The teen years are a difficult time- and most would say that they are self-conscious about their appearance. Vigilant dental hygiene is important, as are appointments with a provider for
general dentistry needs, like routine cleanings. These exams provide an opportunity for the dentist to identify issues, such as those that would merit teeth straightening- including
clear aligners. According to patients surveyed, invisible aligners, like Invisalign,
rank highly with 90% of wearers reporting that the cost and process are well worth the outcome. We offer locations in Downtown Charleston, Summerville, Camden, and James Island for our patients’ convenience.
Call or visit us to learn more!
When you think of options to straighten your teen’s teeth, metal braces probably come to mind. While metal braces are an effective approach, consider clear aligners. We offer and specialize in Invisalign clear aligners, which straighten teeth in a discreet way. Instead of rubber bands, metal braces, and wires,
the Invisalign process only uses clear plastic molded aligners that gradually move the misaligned teeth. Invisalign aligners are removable, so they are easy to clean and more comfortable than other straightening options.
Clear dental aligners are a viable alternative for kids and teens that may be self-conscious about metal braces. They are less noticeable- which is one of the reasons they are so widely popular. There are other benefits, however, and compelling reasons to consider Invisalign, including:
- Clear aligners help to create a more proper and better bite. Having a bite that is ‘off’ has all kinds of potential health repercussions- Invisalign help prevent these problems.
- It is easier to articulate and speak with clear aligners than with traditional metal braces. Aligners are less intrusive- within days, your teen should be completely accustomed to these aligners when talking.
- When you chew your food better, it leads to improved digestion. Invisalign aligners provide an easier time of chewing and breaking down the food that eaten.
- It is much easier to clean, brush, and floss the teeth because your teen can remove the aligner to do so!
Surprisingly, your aligner may also be used to protect your teeth from potential injuries, such as in contact sports. If your teen grinds their teeth, the aligner serves as a guard that can help prevent wear and erosion on their tooth enamel.
So, how does something so comfortable and convenient work? When you are fitted for aligners, your dental provider attaches small clear fixtures to your teeth; they connect and support the clear molded aligner tray. These trays stay in place until you- or your teen- removes them. Gradually, the patient is provided with different aligner trays that gently shift the misaligned teeth. The tray usually lasts for a couple weeks. The aligner trays are to be worn 22-24 hours every day- you only remove them for cleaning, eating, and drinking. You can expect it to take about a year- more or less- for the aligners to successfully straighten your teen’s teeth, depending on several factors. Talk to the team at
Ammons Dental to learn more!
Would aligners help your teen? If your dentist determines that your teen is a good candidate for clear aligners, he will take a scan of the teeth to use for designing the custom dental aligners. Some dental conditions that are treated with aligners include:
- Misaligned teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Gaps between teeth
There are many conditions that clear aligners do treat effectively, but traditional metal braces may work best for severe cases.
Don’t let cost be the only factor you consider when looking at ways to straighten your teen’s teeth. Treatment typically lasts a year, and you’re the result is a brand-new smile and lots of self-confidence!
Financial arrangements are available that may work for you- call or visit to find out more.
Our patients have a lot of questions regarding clear aligners, like Invisalign. Honest answers to these queries can make dental decisions a lot easier. Here are a few of the most common things that our patients ask:
