Clear Aligners for Teens

Lakewood teenagers can count on Brodsky Orthodontics for what they need. Believe it or not, we remember our teen years. So we understand how complicated they can be. Fortunately for local teens, our team helps make orthodontic treatment much less complicated. If you’re a teen or the parent of one, you may have questions about clear aligners. In this blog, Brodsky Orthodontics will help you understand everything you want to know about clear aligners for teens. 

Do Clear Aligners Work For Teenagers?

Without question! Invisalign clear aligners work well for patients of all ages. Kids, teens, and adults can all benefit from wearing clear aligners. No two smiles are the same. Therefore, all treatment plans will be different. At Brodsky Orthodontics, we’ve treated several hundreds of teens with Invisalign. If you’re a teen or the parent of a teen, we’d love to help you too! 

Are Clear Aligners Similar To Braces?

Clear aligners are indeed an orthodontic appliance. Their purpose is to straighten teeth over a period of time. Like traditional braces, a patient may wear Invisalign clear aligners for an extended period. In those ways, clear aligners are similar to conventional braces. But to call them the same would be inaccurate. Braces, whether metal or clear, have brackets and wires.

Additionally, Dr. Joel or Dr. Charles  will likely recommend orthodontic treatment to fix a bad bite. You may hear them use the term “malocclusion.” Invisalign can be used to treat malocclusion and, in some cases, more quickly!

Other Features

Clear aligners work more like a retainer than braces. You can take them off to eat or brush your teeth. Since Invisalign clear aligners are removable, you can take them out when you have a meal or get ready to brush and floss. 

Dr. Joel or Dr. Charles design sets of customized clear plastic aligners for each specific set of teeth. Each aligner is composed of smooth, sleek, and virtually unseeable high performance polymer. Brodsky Orthodontics uses a digital scanner to analyze your bite, leading to a tailored aligner. We do all this without requiring yucky trays and impressions. Dr. Joel or Dr. Charles, then generate a unique plan for your teeth. Next, you’ll receive your complete set of aligners a few weeks later. The entire clear aligner treatment process varies depending on the complexity of a patient’s treatment. 

Are Clear Aligners Only for Minor Cases?

Braces still seem like the best option to many, but the truth is that Invisalign works just as well in nearly all orthodontic cases. In some situations, it’s an even better treatment than traditional braces. If you’re wondering if it will work for you, the answer is probably yes – ask us!

Cleaning Clear Aligners

How hard is it to clean clear aligners? Not hard at all! Aligners are just as easy to clean as your teeth. During your initial assessment, one of our experienced technicians will show you exactly how to clean your Invisalign clear aligner. Make sure that whatever you use to clean your aligner is designed for that purpose. Dr. Joel and Dr. Charles recommend soaking your aligners in a 1:1 ratio of hydrogen peroxide and water for 10 minutes and using a soft bristle toothbrush to clean them. If all else fails, opt for a gentle clear soap. Remember to keep your toothpaste away — toothpaste can scratch aligners. 

How Much Do They Cost?

Brodsky Orthodontics understands budget constraints. In any circumstance, patients come first. Dr. Joel or Dr. Charles will only offer treatment plans a patient will actually benefit from. We don’t believe in surprise charges or hidden fees. 

With that in mind, sometimes people are intimidated by anything described as “state-of-the-art.” To many folks, that’s just another word for “expensive.” Dr. Joel, Dr. Charles, and our staff will be happy to discuss flexible payment options. 

Will My Insurance Cover Invisalign?

Suppose your insurance provider covers dental and orthodontic interventions. In that case, you can use it to help with either Invisalign or regular braces. The team at Brodsky Orthodontics in Lakewood works with most California insurance companies. We’ll check and double-check any benefits you’re entitled to. Furthermore, we’re happy to talk with you about a payment plan that fits your budget. 

Clear Things Up At Brodsky Orthodontics

Brodsky Orthodontics allows Lakewood teens to restore their smiles without compromising their aesthetics. Invisalign provides your teen with a simple, discreet solution for a new smile. Do you still need more information about Invisalign? Visit us here for a free consultation.