Are Clear Aligners the Right Choice for Your Teen’s Orthodontic Treatment?

Many individuals dream of having a perfect smile, but few have naturally straight teeth. Millions of Americans get orthodontic treatment yearly to straighten their teeth and improve their oral health. Traditional braces have been the standard treatment for many years, but now there are clear aligners that can be used instead. However, is this type of treatment appropriate for your child or teenager?

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional braces for straightening teeth. Instead of metal wires and brackets, clear aligners use a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays to gently shift teeth into their proper position.
 

An individual must wear aligners for at least 20 hours daily to achieve maximum effectiveness. Each aligner is worn for about three weeks before switching to the next one. The duration of aligner treatment varies depending on the severity of the case. Treatment can range from as little as three weeks to as long as six months. Overall, aligners offer a shorter treatment time than traditional braces.

Assess Your Teen’s Orthodontic Needs

Parents should assess their teens’ orthodontic needs to determine if clear aligners are right for them. Clear aligners can be a suitable choice to correct a variety of dental concerns, such as:
 

• Gapped teeth
   

• Crowded teeth
   

• Crooked teeth
   

• Overbite
   

• Underbite

Experts can create a complete and personalized treatment plan for individuals, starting from the initial consultation to the final result. They will provide an estimate of the duration of the treatment and how the patient’s smile will look once the treatment is completed.

Consider Your Teen’s Personality

When deciding whether clear aligners are the right choice for teens, it is essential to consider their personalities. While clear aligners offer predictable results in less time than traditional braces, they must be worn constantly to work effectively.
 

Unlike braces, aligners can be removed at any time, which means that your child must be responsible enough to wear them for at least 23 hours each day and clean them well. You should also consider whether your child can consistently make it to appointments every few weeks.
 

If your child is forgetful or prone to misplacing things, aligners may not be the best option. Ultimately, whether or not a patient wears their aligners as directed will affect how well their orthodontic treatment works. This is why it’s essential to think carefully about teens’ habits and personalities before making a decision.

A Flexible and Convenient Solution

Orthodontic treatments have come a long way. There are now solutions for every orthodontic case. Clear aligners are a flexible and convenient option to straighten teeth. They work well for those with mild to moderate orthodontic issues who can commit to wearing them consistently. But people with more complicated orthodontic problems or who aren’t likely to remember to wear or care for their aligners may be better off with traditional braces.
 

Are you unsure which orthodontic treatment is right for your teen? The experienced team of Tulane Family Dentistry in New Orleans, Louisiana, can help you make the right decision. Contact us today at (504) 226-5740 to schedule an appointment.