Sports & Activities
Aligners can be removed for contact sports (to wear a standard mouthguard) or playing wind instruments.
- No cut lips from brackets
- Fits standard sports mouthguards
- No interference with instruments
- Safe for active teens
Give your teenager a confident smile without the stress of metal braces. Clear aligners are comfortable, virtually invisible, and perfectly suited for sports, band practice, and active teenage lifestyles.
The teenage years are challenging enough without the added self-consciousness of metal brackets and wires. Clear aligners offer a highly effective, virtually invisible way to straighten your teen’s teeth while protecting their confidence.
Beyond aesthetics, clear aligners fit a teen’s lifestyle better than traditional braces. There are no dietary restrictions, no emergency visits for broken wires, and brushing and flossing remain easy and effective. Special features even help parents ensure the aligners are being worn properly.
Here is a simple overview of what to expect.
| Topic | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Straighten teen smiles comfortably and discreetly |
| Treatment Time | Typically 6-18 months |
| Wear Time | 20-22 hours per day |
| Compliance Check | Blue dot indicators fade with proper wear |
| Dietary Limits | None (remove to eat) |
| Sports/Music | Remove for mouthguards or wind instruments |
| Insurance | Most plans with ortho benefits cover teen aligners |
| Serving | Indianapolis, Carmel, Zionsville, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville |
Tailored treatments to meet your specific goals.
Aligners can be removed for contact sports (to wear a standard mouthguard) or playing wind instruments.
Because aligners are removable, teens can brush and floss normally, reducing the risk of cavities during treatment.
Teens can still eat popcorn, apples, nuts, and chewy foods because aligners are removed before eating.
Built-in blue compliance indicators fade from blue to clear to help parents and dentists ensure sufficient wear time.
A consultation helps determine if this is the best path for your goals.
Teens who are anxious about how metal braces will look in photos and social situations.
Teens playing contact sports who need to wear standard protective mouthguards.
Students playing wind or brass instruments where metal braces cause discomfort.
Teens who would struggle with the extensive dietary restrictions of traditional braces.
Teens who might struggle to keep teeth clean around complex metal brackets and wires.
Teens mature enough to commit to wearing the aligners 20-22 hours every day.
No pressure and no rushing. We give you the information you need to decide thoughtfully.
We take a fast, comfortable 3D digital scan of your teen’s teeth—no gag-inducing putty.
We evaluate current alignment and account for any adult teeth that are still erupting.
We show you and your teen a digital simulation of how their smile will transform.
We discuss the importance of wearing the aligners 20-22 hours a day for success.
We review your orthodontic insurance benefits and discuss flexible payment options.
If you are ready, we submit the scans to fabricate the custom teen aligners.
Careful planning follows a predictable, patient-centered sequence.
Your teen’s series of custom aligners is 3D-printed based on the precise digital treatment plan.
We deliver the first sets of aligners and place small, tooth-colored ‘attachments’ to help guide movement.
Your teen wears the aligners 20-22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
They switch to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks as directed, gradually shifting their teeth.
You visit us every 6-8 weeks for a quick check. We monitor the blue compliance indicators to ensure proper wear.
Once the smile is perfect, we remove any attachments and provide custom retainers to maintain the results.
The right choice depends on your specific needs.
| Feature | Teen Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | ✓ Virtually Invisible | Highly Visible Metal |
| Dietary Limits | ✓ None (remove to eat) | Avoid hard, sticky, chewy foods |
| Oral Hygiene | ✓ Normal brushing/flossing | Requires special threaders/brushes |
| Emergencies | ✓ Rare (no wires to break) | Common (broken brackets/wires) |
| Sports | ✓ Wear normal mouthguard | Requires special ortho mouthguard |
| Compliance | Requires teen responsibility | ✓ Fixed to teeth (no choice) |
Results depend on careful diagnosis, disciplined planning, and a team that respects your goals.
We use advanced intraoral scanners for precise, comfortable impressions without gag-inducing putty.
See your teen’s projected final results on a screen before you even commit to treatment.
Your teen’s progress is monitored by experienced dentists who ensure their bite and oral health remain optimal.
We offer CareCredit and flexible payment plans to make your teen’s new smile affordable.
We coordinate orthodontic treatment with routine cleanings and overall dental health.
Parents and teens love the convenience, comfort, and stunning results of our clear aligner therapy.
Our approach is designed around clear information and careful design.
My daughter plays the flute and was terrified braces would ruin her embouchure. Clear aligners were the perfect solution. Her teeth look beautiful and she never missed a beat in band.
As a parent, I loved the blue indicator dots. It took the arguing out of making sure my son was wearing them enough. The process was so much easier than when I had braces.
No emergency trips to the dentist for broken wires! My teen plays soccer and being able to just take them out and put in a regular mouthguard was a game-changer.
Every treatment plan is developed with attention to health, function, and appearance.
Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry
Dr. Stuart focuses on natural-looking cosmetic and restorative care that respects the character of each patient’s smile.
Read Full Bio →
Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants
Dr. Schraeder brings digital planning and detail-oriented craftsmanship to cosmetic treatment conversations and smile design.
Read Full Bio →Clear answers to common questions.
Our team can help you understand how your benefits and treatment options may apply.
We review available benefits before your care begins.
Our treatment coordinators help you understand the clinical sequence and timing.
Carmel Family Dental is conveniently located in Carmel, Indiana, and welcomes patients from throughout the greater Indianapolis area.
Schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Carmel Family Dental. We will listen to your goals, review the health of your smile, and explain the appropriate options clearly.
13590 N Meridian St, Suite 200, Carmel, IN 46032 | Serving Indianapolis & Surrounding Areas