Alternative to Braces for Teens
While metal braces are conspicuous, alternative braces designed for adolescents are discrete and practical. A few well-liked alternatives:
Invisalign consists of clear, detachable aligners that straighten teeth progressively. Adaptable and virtually imperceptible.
Brackets made of ceramic that are translucent or tooth-colored blend in with the teeth, reducing their visibility.
Lingual orthodontics are a discrete method of straightening the posterior teeth.
These options for orthodontic treatment vary in terms of discretion and effectiveness.
Explore the Options
When contemplating orthodontic treatment alternatives for adolescents, conventional metal braces are not the only option available; each of these alternatives offers a unique set of benefits:
Clear aligners, including Invisalign, are a category of transparent and detachable apparatus designed to gradually realign teeth while reducing their visibility. This feature provides flexibility and convenience.
Ceramic braces, composed of brackets that are either clear or tooth-colored, are more discrete in appearance than metal braces due to their ability to blend in with the teeth.
By means of discrete treatment alternatives involving the implantation of brackets behind the teeth, lingual braces realign the patient’s teeth in an efficient manner.
Self-ligating braces function through the replacement of elastic bands with specialised closures or clamps, which effectively reduce friction and the probability of experiencing discomfort.
Removable retainers, which are offered in transparent or coloured options, assist in the preservation of dental alignment subsequent to orthodontic treatment.
Save Time Straightening
Orthodontic treatment has many effective solutions for teeth straightening.
Invisalign and other clear aligners correct teeth discreetly and quickly, requiring fewer doctor visits than traditional braces.
Propel and AcceleDent use accelerated orthodontics to align teeth faster and remodel bone, shortening treatment time.
Orthodontists create personalised treatment plans. These strategies use cutting-edge technology and creative methods to get outcomes faster.
Early Intervention: Starting orthodontic treatment in adolescence, when the mandible is developing, may shorten therapy.
Taking Care of Aligners
Proper care of aligners like Invisalign enables optimal treatment and oral hygiene throughout orthodontics.
Follow these crucial steps:
To avoid plaque buildup, rinse aligners after each use and brush them with a gentle toothbrush.
Minimise coloured or sugary liquids while wearing aligners to avoid staining. When not drinking water, remove them.
To avoid loss or damage, store aligners in their case while not in use.
Oral hygiene: Brush and floss teeth before reinserting aligners to avoid bacteria buildup.
Read and follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing and caring for aligners, including the recommended daily time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do clear aligners work?
A. This alternative to traditional braces uses clear, removable trays to move teeth into their correct position. We will take a mold of the patient’s mouth and create custom-fitted trays according to their personalized treatment plan. Each tray will gradually shift the teeth into place.
Q. How comfortable are clear aligners?
A. Overall, clear aligners are very comfortable to wear. However, it is common to experience sensitivity once a patient moves onto the next aligner in the series. This discomfort signifies that the aligners are gently working to move teeth into the correct position. The more you wear them, the more comfortable they get.
Q. Will my speech be affected?
A. It does take some time to adjust to wearing clear aligners. Speech may be temporarily affected as the patient gets used to the trays. Some people report having a slight lisp while the tongue gets used to the appliance.
Q. How long does the process take?
A. Treatment time varies based on each patient’s orthodontic needs. However, most patients see final results within 12-18 months. That time frame can last longer if the patient does not wear their aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day.
Q. How often do I clean my aligners?
A. Aligners should be cleaned daily and rinsed out every time the patient removes them. They can be soaked in warm water and scrubbed with a soft toothbrush. Failure to clean the trays can result in a buildup of bacteria that can negatively harm teeth.
Invisalign® Terminology
Aligner Trays
With Invisalign® treatment, the patient will receive a series of aligner trays and swap out each one for the next one in the series every two weeks in order to gradually straighten the teeth.
Blue Compliance Indicator (Invisalign® Teen)
The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process.
ClinCheck® Software
ClinCheck® software allows professionals to map out the straightening process the patient’s teeth will go through with Invisalign® in great detail.
Gum Line
The gum line is the line in the mouth where the teeth and gums meet. If a patient struggles with gum recession, then the gum tissue around the teeth may begin to wear away.
Incisal Ridges
Incisal ridges are the portion of the crown of the tooth that makes up the incisal portion and can be a direct cause of overbite if they are extended too far.
iTero Element® Scanner
An iTero Element® scanner allows professionals to create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth in minutes and predict what it will take to move the teeth into proper alignment.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®.
Overbite
An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues.
Polyurethane Resin
Polyurethane Resin is a USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight compound that makes up the Invisalign® aligners.
SmartForce Attachments
SmartForce attachments are small attachments that professionals place on the patient’s teeth before placing aligners to help move the teeth.
Smart Track® Material
Smart Track® material is in Invisalign® aligners to increase comfort, improve control of movement, increases the speed of treatment and applies a gentle force to the teeth over time.
Smile-Scan
Smile-Scan analyzes the way a patient smiles by measuring the position of the mouth and eyes before giving a score.
Vivera® Retainers
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Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
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