Gone are the days when metal brackets and wires were the only way to achieve beautifully aligned smiles. Today, more and more teens and adolescents are turning to clear aligner therapy to enhance their smiles without their orthodontic treatment getting in the way of their appearance or lifestyle.
At Astro Pediatric Dentistry, we offer the Angel Aligner system for Phase II orthodontic treatment, starting at around age 12. Every teen's treatment plan is orthodontist-driven, hassle-free, and tailored to their unique needs, helping them achieve beautiful, healthy, and confident smiles.
SERVICES
What Is Phase II Orthodontic Treatment?
Phase II orthodontics typically refers to orthodontic treatment after most or all the permanent teeth have erupted. It usually begins around age 12, which is what most people picture when they think of braces or aligners.
Phase II may occur on its own or may follow Phase I (Early Intervention), which addresses jaw development and bite concerns in younger children. Phase II is about the "finishing touches," helping align the teeth into their final, optimal positions for a lifetime of function and aesthetics.
What Are Angel Aligners?
Clear aligner therapy with the Angel Aligner system is a convenient, nearly invisible orthodontic solution designed to transform misaligned teeth into beautifully aligned smiles with exceptional precision. What sets the innovative system apart is its predictable, proven results.
The innovative clear aligner trays are custom-crafted from high-quality BPA and latex-free materials and are virtually unnoticeable when your child smiles. Unlike other systems that require bonding many tooth-colored "buttons" directly to the teeth, Angel Aligners feature angelButtons integrated attachments. These help enhance complex tooth movements while ensuring superior comfort and a cleaner look.
How Do Angel Aligners Work?
The custom-crafted, removable aligner trays apply gentle pressure to your teen's teeth, gradually shifting them into their desired positions over time. Your teen will need to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day for results, which requires some self-discipline. Teens who consistently wear their aligners typically achieve excellent results.
Your teen will wear each set for about two weeks before progressing to the next. Treatment length may vary depending on complexity, but most cases are completed within 12-24 months.
What Concerns Can Angel Aligners Address?
Angel Aligners can be ideal for correcting a range of mild, moderate, and even some complex orthodontic concerns, including the following:
- Misaligned, crowded, or protruding teeth
- Uneven gaps or spaces between teeth
- Problems with the bite, such as overbites, underbites, open bites, deep bites, and crossbites
- Jaw misalignment or bite imbalance that may affect facial symmetry
We will evaluate your teen's unique needs and personalize every step of treatment to deliver precise and predictable outcomes.
Complementary Treatments for Clear Aligner Therapy
Here are some treatments we offer to complement your teen's Angel Aligner treatment outcomes:
- Lateral buildup:Some patients have small upper lateral incisors (peg teeth). Rather than filing down adjacent teeth to create balance, we build up the smaller teeth with tooth-colored composite material, all without drilling or removing any healthy tooth structure. We offer lateral buildups both as part of in-house aligner treatment and for patients referred to us by their orthodontist, helping enhance their treatment results.
- Gingivectomy: Sometimes gum tissue overgrows or sits too low during orthodontic treatment, interfering with tooth movement or the final aesthetic result. We perform laser gingivectomies in-office, quickly and with minimal discomfort, to support the best possible orthodontic outcome. No referral needed.
Are Retainers Needed After Clear Aligner Treatment?
Orthodontic treatments like braces and Angel Aligners work by adjusting the teeth and remodeling the bone. However, the newly aligned teeth tend to naturally shift back to their original positions. That's why we recommend custom retainers to ensure the long-term success of your child's orthodontic treatment.
At Astro Pediatric Dentistry, we offer upper and lower metal retainers and clear retainers for patients who complete their orthodontic treatment in-house or for those who had treatment elsewhere, provided there is no relapse. We also offer metal retainer removal service even if the retainers were placed elsewhere.
What Are the Benefits of Angel Aligners?
Angel Aligners offer numerous benefits, including the following:
- They are virtually unnoticeable when your teen smiles, providing a discreet orthodontic treatment option.
- They are custom-crafted using cutting-edge 3D technology, providing a precise, comfortable fit.
- The aligner trays are engineered to correct a wide range of orthodontic concerns, including those requiring complex tooth movements.
- They are removable, so they come with no food restrictions, and brushing and flossing are a breeze.
- They deliver beautiful results, enhancing your child's smile and confidence.
Ready to Schedule Your or Your Child's Clear Aligner Consultation?
New patients are always welcome at Astro Pediatric Dentistry. If you've been searching for "clear aligner therapy near me in Fairfield, NJ," we invite you to request an appointment online or call us at (973) 567-7774. We look forward to caring for your child's smile.