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Active Aligners for teenagers

Can Active Aligners Be Used to Treat My Teen?

Written by Terry Ellis on . Posted in Patient Blog.

Clear aligners have become one of the most popular ways to straighten teeth, but parents often ask the same question: Are Active Aligners suitable for teenagers?
The short answer: Yes. In many cases, Active Aligners are an excellent option for teens who want a discreet, comfortable, and effective way to improve their smile.
Here’s what you need to know.

1. Are Teens Good Candidates for Active Aligners?

Most teenagers make excellent candidates because:

  • Their teeth and jaws are still developing, which often allows for efficient tooth movement.
  • They’re highly motivated to straighten their teeth discreetly.
  • They tend to adapt quickly to wearing aligners.

Active Aligners work particularly well for teens with mild to moderate:

  • Crowding
  • Spacing
  • Rotations
  • Protruding teeth
  • Relapse after childhood orthodontics (where teeth have shifted back)

Your dental professional will assess your teen’s bite, growth stage, and treatment goals to confirm suitability.

2. What Makes Active Aligners a Great Choice for Teenagers?

Discreet & Confidence-Boosting

Aligners are almost invisible, ideal for teens who feel self-conscious about braces or school photos.

Comfortable

No wires. No brackets. No irritation.
Just smooth, custom-made aligners that fit snugly over the teeth.

Easier Hygiene

Teens can remove their aligners to brush, floss, and eat, reducing the risk of plaque build-up and white-spot lesions.

Fewer In-Office Appointments

Because Active Aligners don’t require tightening, teens spend less time at the dentist –  perfect for busy school schedules.

3. Will My Teen Actually Wear the Aligners?

This is a common concern.
Active Aligners must be worn 20–22 hours a day to work effectively.

Here’s how to support success:

  • Create a routine (aligners in after meals + before bed).
  • Use the aligners carry case to prevent loss or damage.
  • Track wear with check-ins at home and in-practice. Trayminder is a great App to use to track wear time, simply register and select Active Aligners to receive reminders.
  • Celebrate progress: results appear quickly, which motivates teens to stay on track.

In most cases, motivated teens do very well with removable aligners.

4. What Are the Limitations?

Clear aligners aren’t perfect for every teen. Consider:

  • They require discipline. Forgetting to wear them slows progress.
  • They may not handle very complex cases. Some bite problems still need braces.
  • They can be lost. Teens who frequently misplace items may struggle with removable aligners.

5. How Long Does Treatment Take?

Active Aligners typically deliver results in 6–7 months on average, depending on the complexity of the case.

Your dentist will provide a digital treatment plan so you and your teen can see the predicted outcome before treatment begins.

6. Are Active Aligners Safe for Teens?

Yes, when treatment is supervised by a qualified dental professional.
Your provider monitors progress, ensures healthy tooth movement, and makes adjustments if needed. Active Aligners are made from medical-grade, BPA-free materials and are safe for long-term use.

7. What About Sports or Music?

One of the biggest advantages for teens:

  • Sports: Aligners can be removed and swapped for a mouthguard.
  • Musicians: Brass and woodwind players often find aligners far more comfortable than braces.
  • Drama, debate, public speaking: Aligners are barely noticeable from stage or in photos.

8. When Are Braces a Better Choice?

Some complex orthodontic conditions are better treated with braces, such as:

  • Severe skeletal discrepancies
  • Impacted teeth
  • Large bite corrections
  • Cases needing significant vertical tooth movement

Your provider will always recommend the safest and most predictable option.

9. Final Thoughts: Is It Right for Your Teen?

Active Aligners offer teens a discreet, modern, and comfortable way to straighten their teeth  with excellent results when used correctly.

If your teen is responsible enough to wear their aligners consistently and wants a treatment option that fits their lifestyle, Active Aligners may be the perfect solution.

A consultation with your dental professional is the best next step. They’ll perform a full assessment and help you determine whether Active Aligners are right for your teen’s smile and growth stage.

You can find an Active Aligners Provider closest to you here:

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