Orthodontic treatment is excellent for helping to correct numerous problems with occlusion and issues with tooth alignment, and it can produce results that with care will last for life. However, up until fairly recently this did mean wearing fixed braces with heavy metal brackets and wires. The teenage years can be hard enough without having to spend months or even years with a mouth full of highly visible and unsightly metal braces. This is where Invisalign Teen can help.
What Is Invisalign Teen?
You might have already heard about Invisalign. Invisalign system is hugely popular with adults seeking to discreetly straighten their teeth. It uses a series of clear plastic and removable aligners to gently yet firmly reposition the teeth. However the adult system isn’t always suitable for teenagers, which is why Invisalign has produced a system especially for teenagers. With Invisalign Teen, exactly the same clear plastic aligners are used, but these are designed to accommodate second molars that may still be erupting and they include special wear indicators. These are blue coloured wear indicators that gradually fade according to the length of time the aligners are left in the mouth, making it easy to check the aligners have been worn as directed. Invisalign has also taken into account teenagers’ habits of losing things and the system allows for several sets of replacement aligners at no additional cost.
Who Can Benefit from Invisalign Teen?
This system can help teenagers who have problems with overcrowded or incorrectly positioned and spaced teeth, and it can be used to correct underbites, over bites and crossbites. It’s a great treatment for most common orthodontic problems. The huge advantage with Invisalign is its ease of use. The aligners are taken out for eating and for brushing and flossing and when playing sports. This means a busy teenager won’t need to spend any additional time on their dental health. One common problem with fixed brackets is that unless they are kept meticulously clean they can leave stains on the teeth. And anyone with less than perfect oral hygiene is at increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Are There Any Situations Where Invisalign Teen Might Not Be So Suitable?
Compliance is vital for the success of this system. The aligners do need to be worn for 22 hours each day and this might not be the best system for anyone, teenager or adult, if they are particularly forgetful. Forgetting to wear the aligners could prolong treatment or affect the outcome. They might also be less suitable for more complicated orthodontic problems.
We Recommend the Brace That Suits You Most
Here at Envy Smile Dental Spa, our orthodontist assesses every single patient very carefully before recommending the brace they feel will be most suitable for their orthodontic needs and for their personal situation. (Read also: How Soon Should My Child See a Kids Orthodontist?). Invisalign Teen can be a great system and it produces excellent results but it might not always be the best way forward. We can provide a comprehensive range of fixed and removable braces. So even if Invisalign Teen isn’t quite right, we will be able to recommend something more suitable and even more effective. The choice includes extremely discreet fixed braces that use tooth colored brackets.