Invisalign® for Teens: Is it the Right Choice?

Thanks to Invisalign®, teens and pre-teens are not limited to traditional wire braces for correcting dental alignment or bite issues. With Invisalign®, teens can enjoy the comfort and convenience of using removable trays to get a better smile without wearing braces. Is Invisalign® the right choice for your teen?  

What Is Invisalign® for Teenagers?

Invisalign® is the most popular brand of clear aligners available in dentistry today, and for good reason. Often more comfortable, quick, and convenient than traditional braces, Invisalign® offers teens the ability to straighten their teeth without a major change in lifestyle, diet, or appearance.

The process starts with an evaluation of the teeth to determine the level of correction needed. Then, a dentist or orthodontist like Dr. Fleming scans the mouth and teeth. The Invisalign® laboratory uses this scan and information from the orthodontist to produce a set of custom-made clear aligners.  

When your teen uses Invisalign®, they will wear one set of trays for the top and bottom teeth depending on their individual treatment plan. They should use each tray set for 1-2 weeks, 22 hours each day, taking them out to eat or drink and clean their teeth. After they finish using the first set, your teen will switch to the next set of aligners in the series. By wearing these clear aligners in their mouths for several weeks, your teen’s alignment or spacing issues will slowly and comfortably correct.

How Does Invisalign® Teen Compare to Braces?

Invisalign® does not completely replace braces in the field of orthodontics. Instead, it offers an alternative orthodontic treatment for those who have mild to moderate alignment issues. Depending on your teen's needs, the orthodontist may recommend braces, Invisalign® aligners, or give you the option of one of the two.  

Cost

The great news about Invisalign® for teenagers is how widely accepted by insurers the procedure is. Most major dental insurance plans will cover the cost of Invisalign® Teen, just as they would braces. Most parents spend about the same for either braces or Invisalign® for their teens.  

Applications

Braces and Invisalign® have similar applications in correcting bite or alignment problems. The difference between these treatments is the complexity of conditions they treat.  

Braces correct complex bite or alignment problems. They also help teens who may not follow through with correctly using Invisalign® trays.  

If your teen has minor issues with an overbite, underbite, tooth spacing, or teeth alignment and can use the trays as instructed by the orthodontist, Invisalign® could help them to get a better smile.  

Flexibility

The best part about Invisalign® Teen is the flexibility it offers your child. They don't have to make diet changes to accommodate the aligners because they remove the trays during meals.  

The flexibility to take out the aligners requires your teen to be more responsible when wearing them. To get the best results from the Invisalign® clear aligners, your teen needs to wear them for 20 to 22 hours a day and take them out only for meals, flossing, and brushing.  

Is Invisalign® the Right Choice for Your Teenager?

Should your teen get Invisalign®? The answer should start with a consultation with an orthodontist who can determine if your teen needs the extra correction offered by braces or can use Invisalign® clear aligners.  

In some cases, you and your teen may have a choice between braces and Invisalign®. If you have this option, talk to your teen about the responsibility required for wearing Invisalign® aligners. If the orthodontist recommends Invisalign® and your teen can keep them in place for 22 hours daily while maintaining good brushing and flossing, Invisalign® could be a solution for giving your teenager a better smile.  

Book a Consultation with the Invisalign® Provider Richardson Parents Trust

As a fellow parent, Dr. Fleming at Fleming Orthodontics doesn't settle for average and is committed to giving your child the best care possible. She will personalize their treatment plan based on their alignment issues while helping them to feel comfortable and cared for throughout each visit.

Book your teen's consultation today with us at Fleming Orthodontics to find out Invisalign® is the best option for improving their smile.

‍