July 19, 2022
Those who grew up wearing traditional metal braces will understand the impact that it can have on a teenager’s self-esteem. That’s why we offer Invisalign® Teen - clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teenager’s smile.
How Does Invisalign Teen Work?
Invisalign Teen is a system of removable aligners that can help teens achieve straighter teeth without the need for metal brackets and wires. Teens wear their aligners for most of the day, changing them out weekly or biweekly, depending on how their treatment is tracking. Little by little, the teeth shift into place according to the treatment plan.
Invisalign Teen is designed with convenience in mind. Since patients remove their aligners before eating, there are no restrictions on the types of food that they can eat. Additionally, teenagers wearing Invisalign trays do not need any special tools to clean their mouth – they can brush and floss normally. Finally, patients clean their removable aligners with lukewarm tap water and a toothbrush before putting them back on their teeth.
What Problems Can Invisalign Teen Fix?
While Invisalign was originally designed to treat minor tooth misalignment, clear aligner technology has come a long way since its introduction to the market. In the hands of an experienced orthodontist, Invisalign Teen can correct mild to severe tooth misalignment, as well as most cases of underbite, overbite, crossbite, and open bite.
Though Invisalign Teen can treat a wide variety of issues, research suggests that certain cases may require a more specialized approach. That’s why you should visit an orthodontist to determine whether your teen is a good candidate for Invisalign.
What’s the Best Age for Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen is suitable for adolescents with no baby teeth. As long as their adult teeth have grown in, patients as young as 12 years old can straighten their smile with Invisalign Teen. If the patient still has baby teeth, they may be a good fit for Invisalign First.
Invisalign Teen Treatment Time: How Long Does It Take?
On average, teenagers wear Invisalign trays for 12 to 18 months before treatment is complete. However, the Invisalign treatment timeline is determined on a case-by-case basis. While severe cases take longer to correct, teens with minor alignment problems could complete treatment in as little as 12 weeks.
There are several additional factors that determine how long Invisalign treatment lasts, including the experience level of your treatment provider, and how well your teen adheres to wearing their aligners. For a personalized estimate, consult with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Sharp.
How Often Are Follow-up Appointments With Invisalign Teen?
Because Invisalign patients can switch to new aligners at home, the orthodontist does not need to see your teen for as long or as often as someone with conventional braces. In most situations, your teenager will only need a brief evaluation every 6 to 8 weeks.
Kids these days have a lot of commitments, and we certainly know that parents do, too. At our practice we use a sophisticated remote monitoring tool called Dental Monitoring to follow your teenager’s treatment virtually, every week.
With Invisalign Teen and Remote monitoring, we can:
- Reduce the frequency of in-office visits, giving time back to families,
- Catch potential issues before they delay treatment, and
- Communicate with your teen more easily.
Click here to learn more about Remote Monitoring!
How Much Does Invisalign Teen Cost?
The cost of Invisalign Teen is usually the same as the cost of traditional braces. Like the cost of braces, the cost of Invisalign Teen is proportional to the amount of time and aligners that your teen’s smile will need. Complex cases will require more aligners and office visits, increasing the final cost of treatment.
After your consultation with Dr. Sharp, our financial coordinator will factor in your teen’s treatment plan and your insurance coverage to determine your final cost for Invisalign braces. We also offer affordable financing options, making it easy to fit Invisalign treatment into your monthly budget. Contact our office today to learn more!
Is Invisalign a Good Choice for My Teenager?
More teenagers than ever are choosing Invisalign for its discreet appearance and unrivaled convenience. However, it is important that your teenager wears their aligners as directed by their orthodontist. If the patient cannot keep up with their treatment plan, their progress may slow down or reverse. For this reason, some teenagers may find that fixed braces are a better fit for their lifestyle.
If you’re wondering whether your teenager is a good fit for Invisalign Teen, consider these guidelines:
- Patients must wear their aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours per day.
- Patients must remove their Invisalign trays before they eat.
- Patients should not progress to the next set of aligners until their orthodontist directs them to do so.
- Patients will experience slight pressure on their teeth when switching to a new set of aligners.
- Patients must clean their aligners as directed, as extreme temperatures or chemicals could damage or warp the plastic material.
As we’ve mentioned, failure to adhere to these guidelines will delay or reverse your teen’s tooth movement. That being said, if your teenager can stay committed to their treatment, Invisalign Teen will acheive amazing results for their smile.
Schedule a complimentary smile exam today to learn whether Invisalign Teen and Remote monitoring are a good fit for your teen!