636-332-5550
636-442-0446
1139 Wentzville Pkwy.
(636) 242-5349
636-442-0446
1335 Queens Ct.
At Humphrey Orthodontics, we’re thrilled to provide clear aligners for teens – an innovative, nearly invisible, and highly effective alternative to traditional braces. Our team, with offices in Wentzville and St. Peters, is delighted to offer a modern solution for straightening your teen’s teeth. Led by our seasoned and passionate orthodontist, Dr. Humphrey, clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatments, combining the latest technology with custom design for a perfect fit and comfort. In this blog, we will delve into clear aligners, how they function, and how they seamlessly fit into your teen’s lifestyle. With Dr. Humphrey designing your smile, you can be assured of expert guidance at every step, ensuring a smooth, professional transition toward your teen’s perfect smile.
Clear aligners are a massive leg-up for orthodontic treatment and for good reason! But what exactly are they? Clear aligners are a transparent, discreet option that’s distinct from metal braces. They are custom-made, snug-fitting mouthpieces that slip over your teen’s teeth. Our team creates them using 3D computer imaging technology based on a blueprint of your teen’s mouth—talk about state-of-the-art!
What’s more, they’re not stationary like traditional braces. Clear aligners are a series of devices, each one designed to move your teen’s teeth incrementally. About every two weeks, your teen will advance to the next aligner in the series. This shift helps ease their teeth to their ideal position over time.
What’s the best part? They’re removable! Your teen can take them out for eating, brushing, and those all-important selfies. Clear aligners bring flexibility and discretion to orthodontic treatment, perfect for the demands of teenage life!
How do clear aligners manage to move teeth into their proper position? It’s fascinating how they work! The process begins with a comprehensive examination by Dr. Humphrey. He’ll examine your teen’s teeth and oral health to decide whether clear aligners are appropriate.
Once the doctor approves you for clear aligners, precise measurements and impressions of their teeth are taken. With the help of advanced 3D computer imaging technology, these measurements create a series of clear aligners tailored to your teen’s unique orthodontic needs. Each aligner is designed to adjust tooth position slightly, moving them gradually toward their final desired position.
Your teen will wear each set of aligners for roughly 7 to 14 days before moving on to the next set. This incremental approach ensures the teeth are shifted gently and safely. The aligners apply controlled force to move the teeth – specific teeth are moved during each stage, according to Dr. Humphrey’s strategic treatment plan.
Your teen must wear their clear aligners for 20-22 hours daily for the best results. However, they can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, which means fewer lifestyle disruptions for your teen. Throughout the process, your teen will have regular check-ups at Humphrey Orthodontics to ensure everything is progressing as planned.
Our team at Humphrey Orthodontics wants to ensure your teen’s journey with clear aligners is as successful as possible, so here are some handy tips to help them along the way.
Wear them as prescribed.
Wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours daily is crucial to achieving the best results. The more consistently your teen wears them, the faster they’ll see progress.
Keep them clean.
Cleaning the aligners regularly will keep them fresh and transparent. It’s as simple as gently brushing them with a soft toothbrush and using warm water or specially designed cleaning crystals.
Remember to floss and brush.
Before reinserting the aligners, remind your teen to brush and floss their teeth. Brushing helps keep food particles from getting trapped, which can lead to cavities.
Please keep track of them.
Losing or misplacing aligners can lead to delays in treatment. The aligners should be stored in their designated case when not in use.
Avoid discoloration.
Encourage your teen only to drink water when the aligners are in. Drinks like coffee, tea, or soda can stain the aligners and teeth.
Use the aligner removal tool.
Some aligners can be tricky to remove with just fingers. The provided removal tool can help make the process easier and avoid potential damage to the aligners.
Follow check-up appointments.
Regular check-ups with Dr. Humphrey are essential. These visits allow us to monitor your teen’s progress and make needed adjustments to the treatment plan.
Remember, clear aligners require commitment and care, but the result—a healthy, beautiful smile—will be well worth it!
With clear aligners, Dr. Humphrey plays a vital role in your teen’s treatment. With years of experience and training, he expertly guides each patient through their treatment plan, ensuring they receive the most from this cutting-edge technology.
Dr. Humphrey offers his expertise and support from the first consultation to the final reveal of your teen’s transformed smile. He creates each individualized treatment plan, crafts the series of aligners, and makes any necessary adjustments along the way.
Not only does Dr. Humphrey wants each of our patients to achieve fantastic results. Furthermore, he prioritizes your teen’s comfort and satisfaction. He understands that every teen’s needs and lifestyle are different, and he works tirelessly to accommodate these individual requirements into their treatment.
With your teen in Dr. Humphrey’s chair, their path to a perfect smile with clear aligners is smooth, professional, and focused on their overall health and happiness.
At Humphrey Orthodontics, we’re excited about the resounding potential of clear aligners for teens. Dr. Humphrey and our Wentzville and St. Peters teams are committed to leading your teen through this revolutionary orthodontic process. We strive to accommodate our patient’s unique needs and lifestyles while delivering extraordinary results. Encourage your teen to take the first step towards a brighter, healthier smile. Contact our Wentzville or St. Peters offices today to schedule a free consultation. Join the Humphrey Orthodontics family and discover the difference clear aligners can make.