Technology for Teens with Clear Aligners
Braces have traditionally been seen as a “rite of passage” for teenagers, and while most teenagers learned to “em-brace” their orthodontics, in some situations, braces were less appealing. For example, like many people, you may have old prom and homecoming photos featuring beautiful dresses, tuxedos and a mouth full of metal braces.
Luckily, thanks to modern technology, your teen has more options than ever before, including clear aligners. Clear aligners use a system of clear, removable trays to gradually straighten teeth. Each individual aligner is slightly different than the previous one and made of a virtually invisible plastic that completely covers the teeth. When worn for 22 hours per day for a two-week period before moving on to the next aligner, teeth can be moved into the desired position. This movement can take anywhere from 6 to 24 months, and aligners can be taken out for eating, drinking and other short periods of time.
Technology is really at its finest when it comes to Invisalign clear aligners. They are computer-generated, based on photographs, models of your teen’s teeth and x-rays. The models are sent to a laboratory where a computer creates a 3D image, and we manipulate each tooth on the screen into a new position until they are all properly aligned. Special software then simulates the movement of your teen’s teeth and essentially creates the course of treatment. Finally, we create plastic aligners for each step of the movement.
Technology is also responsible for making clear aligners a better option for teenagers over the past few years. Originally, teens were not seen as good candidates for clear aligners because their second molars have not fully grown into position and also because it was assumed, since the aligners are removable, teenagers might not be as diligent about wearing the aligners as adults. Technology is responsible for a solution for both of these issues. Eruption tabs serve as space-holders for teeth that haven’t grown in, and clear aligners for teens have compliance indicators built-in that fade with time as each aligner is worn.
When you bring your teenager into our office for an initial consultation, we’ll evaluate whether clear aligners will be an appropriate solution for his orthodontic needs.
If you would like more information about clear aligners, please contact Dr. Cindy Sumarauw at 801-281-3500 to schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Clear Aligners for Teenagers.”
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