Is Invisalign clear aligners in Okemos right for you? It all depends on what kind of orthodontic treatment you need. Traditional metal braces still work best in some situations — and you might be surprised to find that they’re still a popular option for many teenagers! But now that aligners are being designed specifically for teens, more are choosing them every day.
What is a clear aligner? It’s a thin plastic tray that fits over your teeth. You’ll wear a series of aligners that gradually move your teeth into better positions. Each aligner is custom-made with a computer program that maps your teeth’s current position. You’ll wear each tray for about two weeks to shift your teeth slightly. Then, you’ll switch to the next aligner, which is slightly different. Over time, small movements will add up to a big change!
A Clear Distinction
Your aligner is designed to be worn 22 hours a day, allowing you to take it off for meals or important social occasions. Yet even when you’re wearing it, it’s pretty hard for anyone else to tell it’s there — a big difference from metal braces! Plus, it offers other advantages that aren’t so easy to see.
One benefit of aligners over traditional braces is that they make your teeth easier to clean. Because they’re removable, there’s nothing to keep you from brushing and flossing everywhere in your mouth, just as you would without appliances. But brushing and flossing can be much harder to do around the brackets and wires of braces — and oral hygiene often suffers.
Some people also suffer irritation to the cheeks and gums from the metal parts of braces. Fortunately, the plastic of an aligner rarely causes that kind of problem. Plus, you won’t have to rush into the dental office to quickly fix a protruding wire or reattach a broken bracket. You won’t have to watch what you eat, either, because you’ll simply remove the aligner at mealtimes.
An Aligner Just for Teens
Invisalign clear aligners in Okemos have been available for adults for over a decade, but until recently, they weren’t recommended for teens in most cases. There are two main reasons for this decision. Teens were thought to not wear aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day. Additionally, many teens still have permanent teeth erupting, which could disturb tooth movement.
Luckily, technology has come to the rescue. The first problem is addressed by compliance indicators. These colored dots fade over time as the aligners are worn, showing progress. To solve the second problem, aligners for teens come with eruption tabs. These tabs hold space for teeth that haven’t fully erupted.
Invisalign Clear Aligners in Okemos
Today, more people than ever — both adults and teens — are finding that clear aligners suit their needs best. Are you one of them?
Straighten your teeth without the look of metal braces with Invisalign Clear Aligners
at Ryan Beyea DDS in Okemos. Call (517) 381-8181 to book an appointment today!