Invisalign® for teens can help correct a teen’s misaligned teeth for a healthier, more beautiful smile. Candidates for this treatment find it fits perfectly with their busy lifestyles. Invisalign Teen allows teens to eat what they want, makes it easier to brush and floss, and is virtually invisible, which helps alleviate the self-consciousness that metal braces can often elicit.
Invisalign Teen can treat widely-spaced teeth, crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, and simple bite irregularities. Invisalign Teen is available at Brea Pediatric Dental Practice and Orthodontics in Brea and the surrounding area. Our staff can help you make the right decision for your child’s dental needs.
Invisalign Teen aligners have a blue indicator that keeps track of how many hours the patient wore the trays that day, as it can often be difficult to remember. The indicator changes color from blue to clear or white the more often the trays are worn. Traditional Invisalign trays for adults do not come with the blue indicator, as they assume adults will be responsible enough to wear their aligners for the bulk of the day. The indicator helps busy teens keep track of their wear duration so they can be sure to wear them for the required 22 hours a day.
Invisalign Teen also comes with a higher number of replacement aligners. Due to the nature of a teenager’s active lifestyle, there are more replacement aligners with Invisalign Teen if a set becomes damaged or lost. These replacement trays come included in the treatment plan at no additional cost.
Invisalign’s clear aligners, also known as “trays,” fit over the top and bottom teeth. Patients wear a series of aligners that will gradually move their teeth into the proper position. Each custom-made tray is worn for a few weeks, allowing the teeth to slightly shift before moving on to the next set of trays. The next set is slightly different and helps the teeth continue to move into their desired position. Over time, the small shifts add up to a big change.
The number of trays a patient will receive and, thus, the duration of treatment depends on the amount of time needed to fix each issue. Some patients may need 20 trays, while others may need as many as 40 trays to correct their teeth. Treatment remains customized to each patient, no matter their age. Upon removal, the teen must remember to put their Invisalign trays in a safe place to avoid misplacing them or accidentally discarding them.
In the event a child does misplace the trays, Invisalign Teen comes with replacement aligners that the orthodontist can provide. For cases in which a patient forgets to wear their aligners or replace them as prescribed, refitting and adjusting may be required at their follow-up appointment.
Align Technologies designed Invisalign Teen with teenagers in mind. Invisalign Teen remains a preferred treatment for many teenagers as the invisible trays are removed for eating, drinking, and engaging in activities. For treatment to be as effective as possible, teens will need to wear their aligners for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day.
That gives them plenty of time to take them out for eating, cleaning, and engaging in extracurricular activities such as band practice or sports. The discreet design allows teens to wear Invisalign trays at other times without disrupting their life or making them feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile. One of the greatest advantages of Invisalign Teen remains its nearly invisible trays.
With less than one millimeter thickness, these clear aligners offer teens a far less invasive alternative to traditional metal braces. The clear aligners come computer-manufactured and completely customized to fit the patient’s mouth. It slides comfortably over the surfaces of teeth and can be removed to eat, drink, brush, floss, and engage in activities such as sports and playing musical instruments.
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Invisalign Teen makes it easier than ever for teenagers to achieve their desired smile and correct dental issues. Each aligner comes with a blue compliance indicator that helps teens ensure they wear the aligners for the prescribed duration each day. The indicator changes from blue to clear to indicate the trays have been worn for a sufficient amount of time each day — 20-22 hours a day.
The aligners are made of SmartTrack material to keep them smooth and comfortable while in the patient’s mouth. SmartForce® Attachments, or small tooth-colored shapes, are often added, allowing the aligners to apply the right amount of force in the right direction. The mandibular advancement feature for patients with complex overbites (common in teens) comes with precision wings that gradually move the lower jaw. These additions and features can be requested or may be recommended by an orthodontist during consultation.
Invisalign Teen is the preferred orthodontic treatment for many teenagers today. Teens feel less self-conscious wearing the aligners because of their nearly invisible design compared to traditional braces that remain difficult to hide. Teens also enjoy the freedom (engage in activities, eat their favorite foods, etc.) that comes with removable trays.
Patients who are concerned about pain may prefer Invisalign Teen as their smooth design provides enhanced comfort compared to bulky metal braces. The trays use slower, more gentle movements than traditional braces, causing minimal and temporary discomfort. If particularly sensitive to pain, Invisalign Teen offers an ideal option for teens.
Q. What is the difference between Invisalign Teen and Invisalign for adults?
Q. How many trays will my teen need for Invisalign treatment and will they need to be refitted?
Q. What are the benefits for teenagers wearing Invisalign Teen?
Q. What kinds of materials are used in Invisalign Teen?
Q. Why is Invisalign Teen the preferred treatment for many teens?
Q. Are there dietary restrictions with Invisalign Teen?
A. Unlike with traditional braces, there are no dietary restrictions when using Invisalign Teen. Your teen will remove aligners for eating and drinking, meaning your teen can enjoy favorite foods and beverages while getting treatment. Your teen must remember to place the aligners back in the mouth after eating to ensure completing treatment in a timely manner.
Q. How do you keep Invisalign trays clean?
A. Invisalign Teen aligners must be cleaned every day — an easy task to do. Run the aligners under lukewarm water each day and brush them gently with a toothbrush to ensure they stay clean.
Q. How long does Invisalign Teen treatment take?
A. Every smile remains unique as they offer personalized treatment plans for each patient. Treatment time for Invisalign Teen varies, depending on how much the teeth need to be moved and how many sets of aligners will be required to achieve the desired outcome. Treatment times can vary between six to 18 months.
Q. How much does Invisalign treatment cost?
A. The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on the patient’s case, severity, and duration, or number of trays needed. Every insurance plan is different. We encourage parents to contact their insurance provider for coverage information.
Q. Is Invisalign right for my teen?
A. Deciding which treatment proves right for your teen involves weighing many factors about your child’s oral health and level of personal responsibility. Invisalign remains effective at treating many dental conditions. It requires responsibility to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day and to keep track of them when removed. Schedule an appointment to find out if Invisalign is right for your teen.
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need.
If you would like to learn more about Invisalign for teens, we at Brea Pediatric Dental Practice and Orthodontics can help. Call us at 714-782-0215 to learn more or schedule an appointment. We can set up a personalized treatment plan for your child.
