For many teens, the ability to have a perfectly straight, comfortable, and healthy smile would be a dream come true. For those same teens, though, the idea of having to wear highly visible metal braces during an already difficult time in adolescence is more akin to a nightmare. The perfect solution for lots of teens who need orthodontic treatment is Invisalign.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an alternative treatment to the traditional orthodontic system that uses metal wires, brackets, and rubber bands to straighten the teeth, align the jawbones, and correct a patient's bite. Instead of using metal brackets, wires, and bands, Invisalign uses a system of clear, plastic aligner trays that fit smoothly, snugly, and nearly invisibly over each arch of teeth.
The graduated system of aligner trays puts pressure on the teeth, gradually shifting them into the proper orientation and alignment, correcting issues with occlusion, crowding, and alignment. By the time the patient has worked their way through each set of aligner trays, their orthodontic issues will be corrected, and their teeth will be in the proper positions.
How Is Invisalign for Teens Different?
One of the main concerns with young patients getting treated with Invisalign is the role that the patient must play in their treatment. With traditional braces, only a dentist or orthodontist can remove them. With Invisalign, the patient can remove their aligner trays at any time. However, for treatment to work successfully and on schedule, each set of trays must be worn for at least 22 hours each day for about two weeks per set.
Invisalign for teens is designed to help teens responsibly follow their treatment schedule with two features that make it unique from regular Invisalign. The first feature is a special color-changing dot located near the back of each aligner tray. This dot shifts colors as the trays are worn, helping teens (and their parents) keep track of the amount of time each set of trays is worn.
Additionally, Invisalign for teens comes with more replacement aligner trays than Invisalign for adults. This helps ensure young patients can stay on track with their treatment schedules - even if aligner trays mysteriously disappear, accidentally get thrown away at lunchtime, or otherwise go missing.
Why Choose Invisalign for Teens? The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign
- Versatile and Effective Treatment - Invisalign is a versatile orthodontic treatment that can be used to effectively address a wide variety and range of orthodontic issues including mild to moderate cases of:
- Malocclusion
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Malocclusion
- Nearly Invisible Treatment - Invisalign is a discreet orthodontic treatment that is nearly invisible on the teeth.
- Responsibility and Confidence-Building Care - Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign will help your teen take an active role in their orthodontic care while building confidence as they get a straighter, healthier smile.
- Healthy Smile - Straight teeth and a proper bite don't just look better, but they are also healthier. Orthodontic treatment reduces the risk of excessive wear and tear, tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease.
- Easy to Use - The Invisalign treatment system is easy to follow and use.
- Simple Care - There is no need for special oral hygiene tools with Invisalign. Your teen can simply continue brushing and flossing like usual.
- Comfortable Treatment - Invisalign's smooth, plastic aligner trays are gentle on the soft tissues. They won't result in sores on the tongue, lips, or cheeks.
- Keep Eating What You Like - Invisalign trays should be removed for meals which means your teen can continue eating all of their favorite foods during treatment.
- Continue Your Favorite Activities – It's also perfectly safe to continue participating in sports and other athletic activities during treatment with Invisalign.
Teenage Dental Care, Building Confidence and Good Health for Life
If your teen has crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth or problems with malocclusion, we welcome you to contact Skyview Dentistry to request an orthodontic consultation today.