
Social media, peer pressure, and the physical changes that take place during the teenage years can make many young ones feel self-conscious about their appearance. You want to do everything possible to help your teen feel comfortable in their skin. One way in which you may be able to do that is by bringing them to our practice to find out whether Invisalign is right for them. This discreet orthodontic treatment is often the ideal way for teens to achieve a straighter, healthier, and more confident smile.
Invisalign uses a series of custom clear plastic aligners to apply gentle pressure to the teeth. Your teen will wear each aligner for 20 – 22 hours each day for approximately two weeks. As they graduate from one aligner to the next, their teeth will move little by little into their proper positions. The average treatment time with Invisalign is 12 months. However, it can be longer or shorter depending on a patient’s unique needs and how well they comply with the treatment.
Invisalign has gained a lot of attention over the years because the aligners are basically invisible, allowing teens to get the results they desire without the metal brackets and wires. But that’s not the only perk of this innovative orthodontic treatment. Here are a few noteworthy benefits that your child will enjoy during the teeth-straightening process.
Like many other parents, you may have a bit of trouble getting your teen to brush and floss consistently. Imagine how much more difficult it is when there are interproximal brushes, pre-threaded floss, and other special tools involved! The good news is that Invisalign aligners are removable. So, your teen will be able to brush and floss their teeth without using any special tools or techniques.
Another considerable perk: there aren’t any dietary restrictions with Invisalign! All they need to do is remove their aligners first. Outside of that, they should do their best to eat healthy, well-balanced meals and cut back on sugary and starchy snacks in an effort to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Remember, if an oral health problem arises, like a cavity, their orthodontic treatment will come to a temporary stop.
Many parents wonder what the difference is between Invisalign for adults and Invisalign for teens. There are actually a few differences, and one of them is that your child’s clear aligners will have an indicator dot. This little blue dot will help you keep tabs on whether they are sticking to the treatment guidelines, like wearing their aligners for a minimum of 20 hours a day.
Even if your teen is usually very good at keeping track of their belongings, accidents sometimes happen. Fortunately, you don’t have to stress if your teen accidentally damages or loses an aligner because our team is ready to help! Once we know more about what happened, we can determine the best course of action to get them back on track with their treatment plan.
Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of the biggest draws: Invisalign aligners are crafted from see-through plastic. As a result, onlookers are unlikely to notice your teen’s orthodontic treatment. The key is proper care and maintenance, including brushing twice a day and cleaning their aligners after each meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush and clear, mild dishwashing liquid.
Usually, patients and their parents assume the perks of metal-free aligners start and stop with appearance. The truth is that they are also considerably more comfortable! Since the trays are low-profile, smooth, and custom-made to fit the contours of their teeth, your teen won’t have to deal with soft tissue irritation, mouth sores, and the like!
Invisalign clear braces may be perfect for your teen if:
Would you like to learn more about Invisalign and how it may benefit your child? Contact Village Pediatric Dentistry today.