Alternative to Braces for Teens
Get a perfect smile without braces with our new options.
Clear aligners are a popular choice for teens looking to straighten their teeth without the visibility of traditional metal braces. At Cedar Grove Dental Group, we offer clear aligners as a discreet way to achieve a healthier smile. Our staff can help determine if clear aligners are the right treatment for your teen. Contact us at (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment or inquire about our services.
Explore the Options
Clear aligners offer teens a more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable orthodontic treatment option compared to traditional metal braces. These custom-molded trays gently move the teeth into place, reducing pain and the need for frequent appointments. Patients simply switch to a new tray every week or two until their treatment is complete.
“Clear aligners use a series of custom-molded trays that gently move the teeth into place.”
Save Time Straightening
Teens leading busy lives can benefit from clear aligners as they can save time during the straightening process. Unlike braces, which require frequent office visits for wire replacements or adjustments, clear aligners need fewer visits to monitor progress. Additionally, patients can switch out their aligners at home. Overall, clear aligners typically take less time to complete treatment compared to traditional braces. The one-piece trays apply force to all teeth simultaneously, while braces move each tooth individually. In certain cases, clear aligners can shorten treatment time by up to six months for teens.
“Teens with busy lives can benefit from clear aligners since they can save time straightening.”
Feel Better, Look Better
Clear aligners are a popular choice among teens due to their nearly invisible appearance compared to traditional metal braces. This design allows teens to feel less self-conscious and more positive about their appearance. Additionally, clear aligners offer flexibility that braces do not have. They are removable, making it easier to eat, drink, brush, and floss teeth for optimal oral health. Maintaining clear aligners is much simpler compared to the additional tools and time required for keeping braces clean.
“Many teens prefer the near-invisible design of clear aligners to the visible wires and brackets of metal braces.”
Ease of Use
Clear aligners are a great choice for active teenagers, especially those involved in sports that require mouthguards like football. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners fit snugly to the teeth, making traditional mouthguards more effective and reducing the risk of damage to the aligners. Additionally, if a patient forgets their mouthguard, clear aligners are less likely to be damaged compared to metal braces.
Teens wearing clear aligners should expect to wear them for 20-22 hours a day. However, because they are easy to remove, it can be easy to forget to put them back in. Failing to wear the aligners for the recommended amount of time can slow down or even halt progress towards achieving desired results.
“Are clear aligners a good idea for teens who play sports? How long do I need to wear clear aligners every day?”
Taking Care of Aligners
It is important for teens to be proactive about cleaning their aligners to prevent bacteria buildup, bad breath, and harm to oral health. Aligners should be cleaned daily with warm water and a soft toothbrush, and rinsed with cold water every time they are removed. It is recommended to only remove aligners for eating or drinking, and to brush and floss teeth before putting them back in to prevent food particles from getting trapped. Proper care of clear aligners can help prevent cavities and tooth damage, and improve overall oral health by making it easier to clean teeth thoroughly.
