Alternative to Braces for Teens Irvine, CA
For teens, clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Although traditional metal braces have been around for decades, clear aligners offer a virtually unnoticeable way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Clear aligners are a series of trays that fit tightly over teeth to move them gradually into alignment over time.
Clear aligners are available at Smile by Design Dental Group in Irvine and the surrounding area. Our staff will help determine whether they are the right treatment for your teen. Call us at (949) 336-3404 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Alternative Orthodontic Options
While metal braces are the traditional orthodontic option, teens now have alternative options to straighten their teeth. Clear aligners are a great option for teens who want to improve their smiles but are worried about how their peers will perceive their appearance. These clear trays fit easily into a teen's life without interrupting it.
They function the same way as traditional braces, applying gentle pressure to teeth to gradually move them into alignment. However, they consist of a flexible and clear plastic that allows teens to smile without brackets or wires getting in the way. These trays are also virtually invisible, so others may not even notice that they are wearing them.
“Clear aligners are a great option for teens who want to improve their smiles but are worried about how their peers will perceive their appearance.”
Save Time Straightening
Teens with busy lives can benefit from clear aligners since they can save time from the straightening process. Braces require frequent office visits to replace or adjust wires. That can mean taking time off of school and other activities. Clear aligners require less frequent office visits to ensure treatment is progressing. Other than that, the patient can switch out their aligners at home.
In general, clear aligners also take less time overall to complete treatment. The one-piece trays provide force to all the teeth at once, while braces move each tooth individually. In some cases, clear aligners can trim as much as six months off the treatment time than traditional teen braces.
“Teens with busy lives can benefit from clear aligners since they can save time straightening.”
Feel Better, Look Better
One of the biggest differences between braces and clear aligners is their respective appearances. Many teens prefer the near-invisible design of clear aligners to the visible wires and brackets of metal braces. Clear aligners are less easy to detect, which can help teens feel less self-conscious and more positive about their appearance.
There is also flexibility with clear aligners that traditional braces do not possess. Clear aligners are removable, which allows teens to eat and drink whatever they want. Since they are removable, is it also easier to brush and floss teeth to maintain optimal oral health. Keeping braces clean often requires additional tools and can take a lot of extra time.
“Many teens prefer the near-invisible design of clear aligners to the visible wires and brackets of metal braces.”
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How Long To Wear Clear Aligners
Clear aligner wearers should only remove their trays while eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, and playing sports. Our team recommends that teens who play contact sports, such as football and wrestling, remove their aligners and wear a protective mouthguard over their teeth. These preventative measures will help teens avoid biting through their trays while playing sports. It will also protect their mouth and reduce their risk of injury. As soon as the game is over, patients should insert their aligners back in their mouths.
While it is acceptable to remove aligners for those activities, it is important to ensure sufficient wear time to prevent treatment delays. To get the best results, teens must wear their aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. These clear trays can only work when they are in contact with teeth. Failure to wear them for long enough can result in delayed progression and a revised treatment timeline.
“Clear aligner wearers should only remove their trays while eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, and playing sports.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How do clear aligners save time straightening?
Q. What are the benefits of clear aligners?
Q. How do I take care of my clear aligners?
Q. What are alternative orthodontic options?
Q. How long should I wear clear aligners?
People Also Ask
Q. What age groups use Invisalign?
Q. How do clear aligners compare to traditional braces?
Q. What are the dietary restrictions with braces or Invisalign treatment?
Q. How often do I have to see a dental provider during my Invisalign treatment?
Q. How long will I have to wear Invisalign aligners?
Q. What are some of the types of cosmetic dental treatments?
Taking Care of Aligners
While aligners are easy to take care of, they do require teens to be proactive about cleaning. Dirty aligners can accumulate bacteria, which can cause bad breath and harm oral health. Like teeth, teens should clean their clear aligners every day to keep the treatment process moving forward. Once they remove their aligners, patients should use warm water and a soft toothbrush to scrub the trays. Teens need to rinse their aligners with cold water every time they're removed and never leave them out in the open.
Ideally, patients should only remove their aligners to eat or drink. Teeth should then be brushed and flossed before patients put back their aligners to prevent food particles from becoming trapped in the tray. Forgetting this step can lead to tooth decay and other concerns. When taken care of properly, clear aligners are less likely to cause cavities or tooth damage. Clear aligner treatment also improves the patient's overall oral health since straight teeth are easier to clean thoroughly.
“While aligners are easy to take care of, they do require teens to be proactive about cleaning.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens after I finish clear aligner treatment?
A. After treatment, most people will receive a retainer. Retainers are important devices that prevent teeth from shifting back into the original position. Every patient is different, so it is important to speak to our orthodontist.
Q. What should I expect during my first appointment for clear aligners?
A. We will examine the patient's mouth to determine whether they are a good candidate during the initial appointment. Patients can also discuss their cosmetic goals with our team. If the patient is a good candidate, we may also start the digital molding process by taking digital scans, photographs, and X-rays to create an accurate model of their mouth and teeth.
Q. How long does it take to get my clear aligners?
A. The process of receiving clear aligners will usually take about three to four weeks. It takes this long because we must send the patient's information to the laboratory with notes about how the treatment should progress. This length may vary slightly depending on whether the virtual mold and the final projection of teeth movement require any changes.
Q. Is a retainer necessary after clear aligners?
A. Most patients will need to wear a retainer after any orthodontic treatment to keep teeth stable in their new positions. Each patient is different. We will determine the best course of action for each patient to produce optimal results.
Q. When are clear aligners not an option?
A. Clear aligners may not be the best option for people who have complicated oral health and severe alignment issues. It may not be appropriate for very young patients whose jaws and teeth are still growing and developing. We do not recommend them for people with gum disease, receding gums, or weakened bones. Our team will help determine what the best options are for each patient's particular situation.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Call Us Today
If your teen is looking for an alternative for braces, clear aligners are a great option. Smile by Design Dental Group can help. Call us at 949-336-3404 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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