Clear Aligners for Teens

Do you have a teen heading back to school with clear aligners? Dr. Ragan and our team at Ragan Orthodontics are here to support teens in Dallas with tips for keeping their smiles in top shape. Clear aligners are a great option. But we want to do our part to set teens up for success! Clear aligners can be challenging with a busy school schedule. Our team offers brands like Invisalign and Revel, but we also make our own in-house Ragan Aligners. Here are some ideas about clear aligners for you to clear up with your teens. 

Reveal a New Routine

We know your teenagers don’t need a routine. They do just fine. But for the rest of us parents, our teens need a good routine! It’s the key to making their clear aligners work like they should. Consistency helps their treatment stay on track, even with the demands of school and extracurricular activities. 

Starting Off and Finishing Up

Let your teenager start and end their day right. In the morning, they need to brush and floss thoroughly before putting their aligners back in. At night, make sure they clean both their teeth and their aligners to keep everything fresh. Double-check that they store their aligners in a consistent spot, too. That’ll keep them from having to make a sudden stop by Ragan Orthodontics.

Pack ‘Em Up

Does your teen have an aligner care kit in their backpack? Please make sure it Includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a sturdy case for when your teenager needs to take them out (like during meals). It’s a great way for them to avoid accidentally tossing their aligners in the trash during lunch or leaving them behind at a friend’s house.

Staying on Track During School Hours

Keeping up with aligners during the school day doesn’t have to be hard. A few small habits can make a big difference in your teen’s treatment progress. 

Bells and Whistles

Encourage your teen to set phone alarms or use an app to remind them to wear their aligners after lunch. With a busy school day, it’s easy to forget. A quick buzz on their phone can help them stay consistent without even thinking about it. You can also put a sticky note in their lunchbox as an extra reminder.

Food Fight!

When you make your teenager’s lunch pack snacks that are aligner-friendly. Opt for foods that don’t stain, like sandwiches without dark sauces. For sides, throw in apples or cheese. Leave out sugary or sticky snacks, as they can cause issues if your teen doesn’t brush afterward. 

Clear Aligners for Teens

Attending To After-School Activities

Balancing after-school activities with aligner wear might seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think. A little planning goes a long way in keeping your teen’s treatment moving along as our Ragan Orthodontics team planned.

Sports and Music

Is your teen active in sports? Maybe they play a musical instrument? If so, they’ll appreciate the flexibility of clear aligners. They’re removable so that they can be taken out during practices or performances. Just make sure your teen puts them back in as soon as they’re done. Put an aligner case in their gym bag or instrument case. You’ll become a lifesaver. Going too long without wearing an aligner can hold up your teen’s progress. Remind them to get those aligners back in as soon as possible!

Snacking Smart

After-school snacks are a must, but so is keeping aligners in. Try to time your teen’s snacks with aligner removal to minimize disruptions. Opt for quick and easy snacks so they don’t have to spend too much time without their aligners. Consider fruits, nuts, or cheese, which won’t stick to their teeth. Help them remember that brushing before replacing their aligners is always a good idea. That goes for meals and snacks!

Hype Up Hygiene

A little preparation makes cleaning aligners a whole lot easier for a busy teenager. Good hygiene helps them maintain both their aligners and their oral health.

Quick Cleaning Tips

Grab a small toothbrush and similar-sized toothpaste when shopping for school supplies. Toss them into your teen’s backpack. If they don’t have time to brush, Dr. Ragan recommends having them rinse their mouth and aligners with water. Then, they can put their clear aligners back in. This reduces plaque buildup and results in clean aligners! Consider aligner-safe cleaning wipes or mints for a fresh feel throughout the day. 

Avoiding Bad Habits

Tell your teen to steer clear of bad habits that can slow down your treatment. Don’t let them leave their aligners out for long periods. Always have them use their aligner case to avoid misplacing them or accidentally throwing them away. Chewing on your aligners or using them as a stress reliever can damage them, so instruct your teen to resist the urge. 

Discipline = Freedom

Consistent wear is the key to success with clear aligners. Your teen has to stick with Dr. Ragan’s instructions so they can have the best possible results. 

Tracking Wear Time

Apps like My Invisalign or TrayMinder can help you (and your teen) monitor daily wear time. Set phone reminders to ensure they wear their aligners for the full 20-22 hours each day. This small habit can make a big difference in your results.

Parental Support

Parents can play a critical role in helping teens stick to their treatment plan. Regular check-ins and encouragement can keep you motivated and ensure you’re on track. Remember, staying disciplined leads to the best results!

Clear Aligners for Teens

Clear Aligners for Teens in Dallas

Give your teen a clear way forward this fall with clear aligner treatment from Ragan Orthodontics. Dr. Ragan hopes the 2024-2025 school year is the best one yet. Visit us here to schedule a free consultation at our Dallas practice.