appearance. Many teens prefer the nearly invisible design of clear aligners over the visible wires and brackets of metal braces. The subtle look of clear aligners can help teens feel less self-conscious and more confident in their appearance.
Clear aligners also offer flexibility that traditional braces lack. They are removable, allowing teens to eat and drink whatever they like without restrictions. This removability also makes it easier to brush and floss, helping maintain optimal oral health. In contrast, keeping braces clean often requires additional tools and extra time.
"Many teens prefer the nearly invisible design of clear aligners over the visible wires and brackets of metal braces."
Ease of Use
Clear aligners are an excellent option for physically active teens. In sports requiring mouthguards, like football, metal braces can often be damaged and cause injuries to the mouth's soft tissues. Clear aligners fit snugly over the teeth, allowing traditional mouthguards to be more effective. Additionally, if a patient forgets their mouthguard, the risk of damaging clear aligners is much lower than metal braces.
Teens should wear their clear aligners for 20-22 hours a day. However, their ease of removal makes it easy to forget to put them back in, which can slow down or even halt progress.
"Are clear aligners suitable for active teens engaged in sports? What is the recommended daily duration for wearing clear aligners?"
Taking Care of Aligners
While clear aligners are low maintenance, teens must be diligent about cleaning. Neglecting to clean aligners can lead to bacterial buildup, resulting in bad breath and potentially harm oral health. Teens must clean their clear aligners daily to ensure the treatment progresses smoothly. After removing the aligners, patients should gently brush them with warm water and a soft toothbrush. Additionally, aligners should be rinsed with cold water every time they're taken out and never left exposed.
Ideally, aligners should only be removed for eating or drinking. Afterward, teeth should be brushed and flossed before reinserting the aligners to prevent food particles from getting trapped. Failing to follow this routine can increase the risk of tooth decay and other issues. Properly maintained clear aligners are less likely to cause cavities or damage to teeth. Moreover, clear aligner treatment improves oral health, as straightened teeth are easier to clean thoroughly.
