Are you researching Invisalign for teens?
Teenagers are very conscious about the way they look. It is that stage in life when your outer appearance can say a lot about your social status and standing.
And although your teen may not understand right now that he or she looks fine with the looks God has given them, it does not hurt to make a few improvements.
For one, a nice and bright smile can make such a huge difference when it comes to the confidence and self-esteem of teenagers. Having misaligned teeth or tooth gaps can also be a trigger for others to bully your teenager.
If you know that your teen needs orthodontic treatment so that they can have straighter teeth, you should consider getting Invisalign for teens.
Invisalign teen can be an expensive dental treatment compared to others, but there is no denying that it is the best in the market. Plus, the clear aligners are invisible so teens do not have to worry about attracting more attention to their bad teeth like traditional metal braces normally would.
In this article, we will discuss how Invisalign works for teens and why Invisalign for teens is a worthy option to consider.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign are removable, transparent, and BPA-free plastic aligners that are worn over the teeth like retainers. Invisalign is such a hit because they are less noticeable, easy to wear, and are more comfortable.
Invisalign teen still works like the original Invisalign system only that this package is specially made for teenagers. Invisalign used to be a treatment mainly for adults but as the treatment has evolved, Invisalign can become an effective treatment option for younger patients too such as kids and teens.
Adolescents as young as 12 years old can start getting Invisalign teen. At this age, an orthodontist can do a full assessment of your teen’s teeth and be able to determine if they really need braces or not and when they can start treatment.
Invisalign teen can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues such as crooked teeth, gap teeth, misaligned teeth, and even some bite problems. This makes them a good alternative to metal braces.
How does Invisalign aligners work?
While traditional metal braces use brackets, bands, and wires to move teeth, Invisalign uses a set of aligners that will gently pressure your teeth to move over time. This leads to outstanding results and a better oral health after treatment.
Every two weeks, your teenager will have to move on to the next aligner on the set and each aligner is tighter than the last one to ensure movement of the teeth. As your teen goes through the set, their teeth will move little by little into the correct position.
To make sure that the treatment is effective, your teenager should wear the aligners for at least 22 hours each day. This means that your teen has enough time to remove the aligners during meal times and when they clean their teeth.
Wearing the aligners less than 22 hours each day will delay the progress, which will cause the treatment plan to not work. This is important since most teens who take Invisalign often do not wear their aligners enough – especially during the first few months.
Some teens start to wear them less when they notice they get a lisp or there is an increase in the production of their saliva. You should let them know that these things will go away in a few days as your mouth adjusts to the presence of the aligners.
An orthodontist will be able to tell if the aligners are nor worn long enough. The removable aligners also have a blue compliance indicator. It is a small blue dot on the molars part of the braces so it is not noticeable. By the time your teen should move on to the next aligner on the set, the blue dot should be all gone.
How to start Invisalign Teen?
The first step is to choose an Invisalign provider that you and your teen would be comfortable working with since you will be seeing this dental professional several times throughout the treatment. Most orthodontists offer a free consultation.
The orthodontist will scan your teen’s teeth and gums and make a 3D model out of the scans. Thanks to Invisalign’s technology, the 3D scans will be turned into a computerized model that the dental professional can use to create a custom treatment plan.
The orthodontist will be able to make a 3D presentation on how the teeth are expected to move throughout the treatment and show the end result of how your teen’s smile should look. So, you and your teen can get a preview of the end result and see how the straightening works.
Once the plan for treatment is approved, the orthodontist will give the go signal for Invisalign to start creating the set of custom invisible aligners for your teen.
How much is Invisalign for Teens?
Just like the adult Invisalign, there is no fixed rate when it comes to Invisalign for teens. Your total cost will depend on the severity of the dental issue. Generally, the more work your teeth need, the more expensive the treatment will be.
Other factors can affect your total cost. One is your location. If you are in the city, Invisalign will be more expensive compared to getting Invisalign teen treatment in a rural area. The cost of living determine also the total cost.
Another factor is your provider. Invisalign has tier rankings for its providers. Those in the higher tier may be more expensive compared to those who are in the lowest tiers.
The good news is that if your insurance policy has coverage for orthodontics, then you can pay for the cost with your insurance. You can also use your HSA or FSA accounts to help cover part of the total cost.
Some orthodontists also offer their own promos, discounts, or payment plans. Parents can take advantage of that too when it comes to paying for teen patients.
Invisalign for Teens Pros and Cons
Pros
Invisible
Invisalign’s number one selling point is the fact that its aligners are virtually invisible. The material is so transparent that people hardly notice that you are wearing them. Because of this, teens can still feel confident when interacting with others.
Comfortable fit
Since the aligners are customized, the fit will be comfortable. The smooth plastic material is comfortable and the aligners are trimmed on the gum line. There are no wires or brackets that can cause irritation and discomfort n your mouth.
No food restrictions
Since Invisalign can be removed at any time, your teen has no problems when it comes to eating. It is a huge improvement compared to metal braces where food can get trapped or the wires can get damaged when you eat sticky or hard food.
Easy maintenance of oral hygiene
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, it is easy to brush and floss your teeth. All you have to do is take them off! This is so much easier compared to having to find your way through the wires and brackets when you clean your teeth.
Cons
Compliance is the key to success for this orthodontic treatment
The Invisalign treatment is very effective but it will not work if your teen is not disciplined enough to wear the braces for at least 22 hours each day. If your teen can not stick to that, they are probably better off with other forms of braces.
Aligners can get lost
The fact that the aligners are removable gives Invisalign teen a lot of advantages when it comes to convenience but there is also the risk of your teenager losing them. You need to give your teen proper storage that they can easily spot so they do not lose their clear aligners.
Invisalign Teens FAQ
Are Invisalign aligners really invisible?
Invisalign is not really invisible but they are the closest thing. The material they use for their aligners is so clear that most people can not tell that you are wearing aligners unless they are really close to your face. There is no need to be conscious about it all the time because they will barely show.
How long does the treatment take to get straighter teeth?
The treatment time will depend on the severity of your case. Generally, some people can have their treatment done in 6 to 12 months.
The more work your teeth needs, the longer the treatment time will be. If your teen only needs minor movement in their teeth, you can get outstanding results in just a few weeks.
Is Invisalign more expensive than traditional braces?
One of the reasons parents decide to get metal braces for their teenagers is because of the misconception that Invisalign is more expensive. This may be true for some cases but it is not always the case.
For one, Invisalign and traditional braces charge you the same way – the more work you need, the more expensive it gets.
Also, Invisalign has a shorter treatment time compared to metal braces. If you have a minor orthodontic issue to fix, Invisalign will turn out to be cheaper since you will be needing fewer aligner trays and less treatment time.
The only way to find out which orthodontics would be cheaper for you is to consult an orthodontist.
Are there any dietary restrictions?
Unlike metal braces that cause you to be more conscious about what you are eating and drinking, your teenager does not have to worry about any dietary restrictions with Invisalign treatment.
This is because the aligners are removable so all your teen should do is take them off before they eat, clean their teeth and the aligners after they eat, and put the aligners back in again.
So, your teen can consume all their favorite foods as long as they take their clear aligners off. This is very important since certain food and drinks can leave stains on the material. Invisalign will no longer be as invisible as it is once the material is stained.
Are Invisalign aligners painful?
As mentioned earlier, Invisalign is a more comfortable orthodontic solution compared to traditional braces. This means that there is less pain involved during the Invisalign treatment process.
Some patients share that there is a mild degree of discomfort but this happens during the start of treatment when you are still on the adjustment period. Once your mouth adjusts, you will hardly notice that you are wearing aligners.
How do I choose an Invisalign provider?
You must get an orthodontist that you and your teen are comfortable with since you will be seeing each other a couple of times while the treatment is taking place.
Aside from the comfort factor, of course, you have to make sure that the top orthodontist is good at his job. You should consider the dental professional’s skills, certification, and reputation.
What happens after Invisalign teen?
Once the treatment is done, the orthodontist will ask your teen to wear a retainer for some time. This is necessary to retain the new position of their teeth. In fact, a retainer is required after treatment no matter what type of teeth-straightening treatment you choose.
Conclusion
Teenagers should get orthodontic care as soon as they can. They are at the ideal age where it is easier to improve their oral health.
When they turn into adults, orthodontic treatment will be more expensive and will take a longer time. As teens, they are still at the age where their bodies are still developing, making it easier to embrace any change and development.
Invisalign offers a great advantage over traditional metal braces because they let your teens straighten their teeth without letting them go through the “metal mouth” look. The thing about metal braces is that aside from the possibility of being bullied about it, the metal brackets and wires can be very uncomfortable and sometimes painful.
With Invisalign, clear plastic aligners are being used so any teenager can have their teeth straightened out without having to worry about what others will say about it or having to go through a major lifestyle change.
Do not let crowded teeth get in the way of your kid enjoying the best of his or her teenage years. Young people are always self-conscious about their looks. Most teenagers could benefit from having a beautiful smile.
Invisalign offers a great way for teens all over the world to achieve straighter teeth and get a better smile in a subtle, convenient, and comfortable manner. With Invisalign for teens, any teenager can enjoy a perfect smile for the rest of their life.