Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in the past 20+ years. Since Invisalign released its first set of trays in the late 90s, metal braces are no longer the only option for straightening your teen’s smile, and that means you’ve got options! While Dr. Bisig and Dr. Chermak use a series of factors to decide which treatment is the right choice for your child’s unique smile, knowing how Invisalign works can help you navigate your teen’s first orthodontic appointment with ease. So, want to learn more about clear aligners for teens? Keep reading for a crash course in Invisalign treatment!
Pros & Cons of Invisalign for Teens
Getting your teen started with Invisalign means getting access to all the perks of the treatment. From removability to fewer office visits and more, clear aligners are a popular option for a reason. However, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to decide if it’s right in your teen’s case.
Here’s what to look out for.
The Pros
Comfort
Invisalign trays are made of smooth but durable plastic. This makes them less likely to irritate the cheeks, gums, or lips than traditional metal braces.
Aesthetics
Teens often prefer Invisalign because they are far less noticeable than metal braces. This virtually invisible option can help teens feel less self-conscious about going through treatment, especially during formative school years.
Removability
Unlike metal braces, your teen can remove their Invisalign aligner trays when eating, drinking, or participating in extracurricular activities like sports or band practice.
Fewer Office Visits
With Invisalign, there’s less reason to rush from school to appointments to practice. This treatment typically requires fewer visits to the orthodontist compared to traditional braces, making it more convenient for busy schedules.
No Food Restrictions
Because your teen can remove their clear aligner trays, they don’t have to worry about dietary restrictions. They’ll simply take their trays out before eating and pop them back in after!
The Cons
More Responsibility
Invisalign’s removability is a pro, but depending on the teen in question, it could also be a con. Your child will need to be disciplined enough to wear the aligner trays for 22 hours per day and careful enough not to lose them after removal. You know them best, so you can help Dr. Bisig or Dr. Chermak determine if this makes sense for your teen.
Less Suited for Complex Cases
While we can use Invisalign for a wide variety of treatment cases, we typically recommend metal braces for more severe orthodontic concerns.
The benefits far outweigh the challenges, but the best way to decide if your child is a good fit for Invisalign is to schedule a free consultation with an orthodontist.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign clear aligners use a series of clear plastic trays to gradually straighten the teeth without the need for brackets or wires. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect from your teen’s clear aligner treatment.
Your Teen’s Consultation
When you and your child visit us for an initial consultation, we’ll take X-rays and digital scans of your teen’s teeth. These images, along with an oral exam, will help us determine which treatment is right for your child.
At Bisig + Chermak Orthodontics, we use an iTero Digital Scanner to create a custom digital 3D model of your child’s teeth and jaw structure. Using this model, we can project how Invisalign will shift their smile in place from start to finish so you see the predicted final result on day one.
Changing Trays
Your teen will switch to a new set of aligner trays every one to two weeks. Each tray is a bit closer to the ideal outcome, so changing trays is critical to keeping their treatment on the right track.
Staying Compliant
Compliance is key with Invisalign treatment. Your teen needs to wear their aligner trays at least 22 hours per day to stay on track, and neglecting this rule could result in longer treatment times. Don’t miss your child’s progress appointments – missing could also extend treatment time.
Teen Invisalign FAQs
How long does treatment take?
Treatment time varies depending on the individual case, but on average, it takes about 12 to 18 months for most teens. Once Dr. Bisig or Dr. Chermak reviews your child’s unique case, they will provide you with an estimated treatment timeline. However, it’s important to remember that this estimate depends on your child’s compliance with the Invisalign treatment instructions.
How often does your child need to wear their aligners?
Aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day. They should only be removed when eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, or participating in sports.
What happens if your child loses their aligner trays?
If your child loses an aligner, it’s important to contact our team as soon as possible. Depending on how far along in the tray cycle they were, we may recommend wearing a previous aligner or moving to the next in the series until we get a replacement. Don’t make this call on your own! Acting without your orthodontist’s advice could harm your child’s teeth.
Can teens participate in sports and other activities while using Invisalign?
Yes! Because the aligners are removable, your teen can take them out during sports or other activities, especially if the event requires a mouthguard.
Redefine Happiness with Bisig + Chermak Orthodontics
Are you ready to give your teen the gift of a happy smile? We’re ready to help! Whether your child needs braces or Invisalign, our expert team is here to create a personalized treatment plan that will get your child on the right track. Schedule your free consultation in Winston-Salem, Clemmons, or King today!
