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The aesthetic treatment of choice among teenagers, it is clear to Selden Orthodontics that clear aligners are here to stay. Thanks to ever-advancing technology, it has had a transformative impact on realigning smiles. We strive to provide our patients with the latest advancements in orthodontic care so you can achieve your brand-new smile in no time. Our team is here to provide a comprehensive guide to clear aligners for teens so you begin treatment with confidence.
The Fundamentals of Clear Aligners
How They Align Your Teeth
Revolutionizing the realignment experience, clear aligners are a state-of-the-art tool for fixing mild to moderate dental issues such as crowded or gapped teeth, overbites, underbites, and much more. Selden Orthodontics is proud to offer Invisalign to our patients as our clear aligner option. It provides a nearly invisible appearance and treatment without dramatically changing your appearance.
This treatment option consists of a series of custom-made plastic trays gently pushing your teeth in the correct direction. They must be switched out every two weeks to allow them to reach the final alignment. With the help of a specialized digital program, Dr. Selden and our team can predict precisely how your teeth will shift during treatment and make minute changes to each of your trays as necessary.
A Great Option For Teenagers
This is a perfect opportunity for teenagers to showcase their responsibility by sticking to the routine Invisalign necessitates for proper results. You must leave your trays in for 20-22 hours each day to achieve the smile goals you are after, only taking them out between meals.
Each Step of the Treatment Process
Free Consultation
During your initial examination, Dr. Selden and one of our orthodontic treatment coordinators will comprehensively examine your teeth to understand your orthodontic needs better. He will point out areas of your teeth that require treatment and discuss what is recommended to be done.
If Dr. Selden decides Invisalign will be the most effective treatment option for you, he takes both an x-ray and digital images referenced to design your trays. Your trays are tweaked to be as custom as possible for efficient treatment. Our team will walk you through everything you can expect during the process and answer your questions and concerns.
Maintaining and Monitoring Progress
Once we are finished designing your trays, we can begin your treatment! With clear aligners, you only need to come into the office every six to eight weeks for check-ins. These check-ins allow our team to ensure your teeth are moving in the right direction and make any adjustments to your trays as necessary. Every two weeks or so, you must remember to switch out your trays so your teeth continue shifting toward optimal alignment.
One of the most critical steps in maintaining your progress is upholding regular dental hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing your teeth daily. Keeping your teeth clean protects them from experiencing any emergencies that will prolong your smile goals. You can expect the realignment process to take an average of 9 to 15 months.
Preserving Your Perfect Smile
Once Dr. Selden has fine-tuned your teeth for optimal alignment, congratulations! You have reached the end of your treatment with us. Work may be finished in our office, but keeping your teeth in position is up to you. Selden Orthodontics will provide you with a retainer to wear as Dr. Selden prescribes.
Keeping Your Aligners Clean During the Day
We don’t expect you to always be at home during treatment. Whether at school or hanging out with friends, Selden Orthodontics suggests you hold onto a small care kit of essentials to keep your teeth and clear aligners in perfect shape throughout the day.
Keep a toothbrush and paste at the top of your bag to clean your teeth and aligners between meals. It may be tempting to skip this step, but ensuring all leftover pieces are out of your mouth before returning your trays to their place can save you from suffering through quick-acting tooth decay.
When unable to brush out pesky food pieces, bring some floss to remove it more precisely. A water bottle can also be handy for a quick rinse and to naturally rid your mouth of plaque on your teeth. Mouthwash can also be packed to handle breath issues, but trays must be removed before use.
What Sets Clear Aligners Apart From Other Options
You Can Continue Your Regular Eating Habits
There is no risk involved in breaking your aligners when eating because they must be removed during meals in the first place. They offer the flexibility and enjoyment of eating as usual while working towards a straight smile. You have free reign as long as you remember to take your trays out before eating and put them straight back in after your post-meal clean-up to ensure your teeth continue to shift according to schedule.
Less Friction
Some patients with metal braces experience irritation on their gums and lips caused by the friction of their appliance, disrupting their daily routine. Invisalign, however, is made of plastic and nearly eliminates the possibility of gum sores and other complications caused by friction—no need to worry about uncomfortable wires prodding at your mouth.
Simple Dental Health
Clear aligners are removable appliances that do not use brackets or wires that cover your teeth. This convenience allows for a more comfortable treatment experience and enables you to care for your dental health much more easily. You can save money by not needing to go through dozens of toothbrushes worn down by the abrasiveness of traditional braces and instead continue brushing and flossing your teeth as usual.
Unlock Your Straightened Smile With Clear Aligners!
Our practice’s top priority is ensuring a comfortable and fun experience while accomplishing your smile goals with Selden Orthodontics. If you believe Invisalign may be the right appliance for you, our team will be happy to discuss your care options during a free consultation. Contact our Charlotte or Huntersville office to schedule an appointment today!
