Listen to Your Dentist When They Recommend Wisdom Teeth Extraction

If your teen needs braces, you may want to consider the invisible aligner traces rather than the metal variety. The trays, such as Invisalign for teens, can correct almost all kinds of misalignment problems including gaps in the teeth. They have other advantages too. Here's a look at why the aligner trays could be the ideal choice for your teen.

The Trays Can Be Removed for Special Events

While your teen should wear the trays except when eating and brushing their teeth, there are times when it is acceptable to remove the braces. Such events might be when playing a musical instrument or taking part in a contact sport. This allows your teen to join clubs and activities and not be limited due to the need for braces.

Your child's orthodontist will track your child for compliance by examining the trays. They have a blue indicator that fades away when the trays are worn the recommended hours each day. This lets you and the dentist know if your child is removing the braces at school for more hours than necessary.

Your Child Can Eat a Regular Diet

Since the trays come out when your child eats, there will be no dietary limitations like there are with metal braces. Your child can eat popcorn at the movies or indulge in sticky treats now and then without worry of getting food stuck in metal braces.

Of course, you want your child to eat a healthy diet, but even munching on raw vegetables might be off limits with metal braces due to the difficulty in chewing and the risk of damaging the wires. Being allowed to eat a regular diet helps your teen feel like one of the crowd when going out with friends and takes the focus off wearing braces and feeling self-conscious.

It's Easier to Prevent Cavities With Removable Braces

One big advantage to wearing aligner trays that can be removed is that it is easy to maintain the health of the mouth and teeth since brushing and flossing can be done as usual. Since braces are usually worn for a couple of years, it's important to take good care of the teeth during that time to prevent cavities and gum disease. Good oral care also combats bad breath, which might be a concern with teens. The trays themselves are thrown out every two weeks and replaced with new ones so they don't develop bacteria or foul odors.

Perhaps the best thing of all about choosing clear aligner braces is that they are less conspicuous. If your teen is self-conscious or shy, braces could make the condition worse. The aligners are nearly invisible so they don't impact the appearance as much as metal braces do. They have a pleasing appearance and they are usually just as effective as metal braces, so they are an option to consider for your teen as he or she goes through the difficult years of growing into adulthood.