There are various options for those who want to straighten their teeth. Invisalign® for teens is a popular option for this age group, as it is less obvious than traditional metal braces. Invisalign consists of clear trays that fit over the top and bottom rows of teeth. This straightening method has many benefits. However, not everyone is a good candidate. To determine whether Invisalign is right for you, you should understand the types of patients who would best benefit from this treatment.
Unlike traditional braces, which attach to the teeth and are moved by connecting wires, the clear aligners of Invisalign for teens and adults are removable and move the teeth in a different direction. The orthodontist will take X-rays of the teeth and mouth and design the aligners to fit each patient’s specific needs.
The aligners should feel tight while the patient wears them, as this pressure moves the teeth into the desired position. The aligners will be replaced every two weeks once the orthodontist determines that the teeth are ready for a tighter fit. The correction occurs slowly, and reaching the desired position may take six to 18 months.
Although Invisalign for teens is popular, it may not be the right choice for everyone. During a consultation, an experienced orthodontist can determine if the patient is a good candidate.
Invisalign is better suited for those with moderate misalignments or mild bite issues. However, clear aligners are not as effective for those with severely misaligned teeth because of how they move the teeth and how they can be removed. For these patients, metal or ceramic braces may be better options.
A good candidate for Invisalign is someone who is motivated to have straight teeth and a great smile. Wearing aligners takes more self-motivation than other straightening methods. Although they are supposed to be worn most of the time, the patient can remove them for eating, brushing, or flossing. If a teenager takes them out more frequently than that, perhaps because they do not want to wear them to a school dance or a party, the results will take longer or may not occur at all.
Because patients can remove their clear aligners, they can be lost or forgotten easily. An ideal candidate is a responsible person who can keep track of the aligners, remembering to wear them as much as possible. Someone who is forgetful or loses things frequently may want to consider alternate options.
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Invisalign® for teens is a popular tooth-straightening option. The clear trays are subtle and removable, making it easier to eat and maintain good oral hygiene habits. However, teens should discuss the pros and cons with an experienced orthodontist to determine if this treatment method is the right choice for their specific needs. If you have questions, reach out to our office.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
As a child’s mouth and teeth develop into adolescence, it may become apparent that there are problems with alignment or spacing. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of this alignment option,…
Invisalign® for teens refers to the clear plastic device worn to straighten teeth as an alternative to metal braces. Many people opt to wear these types of devices when they are in their teenage years, but they can be worn by adults as well. Invisalign has the added benefits of being removable and less noticeable…
Invisalign® has been around for a little more than two decades and, in that time, has corrected millions of smiles. As a result, dentists feel confident recommending Invisalign® for teens, which is precisely what it sounds like — a clear aligner system designed specifically for teens’ smiles. As a parent, you may have several concerns…
As a child’s mouth and teeth develop into adolescence, it may become apparent that there are problems with alignment or spacing. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of this alignment option,…
If you and your child are interested in an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign® may be just what you are looking for. It is just as effective at straightening teeth as traditional braces but has certain qualities that make it more tolerable for teenagers.It is usually preferable to wait to delay teeth straightening treatment until…