Invisalign for Teens
Once upon a time, braces were a rite of passage. One of the hallmarks of the awkward teen years, brackets, wires and rubber bands were just part of growing up. Invisalign came along and changed the game for many adults who wanted straighter teeth, but the process was not available to teens who wanted to skip braces altogether without sacrificing their orthodontic health. Now, Invisalign for Teens makes it possible to replace a mouth full of metal with barely noticeable aligners.
How is Invisalign for Teens Different?
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners to gently straighten teeth and correct bite problems. Simply wear the aligners day and night, trading them periodically for the next set. Once you have worn all the aligners, your treatment plan is finished! It’s that simple.
In the past, teens were not considered good candidates for Invisalign for two reasons. Since the aligners are removable, naysayers thought teens would not wear them the necessary 22 hours per day for the best results. Furthermore, adult aligners also did not allow for teeth that were growing into their final position. Invisalign for Teens is designed with these problems in mind. “Eruption tabs” hold space for teeth that are still erupting while colored dots (compliance indicators) fade over time to show how long the aligners are worn throughout the day.
Benefits of Invisalign
Some benefits of Invisalign are obvious, others you may not realize.
- Appearance. The barely noticeable aligners eliminate the “metal mouth” look that goes along with traditional braces.
- Comfort. Traditionally, braces involve brackets made of metal or ceramic, wires, bands, chains, and hooks for rubber bands. This collection of materials is uncomfortable on their own. Combined, they cause pain as your teeth rapidly change position. Invisalign’s smooth, soft plastic aligners cause specific, gentle pressure over time to align your teeth. It takes time to get used to the bulk of the aligners, but the discomfort is temporary and significantly less than traditional braces.
- Removable. Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, pictures, sports, or special events where you want to look your best. This key benefit is especially attractive to athletes who engage in sports that require mouth guards that add to the discomfort of braces. (More on that later.)
How Many Hours a Day Do I Need To Wear The Aligners?
To get the maximum benefit of Invisalign in the shortest period of time, you should wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day. Remove them to eat, brush, floss or engage in a contact sport where a mouthguard is required and replace them as soon as you are finished.
Is Having an Active Lifestyle Possible?
One of the biggest questions we get from teens is, “Can I still play sports while wearing my aligners?”
Since you can remove your aligners, Invisalign for Teens is perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle. Wrestling? Football? Soccer? Baseball? Replace your aligners with your mouthguard and you are good to go. Just remember to put your aligners on as soon as your practice, match, or game is over.
Are you ready to find out if Invisalign for Teens is right for you? Call us today for a free consultation.