Invisalign for Teens: Say Goodbye to Metal Braces

Invisalign® for teens improves the alignment of your child’s teeth without them having a mouthful of metal brackets and wires. Metal braces have been the standard way to fix teeth alignment problems and have been used since the 1800s.

While braces remain one of the most effective ways to straighten teeth, these devices are highly visible and draw attention many teenagers would rather avoid. Most people remember some kid who grew up with them getting called names like “metal mouth” or “Jaws” because they had metal braces.

With Invisalign for teens, your child gets an effective teeth straightening treatment without compromising their appearance. They get to show off their smiles while getting their teeth straightened without having to deal with their peers making fun of them.

That is not the only downside associated with metal braces. Others include being more likely to damage soft tissues in the mouth, making it more challenging to eat, and making oral hygiene more difficult.

Everything you should know about Invisalign for teens

Some of the options teenagers with teeth alignment issues have to choose from include metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign. Metal braces are the least aesthetic option since they are impossible to miss. Ceramic braces are less noticeable since they are made with tooth-colored or transparent components so they blend in with the rest of the patient’s teeth.

Invisalign aligners provide the best aesthetic since they involve wearing transparent plastic aligner trays. These trays are virtually impossible to notice in the wearer’s mouth, providing discreet teeth straightening treatments.

Clear aligners can be used to address most types of orthodontic issues like crooked, poorly aligned teeth and crowded teeth, but they are not as versatile as metal braces, which can be used to treat dental issues caused by poor teeth or jaw positioning. Invisalign aligners work best on alignment problems caused by poor teeth positioning.

The process

Straightening teeth with Invisalign aligners involves using a series of custom-made, smooth, clear plastic trays made with BPA-free plastics. Each set of trays is switched about every two weeks, which is the time it takes to push teeth as far as they can go. The set is swapped with another that pushes the patient’s teeth even further. Their teeth should be in the targeted position by the time they are finished with all their trays.

Invisalign trays are removable devices so patients are free to eat their favorite foods during treatment. However, these trays have to be worn for over 20 hours daily, which requires lots of commitment on the patient’s part. Forgetting to wear aligner trays will impact the effectiveness of the treatment.

Some of the benefits of choosing Invisalign over metal braces include:

• The aligner trays are practically invisible
• The trays can be easily removed for oral hygiene and meals
• Treatment with Invisalign is more comfortable than getting any type of braces
• Invisalign treatment requires fewer visits to the dentist than braces
• Progress is more visible since patients and those they interact with can see their teeth clearly

A subtler way to improve teeth alignment

With Invisalign, your teen does not have to worry about being teased for having their device or anyone knowing about their teeth straightening treatment. Call or stop by our Suffolk clinic to talk to our pediatric dentist about how Invisalign aligners improve your child’s smile and health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.pediatricdentistsuffolk.com or call Fun Park Pediatric Dentistry at (757) 767-2767 for an appointment in our Suffolk office.