What Parents Should Know About Invisalign for Teens?

Life is stressful enough. Not to mention academic pressure, and how tough it is for younger children to build relationships and get out of their comfort zone. One thing a teenager should be less worried about is, getting a perfect smile without dealing with braces and that’s where Invisalign comes to the rescue.

If you suspect your child may need braces, one popular option is Invisalign, a brand name for clear plastic aligners for teens and younger children. Much like traditional braces with metal brackets and wires, Invisalign applies pressure to teeth and shifts into alignment. The result? An even smile just after a few weeks. Sounds perfect, isn’t it?

Wondering whether Invisalign is the right option for your child? This guide will cover common questions that every parent has about Invisalign for teens. 

How does Invisalign Teen Work?

Since their inception, Invisalign clear aligners have become a popular choice for orthodontics in Bay Area, San Francisco, and worldwide among patients of all ages, especially teens. It was designed to help teens with misaligned teeth and jaws achieve straight teeth without having to deal with unsightly and uncomfortable brackets and wires.

It offers an almost invisible way of straightening teeth, using clear and removable plastic aligners that are custom-made for your teen’s teeth. It looks much like plastic retainers that most teenagers get when they are done with metal braces treatment. 

The aligners put pressure on the teeth and gradually shift them into proper alignment. Every two weeks, your teen needs to trade out the old aligner and get a new one, which causes less discomfort than metal braces.

What are the benefits of Invisalign?

Similar to metal brackets and wires, clear plastic Invisalign applies pressure to teeth and ensures proper alignment. The user wears a set of aligners for a few weeks and then moves on to a new set. Below are the benefits of choosing Invisalign for your teen.

Removability – It is easy for kids and young children to brush and floss without having to maneuver around brackets and wires. This means better oral hygiene and fewer cavities.Self-confidence – Many children and teens feel self-conscious in public when they have a mouth full of braces. As clear plastic aligners are less noticeable and visible, your child may feel comfortable and confident.Less irritability – If you’ve ever had traditional braces, you may know the pain of having sore spots inside your mouth. Invisalign won’t result in such sort of friction and irritation.Fewer emergencies – No more hassle of broken wires or cracked brackets. You won’t have to deal with an emergency where you need to call your orthodontist to fix something that’s broken.

What is the best age for an Invisalign teen?

Invisalign teen is ideal for adolescents with no baby teeth. As long as your adult teeth have grown in, patients of about 12 years can straighten their smile with Invisalign. It is best to consult an orthodontist in San Jose, California, or elsewhere to determine whether your child is a good candidate for Invisalign.

How long does Invisalign teen treatment take?

On average, teenagers wear Invisalign trays for 12 to 18 months. However, the treatment timeline is determined on a case-by-case basis. While severe cases could take longer for correction, teens with minor alignment issue complete treatment in as less as 12 weeks.

Additional factors that determine how long Invisalign treatment takes include the experience level of your orthodontist, the severity of the case, oral health, and how well your teen adheres to wearing their aligners. 

Is Invisalign Good Choice for Your Teen?

Most teenagers prefer Invisalign for its discreet appearance and unmatched convenience. However, make sure your teen wears aligners as directed by their orthodontist. If you’re thinking about whether Invisalign is the right fit for your teen, consider these guidelines:

Patients must wear Invisalign for min. 20-22 hours a dayPatients must remove their Invisalign trays before they eatPatients shouldn’t get a new set of aligners until their orthodontist directsPatients must wear and clean their aligners as directed

Invisalign clear aligners might be a good fit for your teen. If your child’s smile needs to be straightened, schedule an appointment with an experienced orthodontist for further assistance.

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