Alternative to Braces for Teens Solvang, 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 Catherine Streegan DMD, A Dental Corporation in Solvang and the surrounding area. Our staff will help determine whether they are the right treatment for your teen. Call us at (805) 686-2492 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Explore the Options
Clear aligners are one option for teens looking for a different type of orthodontic treatment. Teens can benefit from their aesthetic appearance and a more comfortable treatment experience. Compared to other orthodontic options, clear aligners also cause less pain and reduce the number and length of appointments.
With typical metal braces, teeth are moved to a new position using brackets with wires threaded through them. Clear aligners use a series of custom-molded trays that gently move the teeth into place. Patients will use each tray for a week or two before moving on to the next one in the series.
“Clear aligners use a series of custom-molded trays that gently move the teeth into place.”
Save Time Straightening
Teens with busy lives can benefit from clear aligners since they can save time from the straightening process. Braces require frequent office visits to replace or adjust wires. That can mean taking time off of school and other activities. Clear aligners require less frequent office visits to ensure treatment is progressing. Other than that, the patient can switch out their aligners at home.
In general, clear aligners also take less time overall to complete treatment. The one-piece trays provide force to all the teeth at once, while braces move each tooth individually. In some cases, clear aligners can trim as much as six months off the treatment time than traditional teen braces.
“Teens with busy lives can benefit from clear aligners since they can save time straightening.”
Feel Better, Look Better
One of the biggest differences between braces and clear aligners is their respective appearances. Many teens prefer the near-invisible design of clear aligners to the visible wires and brackets of metal braces. Clear aligners are less easy to detect, which can help teens feel less self-conscious and more positive about their appearance.
There is also flexibility with clear aligners that traditional braces do not possess. Clear aligners are removable, which allows teens to eat and drink whatever they want. Since they are removable, is it also easier to brush and floss teeth to maintain optimal oral health. Keeping braces clean often requires additional tools and can take a lot of extra time.
“Many teens prefer the near-invisible design of clear aligners to the visible wires and brackets of metal braces.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Alternative to Braces for Teens in Solvang, CA
Ease of Use
Clear aligners are a great option for physically active teens. Sports that require mouthguards like football can often damage metal braces and cause injury to the mouth's soft tissues. Clear aligners fit tightly to the teeth, so traditional mouth guards are more effective. If a patient forgets their mouthguard, the chances that the clear aligner will get damaged is much less than metal braces.
A teen can expect to wear their clear aligners for 20-22 hours a day. Since they're so easy to remove, it's also easy to forget to put them back in. Forgetting to wear the aligners for the required amount of time can slow down or even stop results.
“Are clear aligners a good idea for teens who play sports? How long do I need to wear clear aligners every day?”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is another orthodontic option other than braces?
Q. How do clear aligners save time straightening?
Q. What are the benefits of clear aligners?
Q. How do I take care of my clear aligners?
People Also Ask
Q. What age groups use Invisalign?
Q. How do clear aligners compare to traditional braces?
Q. What are the dietary restrictions with braces or Invisalign treatment?
Q. How often do I have to see a dental provider during my Invisalign treatment?
Q. How long will I have to wear Invisalign aligners?
Q. What are the different types of cosmetic dentistry treatments?
Taking Care of Aligners
While aligners are easy to take care of, they do require teens to be proactive about cleaning. Dirty aligners can accumulate bacteria, which can cause bad breath and harm oral health. Like teeth, teens should clean their clear aligners every day to keep the treatment process moving forward. Once they remove their aligners, patients should use warm water and a soft toothbrush to scrub the trays. Teens need to rinse their aligners with cold water every time they're removed and never leave them out in the open.
Ideally, patients should only remove their aligners to eat or drink. Teeth should then be brushed and flossed before patients put back their aligners to prevent food particles from becoming trapped in the tray. Forgetting this step can lead to tooth decay and other concerns. When taken care of properly, clear aligners are less likely to cause cavities or tooth damage. Clear aligner treatment also improves the patient's overall oral health since straight teeth are easier to clean thoroughly.
“While aligners are easy to take care of, they do require teens to be proactive about cleaning.”
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.
Scan here to view this page, Alternative to Braces for Teens, on mobile
Invisalign Terminology
Call Us Today
If your teen is looking for an alternative for braces, clear aligners are a great option. Catherine Streegan DMD, A Dental Corporation can help. Call us at 805-686-2492 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
About our business, license, and website security
- Catherine Streegan DMD, A Dental Corporation was established in 1992.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Santa Barbara County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Solvang
- CA (License #38136). View License Information and Specifics
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Catherine Streegan DMD, A Dental Corporation on mobile
Back to top of Alternative to Braces for Teens
Related Posts
Few People Will Notice You're Wearing Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are customized to the teeth of each individual patient. Invisalign is discreet, so few will know you are wearing aligners. Start straightening your smile with Invisalign today.Does Invisalign Really WorkAt Catherine Streegan DMD, A Dental Corporation in Solvang, we work to customize your treatment to match…
7 Reasons Patients Love Invisalign®
Our Solvang dental office loves Invisalign® — and not just us, but our patients, too. Invisalign® is such an incredible way to straighten your teeth and transform your smile. This treatment is becoming more and more popular, and it is easy to see why.#1 - The aligners are clear.Unlike metal braces that require a metal…
Invisalign Can Discreetly Straighten A Smile
By visiting an Invisalign dentist, patients can discreetly straighten their teeth with a series of clear aligners. Invisalign is removable for eating and cleaning as well. You can straighten your teeth without anyone noticing.Invisalign DentistAt Catherine Streegan DMD, A Dental Corporation in Solvang, we work to customize your treatment to match your needs and schedule…
4 Things You May Not Have Known About Clear Braces
Clear braces are transparent, which allows for a more discreet treatment process than with traditional metal braces. Many have heard about clear braces, but it is helpful to understand more about what they are exactly and who they are the most ideal for before deciding whether treatment is right for you.The more informed you are…
How Often Should You Get A Dental Cleaning?
Regular dental cleaning maintains or improves your oral health. For example, dentists include routine deep cleaning in long-term treatment plans for patients who live with gum disease. Dental cleaning is also important for smokers who have otherwise healthy teeth. This piece goes over the routine for dental cleaning.Dental practices prefer to offer first-line treatment rather…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Catherine Streegan DMD, A Dental Corporation on mobile