Why teens are ditching metal braces for aligners. We discuss compliance, sports, musical instruments, and confidence during the awkward years.
For decades, being a teenager meant a rite of passage involving metal tracks, wax for ulcers, and getting broccoli stuck in your wires during school lunch. Not anymore.
ProAligners for Teens is exploding in popularity. But parents often worry: "Will my child actually wear them?"
The Compliance Myth
Surprisingly, studies show that teens are often better at wearing aligners than adults. Why? Because the alternative is metal braces, which they are desperate to avoid! They are highly motivated by aesthetics.
We also have "Compliance Indicators"—small blue dots on the back of teen aligners that fade with wear. If a teen claims they are wearing them but the dot is still blue... we know!
Lifestyle Benefits for Teens
- Sports: Metal braces cut the lips during contact sports like rugby or hockey. Aligners are removable, so it is easy to wear a sports mouthguard (or be swapped for a proper gumshield easily).
- Music: Playing trumpet, flute, or saxophone with metal braces is painful and affects tone. Aligners have zero impact on wind instruments.
- Self-Esteem: The teenage years are hard enough without being self-conscious about a metallic smile. Aligners are virtually invisible in selfies and TikToks.
Dr Yasha Shirazi's Perspective:
"I recently treated a 15-year-old actor. He couldn't have braces for auditions. Aligners allowed him to work while fixing his severe overbite. The hygiene is also much better—we see far fewer permanent white spot lesions on teens with aligners compared to braces."
Hygiene: The Hidden Benefit
Teenagers are notoriously bad at brushing around metal brackets. This leads to "decalcification"—permanent white squares left on the teeth when braces come off. With aligners, they pop them out, brush normally, and floss. The risk of permanent damage is significantly lower.
Written by Pro Aligners Team
Medically reviewed by Dr Yasha Shirazi • GDC: 195843