Invisalign Braces for Teens: A Parent’s Guide to Clear Aligners

Summary:

A parent’s mind can be sent into a big tailspin when their child starts an orthodontic treatment. 

This is mostly because the treatment is relatively new and has various aspects. Besides, when it comes to their child, parents have hundreds of questions about the treatment for Invisalign in Bloomfield, mostly about safety tips and steps, among other options. Invisalign Braces for Teens: A Parent's Guide to Clear AlignersKeeping the same in mind, this blog takes a closer look at clear aligners for teens via topics like:

Invisalign for Teens: An Overview

  • What Problems Can Invisalign for Teen Fix?
  • Getting Started with Invisalign For Teens: What to Expect
  • Invisalign Treatment for Teens: How Long Does It Take?
  • Your Options When Choosing Invisalign Braces
  • Is Invisalign a Good Choice for Your Teenager?

So continue reading as we learn more about clear braces in the following sections of the blog. 

Invisalign for Teens: An Overview

Invisalign is an oral alternative designed for teens! Dentists for Invisalign in Bloomfield suggested that these invisible braces give teens a more contemporary and advanced alternative to traditional metal braces. 

These aligners are carefully crafted from a unique plastic (polymethyl methacrylate), which makes them nearly undetectable and offers a discrete orthodontic treatment option. Additionally, the custom nature of these appliances allows your child to undergo smile transformation precisely and comfortably.

What’s more? Convenience is a key consideration with Invisalign for teenagers!  

Patients do not have dietary restrictions since they take off their aligners before eating. Teens using Invisalign trays may brush and floss regularly without additional instruments. Lastly, they can clean their appliance using a toothbrush and lukewarm tap water before placing their removable aligners back on their teeth.

What Problems Can Invisalign for Teen Fix?

While Invisalign was initially meant to address minor teeth misalignment, transparent aligner technology has advanced significantly since its foray into the market. Invisalign is designed to correct mild to severe teeth misalignment and most underbite, crossbite, overbite, and open bite situations.

Interestingly, however, that’s not all! Let’s look closer at the problems Invisalign can fix for your child:

  • Improved Self-esteem & Confidence

One of the most significant advantages of Invisalign is that it is nearly undetectable when worn. This allows your child to get straighter teeth without being self-conscious about their appearance. This unique feature of clear aligners stands out, especially for teens who are more concerned about their looks than adults.Invisalign Braces for Teens: A Parent's Guide to Clear Aligners

  • More Comfortable than Traditional Braces

Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, BPA-free plastic that will not irritate the cheeks or gums like conventional braces. It allows your child to use the orthodontic appliance for extended periods without pain.

  • Easier to Maintain Oral Hygiene

Invisalign aligners are removable, making it easier to maintain proper dental hygiene during treatment. Your child may clean and floss their teeth without working around brackets and wires.

  • No Food Restrictions

Some meals, including sticky or hard food items, should be avoided when wearing conventional braces. This is mainly because such food items harm the brackets and wires. However, Invisalign has no dietary restrictions; you can simply remove the aligners to eat.

Getting Started with Invisalign Teen: What to Expect

Getting started for an Invisalign treatment with your dentist in Bloomfield is straightforward. Here’s a detailed walkthrough of the procedure and what to expect throughout:

a. Initial Consultation: 

The Invisalign process for your teen starts with a thorough consultation with your dentist. Your orthodontic professionals will examine your teen’s tooth structure, discuss treatment objectives, and decide whether Invisalign is the right solution for your child.

b. Personalized Treatment Plan: 

After the meeting, the oral professionals create a unique treatment plan based on your teenager’s needs. This plan details the projected length of treatment and what to expect at each step.

c. Creating Custom Aligners: 

Your dentist will employ cutting-edge 3D imaging technology to generate an accurate model of your child’s teeth. This concept is used to create a sequence of bespoke, clear aligners.

d. Regular Check-ups and Aligner Changes: 

Throughout the treatment, your adolescent will change to a new pair of aligners every few weeks as their teeth shift into position. Regular check-ups at the facility will verify that your therapy is proceeding as expected.

What’s more? The dentist will also provide detailed instructions for caring for and maintaining the aligners. It includes tips on properly cleaning and wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours daily. The success of these tips ensures successful treatment and dental hygiene. 

Once the procedure is completed, the oral professional will walk your child through post-treatment care and ask them to visit the clinic regularly. You can also consider other clinics by searching for “Invisalign dentists near me” on Google.

Invisalign Treatment for Teens: How Long Does It Take?

Teenagers must use Invisalign trays for 12 to 18 months before treatment is completed. However, the duration of Invisalign therapy depends on individual cases. 

While severe cases take longer to resolve, kids with modest alignment issues can finish treatment in as little as 12 weeks. Several other factors influence how long Invisalign treatment lasts, including the skill level of your treatment provider and your teen’s adherence to wearing their aligners.

Your Options When Choosing Invisalign Braces

You might have compared Invisalign to conventional braces when selecting the best option for your child. Interestingly, both methods have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Invisalign treatment is typically more expensive than conventional braces for teenagers, which can be a determining factor for families. However, it offers considerable advantages as well. For example, your teen’s eating habits will be more flexible, and they will not have to avoid sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods.Invisalign Braces for Teens: A Parent's Guide to Clear AlignersWhile Invisalign has proven efficient at straightening crooked teeth and closing gaps, conventional braces are still utilized in more severe orthodontic patients. Therefore, it’s best to listen to your orthodontist to make the best decision.

Is Invisalign a Good Choice for Your Teenager?

Invisalign is 50% faster than traditional braces! It has become a more popular option among teens seeking treatment while maintaining a subtle look and unparalleled simplicity. 

So, if you’re confused about whether your teen is a suitable candidate for Invisalign, consider the following guidelines:

Patients must wear their aligners for at least 20-22 hours daily.

  • Patients must remove their Invisalign trays before eating.
  • Patients should only proceed to the next set of aligners once their orthodontist instructs them.
  • Patients will feel minimal pressure on their teeth while transitioning to a new pair of aligners.
  • Patients must clean their aligners exactly as prescribed since excessive heat or chemicals might damage or deform the plastic material.

However, your kid must wear their aligners as prescribed by their orthodontist. Patients who fail to follow their treatment plan may see their progress decrease or reverse. As a result, some kids may feel that fixed braces are more appropriate for their lifestyle.

Takeaway

  • Invisalign is an oral alternative designed for teens.
  • The Invisalign process for your teen starts with a thorough consultation with your dentist.
  • Teenagers often use Invisalign trays for 12 to 18 months before treatment is completed. 
  • Invisalign is designed to correct mild to severe teeth misalignment and most underbite, crossbite, overbite, and open bite situations.
  • Still confused about the possibilities of a great smile for your child? Visit our clinic at Sundance Dental Bloomfield today!