If your teen wears braces or clear aligners, you already understand that care routines can be challenging to maintain. Keeping orthodontic appliances clean and in good repair is an essential component of successful treatment. As experts in adolescent orthodontics, we can help teach your teen the proper care of their appliances.
Is it the Right Time for Orthodontic Treatment?
Not every teen is prepared to commit to orthodontic treatment. If your teen needs braces or aligners, you must ask yourself these three questions:
- Does your teen follow directions well?
- Does your teen practice good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing?
- Is your teen motivated to complete orthodontic treatment successfully?
If your answer to all of these questions is “No”, your teen may have difficulty caring for their orthodontic appliance. Since inadequate oral hygiene during treatment can damage your child’s oral health later on, you may wish to revisit the idea when your teen is ready to commit.
However, if your teen is open to developing positive habits, schedule a consultation with us. We can help you and your teen learn the necessary steps for caring for braces or aligners, increasing the chances of a healthy smile after treatment.
Choosing Between Braces and Clear Aligners
Both braces and clear aligners can create even, attractive smiles. However, both systems have unique care guidelines.
With both methods, oral hygiene can make the difference between successful treatment and lifelong oral health issues. Ensuring your teen understands the importance of hygiene is key.
Maintaining excellent dental and gum health with braces can be challenging. For this reason, many parents choose clear aligners, which the patient must remove for eating, drinking, and oral care. If your child frequently forgets or misplaces things, they may not be able to adhere to the required schedule for clear aligners. Braces may be a better choice for them.
How to Care for Braces
- Brush at least three times daily, ideally after every meal and snack.
- Use interdental brushes (available at pharmacies) to remove debris around brackets and wires.
- Use floss threaders to reach under the wires and remove plaque and food between teeth.
- Keep all orthodontic appointments for adjustments and check-ups.
- If anything breaks or detaches, call us immediately for a repair.
How to Care for Clear Aligners
- Your teen must wear their aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily, removing them only to care for their teeth, eat, or drink anything other than water.
- Keep teeth and aligners scrupulously clean to prevent tooth decay and staining. Make both brushing and flossing priorities in your teen’s routine.
- Clean your teen’s aligners using branded crystals. Do not use denture cleaner, rubbing alcohol, or bleach, as these will damage the plastic. Never use warm or boiling water to clean the aligners, as this can warp them.
- Change to the next aligner in the series as directed, usually every 1 to 2 weeks. If your child loses or damages an aligner, call our office immediately for a replacement.
Braces and Aligner Care Leads to Successful Outcomes
If you and your teen follow these instructions carefully, they will have a healthy, beautiful smile and an easy transition to an orthodontic retainer. Retainer use is essential to ensure the teeth stay in their new positions.
Cooperation among your teen, their doctor, and you as a parent is the best way to encourage compliance. Please reach out to us if you need ideas to motivate your teen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adolescent Orthodontics
Can my teen use mouthwash with aligners?
We do not recommend using mouthwash while the aligners are in place. Many brands have bright colors that could stain the aligners.
How can my teen keep track of their aligners?
Ensure they carry a case with them at all times. Always put the aligners in the case when not in use. Do not leave them on the bedside table, the dinner table, or the bathroom counter. Placing them in a napkin or tissue at mealtimes is also a common way to lose aligners.Teens need expert care from a qualified orthodontist. Our team at Hass Family Orthodontics would love to help you get started with orthodontic treatment for your teen. To schedule a consultation, please call us today.