Are you looking to achieve a Hollywood smile? A popular way to straighten teeth without traditional braces is Invisalign®. These clear aligners are available for adults and teenagers interested in improving the alignment of their teeth and the appearance of their smiles. Along with a discreet appearance, these aligners do not contain metal components that can irritate sensitive tissues in the mouth, cause sore spots, or create scar tissue. These qualities make this treatment especially effective for teenagers.
Invisalign removable aligners consist of moldable clear plastic and will match the patient’s teeth. Like other patients, teenagers must wear two aligners at any given time during treatment — one on the upper jaw and one on the lower.These aligners must be worn for between 20 and 22 hours each day to gradually shift the teeth into proper alignment.
Invisalign can treat various types of misalignment, also known as “malocclusion.” Overbites, overcrowding, and gaps between teeth are common reasons for treatment. Clear aligners may also remedy underbites, although it depends on the patient’s age and current condition.
Each set of clear aligners will be custom-made for each patient, making Invisalign a unique and effective way to treat various alignment issues. The orthodontist will take digital impressions with a special scanner and computer-generated imagery. They will then send the impressions to the lab to create custom trays.
Teen patients will switch Invisalign trays every one to two weeks, depending on their treatment plan. It is normal to feel slight pain and discomfort for the first day or so as the teeth begin to shift into a new position. Each new set will be slightly different from the previous one.
Patients often prefer Invisalign due to its relatively quick treatment time compared to traditional braces. However, the length of treatment depends on the degree of the teen’s malocclusion. On average, a full course of Invisalign takes between 12 and 18 months. Treatment may be shorter if the malocclusion is minor.
For teenagers to be good candidates for clear aligners, they must be mature and responsible enough to wear the aligners at least 20 hours per day and practice basic oral hygiene. The patient must take the aligners out when eating and brush their teeth before putting them back in. Teens must be careful not to lose aligners when they take them out for meals, hygiene, and sports.
Invisalign is for mild to moderate cases of malocclusion. If the teen’s condition is more severe, clear aligners may not exert enough pressure to move the teeth. Traditional braces would be a better option in these cases.
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If your teen needs to correct an overbite, crowded teeth, or another malocclusion, Invisalign Teen may be the answer. Call our office today to learn more. Our orthodontist would be more than happy to discuss treatment options.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
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