Please note we may not offer this service at our office. Call (505) 327-4863 if you’re a new patient or (866) 327-4863 if you’re current to learn more.
Straighten Your Teen’s Teeth Discreetly With Invisalign Teen™
If you’re a teenager or a parent of a teen considering orthodontic treatment, you may be curious about your options. Invisalign Teen has become an increasingly sought-after alternative to traditional metal braces, offering a more discreet and comfortable approach to teeth straightening compared to clear braces.
Desert Hills Dental Care, your friendly San Juan County dental practice, is ready to help you or your teen achieve the perfect smile! Contact our Farmington Invisalign dentists today to learn more about Invisalign for teens. Call (505) 327-4863 if you’re a new patient or (866) 327-4863 if you’re current to schedule your Invisalign treatment consultation.
What Is Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen is a clear aligner system designed to straighten teeth without the need for traditional metal braces. The Invisalign Teen aligners are made of a clear, smooth plastic material that’s virtually invisible when worn, making them a popular choice for teens who may be self-conscious about their appearance.
The Invisalign for Teens Process
The orthodontic treatment process begins with a consultation with your Farmington Invisalign provider to discuss the Invisalign Teen treatment. During this consultation, they’ll evaluate the teen’s teeth and determine if Invisalign treatment is the best option.
If Invisalign Teen is a good fit for your teen’s oral health needs, we’ll get started on your Invisalign treatment plan. The clear removable aligners are created using 3D computer imaging technology that maps out the complete treatment plan, from the initial position of the teeth to the final desired position. This allows patients to see their treatment plan and the anticipated results even before starting their orthodontic journey.
The clear aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours per day. However, they should be removed for eating, drinking (anything but water), and brushing and flossing your teeth.
What Does Invisalign Teen Correct?
Depending on the severity of the orthodontic issue, Invisalign for teens can treat the following:
Invisalign Teen is particularly effective during the stage when permanent teeth are emerging, guiding them into proper alignment.
- Tooth Crowding: This is when there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all the teeth to fit normally. Invisalign clear aligners can gently move teeth into proper alignment to reduce crowding.
- Tooth Gaps: If there are gaps between teeth due to missing teeth or just simply too much space within the jaw, Invisalign can help close these spaces.
- Overbite: This is when the upper teeth bite over the lower teeth. This is often due to genetics, bad oral habits, or overdevelopment of the bone that supports the teeth.
- Underbite: This occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the front teeth. It’s usually caused by undergrowth of the upper jaw, overgrowth of the lower jaw, or both. It can also be caused by missing upper teeth.
- Crossbite: When the upper and lower jaws are both misaligned, it causes one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth, on either the front and/or the sides of the mouth.
- Open Bite: This occurs when some teeth are unable to make physical contact with the opposing teeth for a proper bite.
Pros vs. Cons of Invisalign Teen
As with any treatment option, Invisalign for teens has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to consider these factors carefully when deciding on the best orthodontic treatment for your teenager.
Pros
- Virtually Invisible: Invisalign clear aligners are nearly imperceptible, making them an excellent choice for self-conscious teens. This can boost confidence during social interactions, school photos, and special events.
- Removable for Convenience: The aligners can be taken out for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This allows teens to maintain their normal diet and oral hygiene routine without restrictions.
- Comfort: Made from smooth plastic, Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than traditional braces. There are no wires or brackets to cause irritation or mouth sores.
- Potentially Shorter Treatment Time: In some cases, Invisalign treatment may be completed more quickly than traditional braces.
- No Emergency Visits: Unlike braces, there are no broken wires or brackets that require emergency orthodontic visits.
- Sports-Friendly: Teens can remove the aligners for sports activities or replace them with a mouthguard, reducing the risk of oral injuries.
- Precise Treatment Planning: Advanced 3D imaging allows for accurate treatment planning and visualization of the expected results.
Cons
- Compliance Challenges: The success of Invisalign treatment heavily depends on wearing the aligners for 20-22 hours per day. Some teens may struggle with this level of discipline.
- Potential for Loss or Damage: Because the aligners are removable, there’s a risk of misplacing or damaging them, which could lead to additional costs.
- Not Suitable for All Cases: Invisalign may not be effective for severe orthodontic issues, limiting its use in complex cases.
- Cost Considerations: In some instances, Invisalign can be more expensive than traditional braces, although this can vary depending on the specific case and insurance coverage.
- Frequent Cleaning Required: To prevent bacteria buildup and staining, aligners need to be cleaned regularly, which adds an extra step to daily oral care.
- Speech Adjustments: Some teens may experience a slight lisp when first wearing the aligners, although this usually resolves as they adjust.
- Discipline in Removal and Replacement: Teens need to be responsible about removing aligners before eating and drinking, and putting them back in promptly afterward.
By carefully weighing these pros and cons, teens and their parents can make an informed decision about whether Invisalign Teen is the right orthodontic treatment option for their specific needs and lifestyle.
Caring for Clear Aligners
Proper care and maintenance of clear aligners are crucial to the success of the treatment. It’s also necessary to ensure you maintain good oral hygiene throughout. Proper care of the aligners is essential to prevent tooth decay and ensure the success of the treatment. Here are some key care tips for your clear aligners:
Cleaning the Aligners
The aligners should be cleaned every day to remove bacteria and prevent discoloration. Rinse them under lukewarm (never hot) water, and use a soft toothbrush with clear, gentle soap. Avoid colored or scented soaps, which could discolor the aligners. Invisalign also sells cleaning systems specifically designed for their aligners.
Storing the Aligners
When the aligners aren’t in use, they should be stored in the provided case to prevent damage or misplacement. It’s advised never to wrap the aligners in a napkin during meals, as they can be accidentally thrown away.
Handling the Aligners
Aligners should be removed and replaced using steady, gentle force. Biting them into place may damage them. If the aligners are tight or difficult to remove, it can help to start from the molars and gently work toward the front of the mouth.
Scheduled Changes
It’s crucial to follow the orthodontist’s plan for changing the aligners. Typically, this is every 1 to 2 weeks. Wearing each set of aligners for the appropriate amount of time ensures the teeth move at the proper pace.
Regular Check-Ups
Regular visits to the orthodontist (usually every four to six weeks) are necessary to monitor progress and ensure that the treatment is on track. These appointments also provide an opportunity to raise any concerns or issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can still participate in sports and physical activities while wearing Invisalign Teen. The aligners are designed to be comfortable and won’t interfere with most activities. However, it’s recommended that a mouthguard be worn during contact sports to protect both the teeth and the aligners.
Yes, it’s possible to switch to Invisalign Teen from traditional braces. Your Farmington Invisalign dentist can evaluate their case and determine whether Invisalign Teen is a suitable option. Depending on the stage of treatment, your teen may need to start over with a new set of aligners or continue where they left off with a new treatment plan.
The cost of Invisalign aligners varies depending on the individual case and treatment plan. In general, the cost is comparable to traditional metal braces. However, some insurance plans may cover more of the cost of metal braces than Invisalign Teen.
Discover Invisalign Aligners for Teens Call Desert Hills Today!
We understand the emotional and social impact that crooked teeth can have on a teenager’s confidence and self-esteem. If you’re a teen or a parent of a teen looking to transform your beautiful smile and boost your confidence, contact our San Juan County dental practice today at (505) 327-4863 for new patients or (866) 327-4863 for current patients.
Our experienced team at Desert Hills Dental Care is ready to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t let crooked teeth hold you back any longer — take action and schedule your consultation with our Farmington Invisalign dentist today!