What Parents Can Expect From Invisalign® for Teens

Children often look forward to their teenage years but are rarely excited about getting braces. Fortunately, Invisalign® provides an efficient and faster teeth straightening method without the need for the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces. With multiple benefits, Invisalign has become the clear alternative to teen braces.

About Invisalign for teens

The Invisalign system is a series of clear aligners that shift the teeth into proper alignment. It can correct a variety of malocclusions, including:

• Underbite: When the upper jaw protrudes over the lower jaw.
• Overbite: When the upper jaw sits behind the lower jaw.
• Crossbite: When the upper teeth slide behind the lower teeth.
• Open bite: When the upper and lower front teeth do not meet despite the mouth being closed.
• Crowding: When the teeth are too close together, leading to twisted and crooked teeth.
• Gapped teeth: When the teeth are spaced too far apart, leaving gaps in the smile.

Invisalign is a good option for when these malocclusions are mild to moderate. Parents are often surprised by the versatility of this treatment method.

A discreet teeth straightening solution

Many teens prefer Invisalign over traditional braces because it allows for a more discreet treatment. Each aligner consists of a patented flexible material known as SmartTrack®. This material is so clear that most people will not notice the patient’s trays until they take them out.

Customized for a short treatment time

Another benefit of Invisalign is that professionals customize the treatment plan on a patient-by-patient basis. This ensures the aligners target the patient’s malocclusion in as little time as possible and with minimal pain and discomfort. Most patients achieve proper alignment in 12 to 18 months with Invisalign.

Fewer accommodations are needed than with braces

Traditional braces are an effective teeth straightening solution, but they bring a range of lifestyle changes. They change what the patient can eat, drink, and brush their teeth. Invisalign does not bring these same changes. Patients can simply take them off to eat, drink, and complete their oral hygiene routine. Further, patients can remove Invisalign aligner trays to play sports and musical instruments as opposed to braces.

Keeping up with your teen’s treatment is easy

Patients who wear their aligners as recommended can expect to switch trays every two weeks. Since the patient must wear the trays 20-22 hours a day to progress through treatment, many parents raise concerns about whether their teen follows their dental provider’s instructions. Blue compliance dots on each tray can help put parents’ minds at ease. The dots are located at the back of the trays and fade as they wear down. Parents and the teen’s dental team can check the dots to ensure the teen stays on track with treatment.