As a child enters their teenage years, they begin nitpicking every flaw in their appearance. On top of that, if they need orthodontic assistance, the paranoia of having to flaunt giant metal wires in their mouth begins to creep in. But what if we told you that your teen doesn’t have to worry about those obvious-looking orthodontic devices to straighten their smile?
Enter Invisalign for teens! These clear aligners are great if your child needs dental help but is conscious of their appearance. But what is Invisalign? When does your child need them and how does the process begin for teens? Keep reading to find out.
What is Invisalign Treatment for Teens?
Invisalign treatment for teens is a modern orthodontic method and an alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign is a clear aligner that is custom-made to fit the teen’s teeth and gradually shift them into the desired position over time. These orthodontic equipment are practically non-visible from far away, as opposed to their counterparts, making it a great option for teenagers who are conscious of their appearance.
Signs That a Teen Needs an Invisalign
Since traditional metal braces can make teens self-conscious, clear aligners offer a more discreet alternative. But when do you know that your teen needs that Invisalign treatment?
Dental Development Stage
The first sign that will help you determine whether a teen is ready for Invisalign treatment or not is the dental development stage they are at. Clear aligners are usually best suited for mid-adolescent aged individuals who have all their permanent teeth in place.
But with the existence of Invisalign Teen, even a teenager can now use clear aligners and not sacrifice their confidence. This is designed specifically for adolescents, with features that accommodate growing teeth and help ensure proper wear.
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Mild Orthodontic Concerns
Clear aligners are great for treating mild to moderate cases of orthodontic concerns like crowding, teeth gaps, and some bite irregularities. But if you are looking to treat major cases like jaw realignment, it is only possible with traditional braces.
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Commitment
An orthodontic treatment, especially one revolving around aligners, is only successful if the wearer is committed to wearing it for the required hours daily (which is around 20-22 hours). Invisalign treatment for teens only makes sense if they wear it for the desired time. Since aligners are easy to remove, they are often easier to forget about. So commitment to the treatment is a must.
Moreover, apart from being committed to completing the treatment, wearers should also be committed to maintaining their oral hygiene. Ensure a teen is ready to commit to all of this before going for this treatment.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment for Teens Take?
Most teens have to take the treatment for about 12 to 18 months before they finally achieve the smile of their dreams. But it may last longer or shorter depending on each case. Stay in touch with the orthodontist to track your teen’s progress and improvement.
Understanding the Process of Invisalign for Teens Step-by-Step
Going through an orthodontic procedure is not a matter of a few days. It takes months and years of patience and collaborative efforts to make the process smoother for a teen. Right from the initial consultation to the last visit, here’s how the Invisalign treatment process for teens works:
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Going for Initial Consultation
The initial consultation goes towards assessing your teen’s dental health and teeth structure for a better view of their issue. The orthodontist will check whether clear aligners are meant for your teen’s conditions or not.
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Designing the Appropriate Dental Plan
Once the orthodontist confirms which type of Invisalign or clear aligners fit right for your child after the initial consultation, they take highly detailed digital scans. These scans play a key role in creating custom aligners and mapping out a step-by-step treatment plan, ensuring a smooth and effective teeth-straightening journey.
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Receiving the First Custom Set of Aligners
This is where the Invisalign treatment for your teen starts. At week four, they will receive their first set of custom-made aligners that are going to fit their teeth perfectly.
Ensure your child wears these aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day and only remove them while eating, drinking fluids other than water, or brushing their teeth. Invisalign Teen, specifically designed for teenagers, has a blue indicator that fades with regular wear until the next consultation.
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Evaluating the Progress
Usually, teenagers are required to check in with their orthodontist every two weeks to evaluate their progress. During these review sessions, the dentist will determine whether the treatment is going according to the plan.
In each progress appointment, the dentist will notice whether there’s a shift in your child’s teeth. With each gradual shift, a new set of aligners is introduced that are again custom-made for that position of their jaw. This progress benefits both their dental health and self-esteem.
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Nearing to the Results
As your teen’s Invisalign treatment wraps up, the orthodontist will fine-tune the alignment to ensure every tooth is in its ideal position. This last phase may involve minor adjustments to refine the results, making sure their smile turns out just right.
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Running Through the Aftercare
Once the active treatment is complete, your teen will receive retainers to keep their teeth securely in place. Wearing them as directed is essential to preserving the hard-earned results and ensuring their new smile lasts a lifetime.
What are the Pros and Cons of Invisalign for Teens?
Pros
- Barely Noticeable: Unlike metal braces, aligners are clear, making them a great option for teens who feel self-conscious about their smile during treatment.
- Easy to Remove: Whether it is for eating, brushing, or special occasions, Invisalign can be taken out whenever needed. Just remember to wear them for the recommended 22 hours a day!
- No Food Restrictions: Your child won’t have to give up on their favorite snacks like chips and candies as clear aligners are removable. So, they can eat whatever they want!
- Fewer Trips to the Dentist: With no brackets or wires to adjust, the Invisalign treatment for teens typically requires fewer dental visits, which means less disruption to busy schedules.
Cons
- Needs Discipline: Since Invisalign is not fixed in place like braces, teens must be responsible enough to wear them consistently, otherwise treatment may take longer.
- Not for Severe Cases: Invisalign works best for mild to moderate alignment issues. Complex dental problems may still require traditional braces.
- Expensive: Invisalign often costs more than metal braces, and not all insurance plans cover it, so it is important to check your options before making a decision.
How Can Parents Help Throughout the Invisalign Treatment for Teens?
Even if your teenager is responsible enough to handle aligners as their teeth-straightening method, as parents, you should also offer your support by doing the following:
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Encouraging Their Commitment
The success of aligner treatment highly depends on how long your child continues wearing them. As parents, remind them to wear their aligners and appreciate them every time they do so.
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Spotting Signs of Pain or Discomfort
Invisalign hurts in its initial stage. There will be discomfort or pain till your child gets used to it. But concern begins if this extends for a longer time. This might be a sign that the aligners are not fitting perfectly. Do not ignore it and consult their orthodontist immediately. Also, ensure the aligners fit snugly against their teeth. If they appear loose or you notice any gaps, consult the orthodontist immediately.
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Monitoring Their Oral Hygiene
Remind your teen to brush and floss regularly. This simple habit helps prevent cavities and gum disease, keeping their smile healthy throughout the treatment.
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Keeping Aligners Safe
To avoid losing or damaging them, aligners should always be stored in their case when not in use. Setting up a designated spot at home for the case can help your teen stay organized and keep their aligners secure.
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Reporting Lack of Progress
Invisalign treatment for teens is considered a better option as they get to see their progress and boost their self-esteem. But if you or your teen is not noticing any visible changes in their dental alignment, it may mean that the treatment is not proceeding as expected. Make sure you never miss an orthodontist appointment as that will make your dentist understand the progress chart better and give their best solution.
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Offering Your Support
Getting used to orthodontic treatment is not always easy, so a little support goes a long way. Encourage your teen, be patient with their adjustment period, and celebrate their progress. This makes the journey smoother and more rewarding for them.
Start Your Teen’s Invisalign Treatment with Coral Dental Care!
At Coral Dental Care, we ensure our patients achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that boosts their confidence! If you are looking for a dentist in Salem, MA, for your teen’s Invisalign treatment, visit us to get your concerns looked after.
Don’t let crooked teeth affect your teen’s confidence: Schedule a consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Invisalign as effective as braces?
Yes, if the alignment issues aren’t major, Invisalign can be as effective as traditional braces for your teen.
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Will my teen comply with the Invisalign treatment?
Many parents often worry about whether their teen is wearing aligners enough for them to show any results. To solve this issue, Invisalign Teen comes with compliance indicators that monitor their wear time, making tracking easier for parents.
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What if my teen loses an aligner?
In such cases, contact your orthodontist immediately. They may ask them to wear their previous aligners till a new set arrives.
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Can my teen play sports or musical instruments during their Invisalign treatment?
One of the great perks of Invisalign Teen is that it won’t get in the way of sports or playing musical instruments. If needed, your teen can simply remove the aligners during these activities and pop them back in afterward.
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Will Invisalign affect my teen’s speech?
There might be a short adjustment phase, but most teens get used to talking with their aligners pretty quickly.
Dr. Anu Isaac, DMD, runs a successful dental practice in Salem, MA. Dr. Isaac strives for quality on a daily basis and this commitment to quality is reflected in her constant pursuit of advanced training. Her firm belief that even experts need to stay updated about what’s new in the dental field, enables her to provide every patient with optimal oral care. As the founder of Coral Dental Care, she is dedicated to creating healthy, beautiful smiles for her patients and also to educating dental and non-dental community with her engaging articles on all things related to oral health, recent dental innovations, and latest treatment modalities.