Alternative to Braces for Teens Los Angeles, CA
For teens, clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Although traditional metal braces have been around for decades, clear aligners offer a virtually unnoticeable way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Clear aligners are a series of trays that fit tightly over teeth to move them gradually into alignment over time.
Clear aligners are available at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Our staff will help determine whether they are the right treatment for your teen. Call us at (310) 906-1300 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
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.”
A Time-Saving Treatment
Clear aligners can save patients time due to less frequent visits and a shorter overall treatment length. Patients can benefit from fewer visits and less time in the office. Other teeth straightening options such as braces can take more time and appointments. Braces usually require teens to have appointments about every four weeks to adjust their wires and check their progress.
In contrast, patients with clear aligners will receive the entire series of their trays at once and can switch them out at home. They will only need check-ups about every six weeks so we can check their progress. A BMC Oral Health study found that clear aligners had an advantage in shortened treatment duration over braces. The length of treatment will vary but takes 12-18 months on average. There is no risk for brackets or wires breaking, which can slow down the treatment process.
“Clear aligners can save patients time due to less frequent visits and a shorter overall treatment length.”
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. What are alternative orthodontic options?
Q. Are clear aligners a time-saving treatment?
Q. What are some clear aligner benefits?
Q. How long should I wear clear aligners?
Q. How should you care for clear aligners?
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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. Vatan Dental Group can help. Call us at 310-906-1300 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
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