Traditional braces and teenagers are frequently associated, but there’s another excellent alternative that often goes undiscussed. Ventura County Orthodontics can give you all the information you need to know to decide: Are clear aligners right for your child?
How They Work
Before we cover what makes our 3M Clarity Aligners special, let’s go over what the typical process for treatment looks like.
- Initial Consult: Your teen’s orthodontic journey starts with a consultation at our office led by Dr. Lee. During this meeting, they can share their goals and concerns, and together, we’ll evaluate whether clear aligner treatment aligns with your needs.
- Digital Scanning: Employing cutting-edge 3D scanning technology, we’ll generate a precise digital representation of your teen’s teeth.
- Treatment Plan: This digital model will be used to devise a personalized treatment strategy tailored to their specific requirements and desired outcomes. This plan visualizes the required teeth adjustments and determines the number of aligners necessary.
- Fabrication: Following this treatment blueprint being made, a series of custom aligners will be meticulously crafted. Each aligner is engineered to gradually shift the patient’s teeth towards optimal alignment.
- Fitting: During their fitting session at our office, your child will receive their initial set of aligners. We’ll ensure they fit snugly and provide comprehensive guidance on their proper maintenance and usage.
- Wearing the Aligners: The patient will wear each set of aligners for approximately 1-2 weeks, adhering to the prescribed schedule established by our team. This facilitates steady progress towards achieving their desired tooth alignment.
- Progress Checkups: Throughout their treatment trajectory, they will attend scheduled checkup appointments at Ventura County Orthodontics to assess progress. Additional aligners will be given as needed to propel treatment forward.
- Refinements: In certain cases, adjustments might be needed along the way. Should this be necessary, we’ll design supplementary sets of aligners to address any residual tooth movements.
- Retention: Upon completing your treatment, your teen will transition to wearing retainers to preserve the newfound alignment of their teeth and avert potential regression. Consistent retainer usage is crucial for sustaining long-term success and preserving their new smile.
Some Benefits of Clear Aligners for Teens
There are lots of advantages to this method of treatment for teenage patients. Here are some of the main ones:
- Aesthetic Appeal: One of the primary reasons individuals opt for clear aligners is their near invisibility—making them almost imperceptible. For teens, this feature holds particular significance. Given social norms and the importance of appearance during adolescence, boosting self-esteem can significantly contribute to overall growth and development.
- Convenient Maintenance: 3M Clarity Aligners can be effortlessly removed for brushing and flossing, streamlining oral care routines. Moreover, they necessitate fewer office visits compared to traditional braces, minimizing the frequency of adjustments required.
- Comfort: Custom-fitted to the wearer’s mouth, clear aligners offer exceptional comfort. Additionally, their dynamic design allows for swift removal in uncomfortable or risky situations.
- Predictable Results: 3M Clarity Aligners treatment provides a clear, visible method for teeth alignment from the get-go. Leveraging digital technology, teens can track their treatment progress in real-time, fostering motivation and encouragement throughout the process.
- Dietary Freedom: Unlike conventional braces, clear aligners are removable, granting patients the freedom to indulge in their favorite foods without constraints. Simply remove the aligners before eating and ensure proper oral hygiene afterward.
- Replacement Policy: Our 3M Clarity Aligners offer added convenience through a policy that includes six free replacement aligners in the event of loss or damage. This provision offers peace of mind for both patients and parents, ensuring uninterrupted treatment progress.
Treatment FAQs
Here is some additional information that may assist both parents and teens interested in 3M Clarity Aligners:
Q: Can my teen still play sports and instruments?
A: Absolutely! That’s one of the major advantages of this approach. Aligners can be removed for short periods each day as long as they’re worn for at least 20-22 hours.
Q: Will the aligners affect their speech?
A: Initially, there may be some impact on speech, but consistent practice typically resolves this issue over time. Most individuals adapt quickly within a brief period.
Q: How long will treatment last?
A: The duration varies based on the patient’s condition and individual goals. On average, treatment spans from 12 to 18 months, although this timeframe may vary depending on specific circumstances.
Q: Can teeth be whitened with 3M Clarity Aligners?
A: Yes, as the aligners are removable. However, it’s essential to adhere to any additional guidelines provided during whitening treatment.
Too Cool for School
We’re proud to offer this option at Ventura County Orthodontics because it caters especially to kids in this age group and their unique needs. Hopefully, this blog has shed light on whether or not this is a good option for your child, though we’re happy to answer any additional questions you might have! Our Oxnard or Santa Paula offices are a call or email away.