Aligners for Teens: Candidates, Benefits, Traditional Braces Comparison & Treatment

Introduction to clear aligners for parents 

Clear aligners have come as a revolution in the field of orthodontics and have added a new dimension in the realm of correcting misaligned teeth. They are virtually planned, transparent devices that work by gently shifting teeth into proper alignment over time. They operate on the principle of controlled force. They are crafted from a durable, transparent material that offers a snug fit over your teens' teeth. You might be wondering why clear aligners are a preferred choice for many parents! That‘s purely because of the myriad of benefits they offer over traditional braces. One of the best advantages is that aligners provide a discreet way to enhance your teens' smiles, boosting their confidence throughout the treatment. The absence of wires and metal components eliminates the discomfort associated with traditional braces and makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene. The average treatment duration varies from individual to individual as it depends on how bad the misalignment is.

Can teens wear invisible aligners? Key considerations

Dental Age

While clear aligners are suitable for a wide age range, they are generally recommended for teens after the eruption of secondary molars. At this age, certain primary teeth (C, D, or E) or partially erupted permanent teeth (3, 4, 5) may be present in all the quadrants which contribute to aligner retention. 

Orthodontic issues addressed

Clear aligners can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, gaps, and bite misalignments. However, your orthodontist will be the best person to determine if aligners are the optimal choice for your teen after an in-depth assessment of his/her dental condition.

Candidacy evaluation

To determine if your teen is a candidate for clear aligners, a comprehensive evaluation needs to be carried out by your orthodontist. As a part of the assessment of alignment issues, digital scans are performed and the treatment goals are discussed with the parents. The overall readiness of the teen also plays an important role in the candidacy evaluation as patient compliance is extremely important for the success of the treatment with clear aligners. Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist today and find out if your teen is an ideal candidate for clear aligners.

Benefits of clear aligners for your teen

Aesthetics and confidence boost

As clear aligners are less noticeable, teens often feel good and more confident wearing them. Clear aligners offer a discreet orthodontic solution and prevent them from feeling insecure about a metallic smile.

Comfort and convenience

Unlike braces, clear aligners have no sharp wires or brackets that can cause discomfort. They are made out of smooth, plastic material that is virtually invisible. They fit snugly around the teeth and ensure a comfortable experience for your teens.

Oral hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is hassle-free with clear aligners. Since they can be removed for brushing and flossing, your teens will have no issues maintaining proper dental care.

No food restrictions

Orthodontic correction with braces comes with restrictive diets as hard or crunchy foods can break or bend the wire components attached to the teeth. Clear aligners eliminate the need for any restrictions on your teens’s diet. Your teens can enjoy his/her favorite foods without worrying about damaging brackets or wires.

Less time in the dentist's chair

Your teen may have a busy schedule owing to academics or extracurricular activities. With fewer in-person visits required when compared to traditional braces, clear aligners offer a more convenient orthodontic solution with minimal disruptions in your teen’s schedule.

Clear aligner journey (step-by-step)

Find an Eon Aligner doctor for the first consultation

After understanding the benefits that clear aligners can offer to your teens, all you need is to proceed to the next step: finding an Eon Aligner doctor. This initial consultation is crucial for assessing your teens's orthodontic needs and determining if clear aligners are the right choice.

Customized treatment plan

Following the consultation, your Eon Aligner doctor will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to address your teen's specific orthodontic issues. The plan will help you better understand the entire course of treatment and give you a fair idea of the number of aligner steps your teen would need to achieve the desired outcome.

Fitting and aligner wear

Once the treatment plan is finalized, your teen will receive a series of custom aligners. These aligners are designed to gradually shift the teeth into their desired positions. The Eon aligner doctor will guide your teen on how to insert and remove the aligners. 

Compliance and discipline

Patient compliance and dedication to wearing the aligners for the recommended hours per day are crucial to success. 

Monitoring progress

Regular check-ups with the Eon Aligner doctor allow for proper progress monitoring. During these visits, you can discuss any issues that your teens are facing while wearing clear aligners. Adjustments to the treatment plan may be made to ensure the desired results are achieved.

Retainers and post-treatment care

Upon completion of the aligner treatment, your teen may be required to wear retainers to maintain the newly aligned teeth. This phase of the treatment is as important as the teeth movement phase. Ensure that your teen wears the retainers as recommended by your orthodontist to prevent the movement of the teeth to their old positions.

Tips for success and parenting support

Encourage consistent wear

Consistency is essential for the success of clear aligner treatment. Owing to their age, teens may go off track or get distracted in the middle of their orthodontic journey. Encourage your teens to wear their aligners as prescribed by the orthodontist to achieve the best results.

Stress the importance of oral care

At times, teens may be reluctant to brush before going to bed. Remind your teens of the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and cleaning the aligners contribute to a healthy smile.

A good idea would be to prepare a hygiene kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a case for their aligners. Let your teens carry it to school or when they're away from home so that they can maintain oral hygiene with ease.

Handle discomfort

It's normal for your teens to experience some discomfort during the initial days of wearing a new set of aligners. Provide guidance on managing this discomfort and keep reassuring them that it's a temporary phase.

Schedule regular dental check-ups

In addition to orthodontic appointments, schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor overall oral health. This helps address any issues promptly and ensures a holistic approach to dental care.

Why choose Eon Aligner for your teen?

With a focus on comfort, aesthetics, and efficiency, Eon Aligner prioritizes the unique needs of teenagers undergoing orthodontic treatment. When it comes to teen orthodontic care, Eon Aligner stands out as a premier choice owing to its cutting-edge technology, customized treatment plans, and an incredible track record of successful outcomes.

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