Get a Straight Smile Without Braces

Straight teeth make your smile look great, but the process of getting straight teeth isn’t something everyone finds exciting. For a teen who has found out they need orthodontic care, metal braces are probably the first thing that comes to mind. They are the classic orthodontic solutions for children and teens, but they’re no longer the only option. 

Clear aligner systems can help teens get beautiful, straight smiles without drastically changing their appearance. Not only will you be able to skip the awkward braces phase, but you’ll also experience some really cool lifestyle and health benefits unique to clear aligner treatment.

Why clear aligners are awesome!

The major advantage of clear aligners is that they let you straighten your teeth without anyone really knowing.

Clear aligner systems were originally created with adults in mind, but it didn’t take long before orthodontists began offering them to their teenage patients. That’s because both adults and teens might feel hesitant to get orthodontic care if wearing braces is the only option. Clear aligners are the perfect alternative to braces because they are just as effective but don’t change a person’s overall appearance.

Looking nearly invisible isn’t the only reason clear aligners are cool. They have a lot of benefits for teens; for example:

• You can keep eating the foods you love; just remove your aligners before snacks and meals.
• You won’t experience sore lips, cheeks, or tongue because aligners are perfectly smooth and don’t have wires or brackets.
• You won’t have to change how you brush and floss.
• You can wear a wider range of mouthguards for sports since you can simply pop out your aligners before practice or a game.
• Treatment time with clear aligners is usually shorter than braces, especially for simple orthodontic cases.

Being able to easily remove and replace your aligners is a big reason why they have so many advantages. With braces, you’re stuck wearing them 24/7 until treatment is complete.

Who’s a candidate for clear aligners?

Clear aligners are great at straightening teeth and they have many benefits, but they aren’t the best choice for everyone.

You’ll need to see an orthodontist to find out if clear aligners will work for you. During your visit, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to see what’s happening under the surface.

There are certain things that clear aligners can’t fix. For example, if you have really small teeth, really big gaps, or teeth that need to be moved up or down, clear aligners probably won’t work. 

Your orthodontist will also talk to you about the responsibility of wearing clear aligners.

For clear aligners to work, you must wear them for at least 22 hours a day so you’ll need to be prepared for this responsibility. Even if you really want clear aligners, braces are probably the best choice if you know you tend to be forgetful.

What to expect during treatment?

If you, your orthodontist, and your parents agree to clear aligners, you’ll be able to begin treatment pretty quickly!

Your orthodontist will take some impressions of your teeth to create molds for your aligners. Using special computer software, a dental lab will create a set of aligners for you to wear. You’ll wear each aligner for about two weeks before moving to the next aligner in the series. 

It’s tough to say how long you’ll need to wear clear aligners, but most teens will be in treatment for about a year. Simpler cases will take less time, while more complicated ones could take 18 months or more. Your orthodontist will be able to give you more information during your consultation.

Follow these 4 important tips for successful treatment.

Clear aligners make straightening your teeth easy, but there are still a few things you need to do to keep your treatment plan on track and your teeth healthy.

1. Make sure you wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours daily.

Most clear aligner systems recommend wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily, but Dr. Leslie strongly encourages teens to aim for 22 hours. Not wearing your aligners for the recommended time can slow down your treatment time and cause other complications.

2. Always take out your aligners before eating or drinking anything but water.

You can drink water while wearing your aligners, but nothing else. Eating or drinking colored foods and drinks can risk staining your aligners, making them more visible. Always take them out and place them in a container or clean napkin before eating or drinking anything. 

3. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss daily.

Cavities are the worst! Make sure you take great care of your teeth to prevent tooth decay. Brush twice a day for two minutes, and it’s a good idea to also brush after meals before putting your aligners back in. If you can’t, swish your mouth thoroughly with clean water and follow up with a brushing when you get home.

4. After treatment is complete, wear your retainer to maintain your results.

After treatment, you’ll need to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their old positions. Even though wearing a retainer can feel like a bummer, remember that you won’t need to wear it all day forever. Follow your dentist’s instructions and you’ll have a straight smile for life.

Visit Dr. Leslie to see if clear aligners are the right choice for you.

If clear aligners sound like something you want to try, have your parents get in touch with Dr. Leslie for an orthodontic evaluation. You’ll be able to learn more about clear aligners and find out if they are a good option for your smile.

Your parents can schedule your appointment by calling The Tooth Doc’s Omaha, NE, office or booking online.