Invisalign clear aligners are often the top choice for adults looking to get a straighter smile. They’re more subtle and offer more flexibility than traditional metal braces. But are they the best choice for teens, too? Invisalign for teens in our Durham, NC office is slightly different from Invisalign for adults. Learn more about its effectiveness.
What Can Invisalign Treat?
Invisalign can fix many of the same problems that metal braces treat. It works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues. If your teen has crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, or teeth that are too crowded, Invisalign can help straighten their smile. It can also fix small problems with their bite, like a slight overbite, underbite, or crossbite.
Each Invisalign aligner slowly moves the teeth into the right position. Over time, your teen’s smile becomes straighter and healthier.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Choosing Invisalign for your teen comes with many advantages over traditional braces that include:
Discreet Look
One of the biggest perks is that Invisalign aligners are clear and nearly invisible. Many teens feel self-conscious about metal braces and don’t like how they look when they smile. Since Invisalign is so discreet, teens can straighten their teeth without worrying about noticeable hardware.
No Dietary Restrictions
Another major benefit is that Invisalign doesn’t restrict eating habits. With regular braces, teens have to avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods that can damage wires and brackets.
But because Invisalign aligners are removable, teens can take them out when eating and enjoy all their favorite foods. They also remove the aligners for brushing and flossing, making oral hygiene much easier. Braces can trap food and make cleaning difficult, sometimes leading to white spots or cavities after treatment. With Invisalign, teens simply take out the aligners and brush normally.
Quick Treatment
In many cases, Invisalign treatment is faster than traditional braces. While metal braces often take 18 months to two years, Invisalign can sometimes straighten teeth in as little as six months to a year. The process is also more convenient because it requires fewer orthodontist visits. With braces, wires need regular tightening, but Invisalign works by switching to new aligners every few weeks, gradually shifting teeth into place.
Cost Effective
Finally, Invisalign can be more affordable than braces in some cases. Since there are no metal brackets or wires to adjust, the overall cost may be lower. For teens who want a comfortable, flexible, and less noticeable way to straighten their teeth, Invisalign is a great option.
Invisalign for Teens
Many parents worry that their teen might lose their Invisalign aligners or forget to wear them. That’s a common concern, but Invisalign has a helpful feature just for teens. Each set of teen aligners has small blue dots called “compliance indicators.” These dots fade when the aligners are worn as directed, so you and your dentist can tell if your teen is following the plan.
Invisalign can also be a better option for teens who play sports. Metal braces have brackets and wires that can hurt the lips or cheeks if a teen gets hit in the face during a game. Braces can also break and cause dental emergencies. Invisalign aligners are made from smooth, clear plastic and fit closely to the teeth. They’re much safer if an accident happens during sports.
Still, your teen needs to be responsible to wear Invisalign. It’s easy to take the aligners out to eat and accidentally throw them away if they’re wrapped in a napkin. Teens also have to clean their aligners and remember to wear them at least 20 to 22 hours a day. They can’t eat with the aligners in, and they should only drink water while wearing them.
If your teen can keep track of their aligners and take good care of them, Invisalign can be a great way to straighten their smile.
Is Invisalign the Right Choice for My Teen?
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment for your teen can feel like a big decision. Invisalign is a great option for many teens, but it’s not the best fit for everyone. It’s important to think about a few things before starting treatment.
First, Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic problems. If your teen has more serious issues with their bite or tooth alignment, traditional braces or other types of orthodontic treatment might work better.
You should also think about your teen’s habits. Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day and taken out for eating and brushing. If your teen tends to be forgetful or often loses things, there’s a chance they could misplace the aligners. This could slow down treatment or make it less effective. And since aligners can be expensive, you want to make sure your teen is ready to be responsible for them.
It’s also a good idea to talk to your teen about what they want. Some teens like Invisalign because it’s clear and almost invisible. They may feel more confident knowing their friends won’t see metal braces on their teeth. On the other hand, some teens enjoy the look of traditional braces. They like picking out fun rubber band colors and showing off their unique style.
In the end, the best choice depends on your teen’s dental needs, personality, and lifestyle. A conversation with Dr. Furgurson can help you decide what’s best for your child’s smile.
How to Care for Invisalign
Taking care of Invisalign aligners is easy, but your teen should follow a few simple rules. Teens should wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. That means only taking them out to eat, drink, and brush their teeth. Wearing them as directed helps teeth move correctly and keeps treatment on track.
Teens also need to clean their aligners every day. The best way to do this is by gently brushing them with a toothbrush and rinsing them with lukewarm water. Hot water should be avoided because it can warp the plastic.
To avoid losing them, teens should always put their aligners in their case when they’re not wearing them. Wrapping aligners in a napkin can lead to accidentally throwing them away.
Schedule An Appointment
At Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re a top Invisalign provider in the area. If you and your teen think Invisalign is the right choice for them, call us or schedule an appointment online. Let us know if you have questions about Invisalign. We’re here to help.