Is Invisalign a Good Option For Teens?

Invisalign is a great option for straightening teeth. Using clear aligners that are virtually invisible, you can align your teeth and bite for improved dental health and a better-looking smile. As orthodontic treatments go, Invisalign has some distinct advantages over other treatments. But is it a good option for teens? 

If your teen needs orthodontic treatment and you’re considering Invisalign, here’s what you need to know to determine if this is the best choice. 

What is Invisalign and How Does it Work?

The Invisalign system consists of clear plastic trays, called aligners, that fit over your teeth. Treatment begins with digital scans of your teeth that are used to design a plan for shifting your teeth into proper alignment. A set of aligners are created to achieve the desired results. You wear each aligner for about 2 weeks before switching to the next one in order. When you have worn your complete series of aligners, your teeth and bite should be properly aligned. Your dentist will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. 

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign offers many benefits: 

• Discreet. The clear aligners fit snugly to your teeth and are virtually invisible, allowing you to straighten your teeth discreetly. 

• Convenient. The aligners are removable, allowing you to eat and clean your teeth as usual. No food restrictions or special cleaning tools and techniques are required. 

• Comfortable. The smooth, flexible plastic won’t irritate your mouth's soft tissues. Your teeth are shifted gently and gradually for greater comfort during treatment. 

• Fast. Invisalign works in an average of 6-18 months, shorter than traditional braces' average treatment duration. 

What Makes Invisalign Teen Different? 

Invisalign Teen is a version of Invisalign treatment with special features that make it more suitable for teenagers. The differences include: 

• Replacement aligners. It is common for aligners to be lost or damaged during treatment. A preset number of replacement aligners are included in the cost of treatment with Invisalign Teen. 

• Compliance indicators. A key part of treatment success is wearing your aligners as much as possible, up to 22 hours daily. Invisalign Teen aligners have colored dots that indicate how much they are worn. 

These two features can make Invisalign work more effectively for teenagers and younger children. 

Is My Teen a Good Candidate for Invisalign? 

Invisalign is an effective treatment for mild to moderate orthodontic cases. It can straighten teeth, relieve crowding, close gaps, and correct overbite and other bite misalignments. However, some patients may have more complex orthodontic needs that Invisalign may be unable to correct. Braces may be necessary for some patients to achieve adequate dental health. 

Is Invisalign the Right Choice for My Teen? 

Just because your teen is a candidate for Invisalign doesn’t mean it is the best choice for them. There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing an orthodontic treatment. If your teen is not mature enough to handle the responsibility necessary for Invisalign, Invisalign may not be a good orthodontic option. If budget is a concern, the cost of Invisalign is comparable to that of traditional braces, but it may be wise to get an estimate for both treatments for comparison. If your teen is self-conscious about wearing traditional braces, Invisalign is a more discreet alternative. 

Where Can My Child Get Invisalign Teen?

If you’re considering Invisalign Teen for your child, Dental Partners of Vero Beach provides this treatment. After a brief evaluation, we can determine whether your teen is an ideal candidate for Invisalign. We’ll be happy to discuss the treatment to help you make the best decision for your child. 

Call 772-569-4118 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.