Like many young people, your teenager may have crooked teeth or bite problems that need correcting. Traditional braces are not the only option, however. Invisalign® is a popular alternative to braces for teens, straightening teeth through a series of removable clear aligners. An orthodontist may recommend clear aligners for teens who want a more discreet way to achieve proper alignment. This blog will answer the most frequently asked questions parents have about Invisalign, including how the clear aligners work, their benefits, and more.
Misalignment, or “malocclusion,” may come in the form of an overbite, underbite, overcrowded teeth, or irregular spacing (gaps in the teeth). Invisalign may correct each of these problems. Below are some common questions we hear after recommending clear aligners as an alternative to braces for teens.
The orthodontist will first scan the patient’s teeth. Then the dental lab will create trays of custom clear aligners using the scan results and the teen’s desired treatment outcome. Invisalign shifts the teeth gradually, one set of trays at a time, as the orthodontist recommends. Typically, this is every one to two weeks. For best results, patients need to wear the aligners for most of the day — they should only remove the aligners for eating, drinking anything besides water, and daily brushing and flossing.
Teens will need to have checkups every six to eight weeks to ensure they are on track with their treatment goals. A new batch of aligners will be ready at each appointment. The orthodontist will recommend how long each patient should wear each tray based on their treatment plan.
Invisalign offers many benefits that traditional braces cannot. Many teens find the aligners to be more comfortable than the wires and brackets of braces. They are also easy to put on and take off, and it is difficult for other people to notice when they are on. Unlike braces, teen patients can remove their aligners to eat, drink, play sports, brush, and floss.
The orthodontist can order Invisalign for teens to include blue compliance indicator dots. These indicators remain toward the back of the aligner trays, so the aligners themselves remain discreet. The point is to make it easy for parents to check that their teen is wearing the aligners as instructed and help the orthodontist keep tabs on progress.
Pressure and discomfort are normal when switching to a new set of aligners. With each set, the teeth move closer to their final position. Discomfort should fade a day or two after switching trays.
The cost of treatment is similar to traditional braces. Many insurance plans also cover it. Talk to the orthodontist and insurance provider about payment options.
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Many teenagers need orthodontic treatment to fix crooked teeth or bite problems. While wire-and-bracket braces are an option, your teenager may be more receptive to wearing Invisalign. Call our office to learn more about how clear aligners may bring a lifetime of healthy and beautiful teeth.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
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