If your teen needs teeth straightening, Invisalign® Teen is one potential option you can choose. The treatment has both benefits and drawbacks when compared to traditional braces.
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that can be used in place of traditional braces for straightening teeth. The Invisalign Teen treatment differs only slightly from the adult option. The aligners in the teen version have a series of blue dots that fade as the aligners are worn. This helps parents determine whether their teen is wearing the treatment long enough to effectively straighten the teeth.
Several dental issues can be treated with these aligners:
The process begins with a dentist creating a 3-D image of the patient's jaw and mouth. This image is used to create a plan for moving the teeth into the desired position. The dentist then uses the treatment plan to manufacture a series of customized plastic aligners. The aligners straighten teeth by applying pressure that gradually shifts the teeth into the desired position.
As the teeth are moved, the patient must periodically change to a new set of aligners. This usually happens about once every one to two weeks. The patient needs to wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day.
The aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, and cleaning the aligners. However, the patient should avoid removing the aligners any more often than necessary. Additionally, the patient should not clean the aligners with hot water. Hot water may warp the plastic, which can alter the fit and make the aligners less effective. The complexity of the patient's dental issues can also affect how well the treatment works. It may take more time for the treatment to correct complex bite or spacing issues.
There are several reasons Invisalign Teen may be preferable to traditional braces. There are also some concerns.
The aligners are not truly invisible, but they are significantly less noticeable than traditional braces. This may be beneficial for teens who dislike the aesthetic appearance of traditional braces or feel self-conscious about wearing braces.
The ability to remove the treatment is both a benefit and a drawback. Teens who are careful not to lose the aligners and are vigilant about wearing them the recommended time can benefit from being able to remove the treatment to eat, brush, floss, and clean the aligners. Food particles can become trapped in traditional braces, and it is not easy to brush and floss around the wires. Removing the aligners for eating and cleaning can help prevent tooth decay.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Agoura Hills, CA
Invisalign aligners straighten the teeth in a similar manner to traditional braces. Some teens may prefer the appearance and other benefits of this treatment. However, they must be able to follow the treatment guidelines to be successful.
Request an appointment or call The Smile Spa at 818-573-2196 for an appointment in our Agoura Hills office.
If you have opted for Invisalign®, you have taken the first step toward achieving a straighter, healthy smile. With the focus on getting straighter teeth, many people ignore the benefits of the treatment on the gums. Continue reading to learn more about how Invisalign affects the gums.Invisalign is a pair of transparent aligners for patients…
Invisalign® clear aligners are a great dental alternative to more traditional teeth-straightening methods such as braces. Many patients find them easier to handle, less painful, less time-consuming, and less embarrassing than having a mouth full of metal. The trick is finding the right dentist who can provide you with optimal clear alignment treatment.To understand what…
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…
A children's dentist can help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Taking children to a dentist for preventative treatments that support their oral health is crucial. Checkups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants are among the most important tools a dentist uses to help keep your child's mouth healthy. Good oral care…
Although many people believe that plaque and tartar are the same, they actually have significant differences. Understanding the distinctions between these two dental conditions can help you identify their warning signs and practice oral hygiene basics to avoid them.Plaque is a soft film containing millions of bacteria that build up on your teeth, gums, and…