Ask Your Orthodontist About Invisalign for Teens

As a child's mouth and teeth develop throughout their teenage years, it may become apparent that their teeth have misalignment or spacing problems. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of the results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of this alignment option, and a consultation with an orthodontist can shed more insight for moving forward.

Common conditions treated by Invisalign for teens

Traditional braces are one of the more recognized methods of orthodontic care. With Invisalign, there is a new, discreet option for addressing some of the more common conditions of spacing, alignment, and bite problems.

Bite problems

Several bite conditions impact how well a teen can eat or speak, and depending on the severity of the jaw protrusion on either the upper or lower jaw, it could lead to severe discomfort and pain. An overbite and an underbite are conditions that affect how the teeth overlap each other. Both conditions affect eating, chewing, and speaking, but bite problems can also affect a teen’s appearance and self-confidence.

Open bite conditions affect how well the upper and lower teeth align when the mouth is closed. While a crossbite condition has the same impact, it can cause the teeth to wear down more quickly and create pain in the gums and jaw.

Alignment concerns

Teens with misaligned teeth may feel self-conscious about the look of their smile. However, misaligned teeth can create problems with chewing and eating. In addition, teenagers may have genetics or poor oral health habits that can impact how well the teeth are aligned. Unfortunately, by adolescence, the teeth are fairly set in their permanent position unless addressed through corrective measures.

Crowding concerns

While crowded teeth and crooked teeth are different conditions, these are similar in their impact on the mouth and smile. The conditions can lower a teen's confidence when speaking or smiling. These feelings can impact the teen’s social life and self-esteem.

Positive results with Invisalign for teens

Invisalign treatments can be an effective corrective option for these conditions, making it an important talking point when a teen and their guardian consult with an orthodontist. These treatments rely on individual impressions of the teeth to manufacture custom clear aligner trays. The treatment moves through wearing trays for a specified amount of time each day and changing out the trays until the desired results are achieved. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment plans can take anywhere from six months to a year.

Teens can appreciate the low-profile appearance of this corrective treatment, as traditional braces are sometimes considered a tough social hurdle for this age group. There are also the added benefits of more flexibility and freedom with food and drink choices, as well as the efficiency and minimal discomfort of the process.