Just for family, Parents
What do doctors really think about aligners for teens?
May. 24, 2018
Guest post from Jeffrey Sulitzer, DMD
SmileDirectClub’s Lead Dentist, Jeffrey Sulitzer, DMD, shares his take on teen aligners.
Aligners have been available for adults for over a decade, but it wasn’t until recently that doctors began recommending them for teens. In fact, SmileDirectClub helps straighten the teeth of those as young as 12 years old. Aligners are custom-made and designed to shift teeth into a straighter smile you’ll love. And they might be an ideal fit for you and your lifestyle.
What are aligners?
Aligners are custom-made, thin plastic coverings or “trays” that fit snugly over your teeth. Their design allows for healthy alignment and looks aesthetically pleasing. If you qualify for SmileDirectClub’s doctor-directed, clear aligner therapy, you will be sent a series of these aligners directly to your home.
You’ll wear each set of aligners for 1–2 weeks, as your doctor prescribes, to shift your teeth slightly. Then you’ll go on to the next set, which will continue to move them further. Over time, all the small movements will add up to a big change! At the end of your smile plan, we recommend ordering a retainer to keep your new smile in place for life.
Why should I get aligners?
There are many different types of orthodontic treatment available today. One of the most flexible for your active lifestyle is SmileDirectClub’s aligners. And if you’re a teen or the parent of a teen, SmileDirectClub’s doctor-directed, doctor-prescribed, aligners may be a perfect solution!
There are two differentiating features of aligners. The first is that they are clear, which means they are very difficult to detect when you are wearing them. The second is that you can take them out when eating or drinking, and most importantly you can take them out to floss and brush your teeth.
How are aligners different from braces?
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 needing more complex tooth movement! But now that aligners are being designed specifically for teens, more are choosing them every day.
Your aligners are designed to be worn all day and night except when eating and drinking anything other than water. You’re able to take them out for meals or important social occasions. Yet even when you’re wearing them, it’s pretty hard for anyone else to tell – a big difference from metal braces.
Aligners make your teeth easier to clean than braces. Because they’re removable, there’s nothing to keep you from brushing and flossing everywhere in your mouth, just as you would normally. 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 aligners at mealtimes.
Ready to try SmileDirectClub?
If you’re a teenager and you would like to improve your smile, consider SmileDirectClub’s aligners as an option. You’ll love the way your new smile looks. And straight teeth will make it easier for you to keep your teeth clean and improve your oral health!
See if you’re a candidate for SmileDirectClub by taking our free, 30-second Smile Assessment below.