Alternative to Braces for Teens Fort Pierce, FL
Clear aligners are a popular alternative to braces for teens. This clear orthodontic device straightens teeth the same way as traditional braces but without brackets or wires. It is a great option for teens who want a straighter smile without visible orthodontic appliances that can make them feel self-conscious.
We provide clear aligners at Fort Pierce Smiles in Fort Pierce and the surrounding area. Our team can handle your teen's orthodontic needs. Call us today at (772) 232-7073 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Alternative Orthodontic Options
While metal braces are the traditional orthodontic option, teens now have alternative options to straighten their teeth. Clear aligners are a great option for teens who want to improve their smiles but are worried about how their peers will perceive their appearance. These clear trays fit easily into a teen's life without interrupting it.
They function the same way as traditional braces, applying gentle pressure to teeth to gradually move them into alignment. However, they consist of a flexible and clear plastic that allows teens to smile without brackets or wires getting in the way. These trays are also virtually invisible, so others may not even notice that they are wearing them.
“Clear aligners are a great option for teens who want to improve their smiles but are worried about how their peers will perceive their appearance.”
Save Time Straightening
Teens with busy lives can benefit from clear aligners since they can save time from the straightening process. Braces require frequent office visits to replace or adjust wires. That can mean taking time off of school and other activities. Clear aligners require less frequent office visits to ensure treatment is progressing. Other than that, the patient can switch out their aligners at home.
In general, clear aligners also take less time overall to complete treatment. The one-piece trays provide force to all the teeth at once, while braces move each tooth individually. In some cases, clear aligners can trim as much as six months off the treatment time than traditional teen braces.
“Teens with busy lives can benefit from clear aligners since they can save time straightening.”
Clear Aligner Benefits
Teens who choose clear aligners can benefit from increased self-esteem and ease of use. How a person feels about their teeth can greatly impact their contentment with their overall appearance. Orthodontic treatment can significantly increase people's mental health status and improve multidimensional attitudes towards body image, according to a 2018 study. Clear aligners are great for teens since they are virtually invisible when worn properly.
Another benefit of clear aligners is how easy they are to use. The trays are easy to put in and remove, which makes keeping them clean much easier. Teens can clean their teeth more easily than with braces since they do not have to brush around wires and brackets. They are also comfortable to wear since there are no sharp edges that can dig into gums.
“How a person feels about their teeth can greatly impact their contentment with their overall appearance.”
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How Long To Wear Clear Aligners
Clear aligner wearers should only remove their trays while eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, and playing sports. Our team recommends that teens who play contact sports, such as football and wrestling, remove their aligners and wear a protective mouthguard over their teeth. These preventative measures will help teens avoid biting through their trays while playing sports. It will also protect their mouth and reduce their risk of injury. As soon as the game is over, patients should insert their aligners back in their mouths.
While it is acceptable to remove aligners for those activities, it is important to ensure sufficient wear time to prevent treatment delays. To get the best results, teens must wear their aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. These clear trays can only work when they are in contact with teeth. Failure to wear them for long enough can result in delayed progression and a revised treatment timeline.
“Clear aligner wearers should only remove their trays while eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, and playing sports.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do clear aligners save time straightening?
Q. What are alternative orthodontic options?
Q. What are some clear aligner benefits?
Q. How long should I wear clear aligners?
Q. How should you care for clear aligners?
People Also Ask
Q. How do clear aligners compare to traditional braces?
Q. How often do I have to see a dental provider during my Invisalign treatment?
Q. What are the different types of cosmetic dentistry treatments?
Q. Is there commonality by age group?
Q. Are there any necessary dietary restrictions while wearing Invisalign?
Q. When can teens remove their Invisalign aligners?
Q. What is the duration of Invisalign treatment?
Q. What are some of the types of cosmetic dental treatments?
Caring for Clear Aligners
Properly caring for clear aligners is essential for teens to get the best results. When patients do not clean their devices well, it can result in discoloration and bacteria buildup. Staining and debris will cause odor and affect oral health and defeat the purpose of having a nearly-invisible orthodontic device. Fortunately, cleaning these devices is easy and only takes a few minutes each day.
A good cleaning routine includes rinsing the trays with lukewarm water and using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear liquid soap to brush inside and out. Teens should clean their aligners every time they brush and soak them at least once a day to keep them looking and functioning their best. Rinsing aligners after every removal will prevent plaque and dried salvia from building up.
“Teens should clean their aligners every time they brush and soak them at least once a day to keep them looking and functioning their best.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens after I finish clear aligner treatment?
A. After treatment, most people will receive a retainer. Retainers are important devices that prevent teeth from shifting back into the original position. Every patient is different, so it is important to speak to our orthodontist.
Q. What should I expect during my first appointment for clear aligners?
A. We will examine the patient's mouth to determine whether they are a good candidate during the initial appointment. Patients can also discuss their cosmetic goals with our team. If the patient is a good candidate, we may also start the digital molding process by taking digital scans, photographs, and X-rays to create an accurate model of their mouth and teeth.
Q. How long does it take to get my clear aligners?
A. The process of receiving clear aligners will usually take about three to four weeks. It takes this long because we must send the patient's information to the laboratory with notes about how the treatment should progress. This length may vary slightly depending on whether the virtual mold and the final projection of teeth movement require any changes.
Q. Is a retainer necessary after clear aligners?
A. Most patients will need to wear a retainer after any orthodontic treatment to keep teeth stable in their new positions. Each patient is different. We will determine the best course of action for each patient to produce optimal results.
Q. When are clear aligners not an option?
A. Clear aligners may not be the best option for people who have complicated oral health and severe alignment issues. It may not be appropriate for very young patients whose jaws and teeth are still growing and developing. We do not recommend them for people with gum disease, receding gums, or weakened bones. Our team will help determine what the best options are for each patient's particular situation.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Call Us Today
If your teen is looking for an alternative for braces, clear aligners are a great option. Fort Pierce Smiles can help. Call us at 772-232-7073 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business and website security
- Fort Pierce Smiles was established in 2023.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Fort Pierce, Fort Pierce South, White City, Fort Pierce North, St Lucie, Okeechobee, Hutchinson Island, and Vero Beach
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