Alternative to Braces for Teens Houston, TX
For teens, clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Although traditional metal braces have been around for decades, clear aligners offer a virtually unnoticeable way to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Clear aligners are a series of trays that fit tightly over teeth to move them gradually into alignment over time.
Clear aligners are available at Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles in Houston and the surrounding area. Our staff will help determine whether they are the right treatment for your teen. Call us at (713) 979-4127 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Explore the Options
Clear aligners are one option for teens looking for a different type of orthodontic treatment. Teens can benefit from their aesthetic appearance and a more comfortable treatment experience. Compared to other orthodontic options, clear aligners also cause less pain and reduce the number and length of appointments.
With typical metal braces, teeth are moved to a new position using brackets with wires threaded through them. Clear aligners use a series of custom-molded trays that gently move the teeth into place. Patients will use each tray for a week or two before moving on to the next one in the series.
“Clear aligners use a series of custom-molded trays that gently move the teeth into place.”
A Time-Saving Treatment
Clear aligners can save patients time due to less frequent visits and a shorter overall treatment length. Patients can benefit from fewer visits and less time in the office. Other teeth straightening options such as braces can take more time and appointments. Braces usually require teens to have appointments about every four weeks to adjust their wires and check their progress.
In contrast, patients with clear aligners will receive the entire series of their trays at once and can switch them out at home. They will only need check-ups about every six weeks so we can check their progress. A BMC Oral Health study found that clear aligners had an advantage in shortened treatment duration over braces. The length of treatment will vary but takes 12-18 months on average. There is no risk for brackets or wires breaking, which can slow down the treatment process.
“Clear aligners can save patients time due to less frequent visits and a shorter overall treatment length.”
Feel Better, Look Better
One of the biggest differences between braces and clear aligners is their respective appearances. Many teens prefer the near-invisible design of clear aligners to the visible wires and brackets of metal braces. Clear aligners are less easy to detect, which can help teens feel less self-conscious and more positive about their appearance.
There is also flexibility with clear aligners that traditional braces do not possess. Clear aligners are removable, which allows teens to eat and drink whatever they want. Since they are removable, is it also easier to brush and floss teeth to maintain optimal oral health. Keeping braces clean often requires additional tools and can take a lot of extra time.
“Many teens prefer the near-invisible design of clear aligners to the visible wires and brackets of metal braces.”
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Ease of Use
Clear aligners are a great option for physically active teens. Sports that require mouthguards like football can often damage metal braces and cause injury to the mouth's soft tissues. Clear aligners fit tightly to the teeth, so traditional mouth guards are more effective. If a patient forgets their mouthguard, the chances that the clear aligner will get damaged is much less than metal braces.
A teen can expect to wear their clear aligners for 20-22 hours a day. Since they're so easy to remove, it's also easy to forget to put them back in. Forgetting to wear the aligners for the required amount of time can slow down or even stop results.
“Are clear aligners a good idea for teens who play sports? How long do I need to wear clear aligners every day?”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is another orthodontic option other than braces?
Q. What are the benefits of clear aligners?
Q. Are clear aligners a time-saving treatment?
Q. How should you care for clear aligners?
People Also Ask
Q. How often do I have to see a dental provider during my Invisalign treatment?
Q. How long will I have to wear Invisalign aligners?
Q. Is there commonality by age group?
Q. How do clear aligners compare to traditional braces?
Q. Are there any necessary dietary restrictions while wearing Invisalign?
Caring for Clear Aligners
Properly caring for clear aligners is essential for teens to get the best results. When patients do not clean their devices well, it can result in discoloration and bacteria buildup. Staining and debris will cause odor and affect oral health and defeat the purpose of having a nearly-invisible orthodontic device. Fortunately, cleaning these devices is easy and only takes a few minutes each day.
A good cleaning routine includes rinsing the trays with lukewarm water and using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear liquid soap to brush inside and out. Teens should clean their aligners every time they brush and soak them at least once a day to keep them looking and functioning their best. Rinsing aligners after every removal will prevent plaque and dried salvia from building up.
“Teens should clean their aligners every time they brush and soak them at least once a day to keep them looking and functioning their best.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens after I finish clear aligner treatment?
A. After treatment, most people will receive a retainer. Retainers are important devices that prevent teeth from shifting back into the original position. Every patient is different, so it is important to speak to our orthodontist.
Q. What should I expect during my first appointment for clear aligners?
A. We will examine the patient's mouth to determine whether they are a good candidate during the initial appointment. Patients can also discuss their cosmetic goals with our team. If the patient is a good candidate, we may also start the digital molding process by taking digital scans, photographs, and X-rays to create an accurate model of their mouth and teeth.
Q. How long does it take to get my clear aligners?
A. The process of receiving clear aligners will usually take about three to four weeks. It takes this long because we must send the patient's information to the laboratory with notes about how the treatment should progress. This length may vary slightly depending on whether the virtual mold and the final projection of teeth movement require any changes.
Q. Is a retainer necessary after clear aligners?
A. Most patients will need to wear a retainer after any orthodontic treatment to keep teeth stable in their new positions. Each patient is different. We will determine the best course of action for each patient to produce optimal results.
Q. When are clear aligners not an option?
A. Clear aligners may not be the best option for people who have complicated oral health and severe alignment issues. It may not be appropriate for very young patients whose jaws and teeth are still growing and developing. We do not recommend them for people with gum disease, receding gums, or weakened bones. Our team will help determine what the best options are for each patient's particular situation.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Call Us Today
If your teen is looking for an alternative for braces, clear aligners are a great option. Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles can help. Call us at 713-979-4127 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Midtown Dental – The Gallery of Smiles was established in 2001.
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