When it comes to orthodontic treatment
Traditional metal braces have been the go-to solution for straightening teeth for decades. However, not every teen is excited about the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires. Fortunately, Invisalign Teen offers a modern, comfortable, and less visible alternative to braces that many teens prefer. If your teen is considering orthodontic treatment, Invisalign Teen could be the perfect solution to help them achieve a beautiful, straight smile without the hassle of traditional braces.
At Brookshire Dentistry in Hurst, TX, Dr. Salomeh Tehrani, DDS, MPH, and her team are proud to offer Invisalign Teen as a discreet and effective option for straightening teeth. This page will provide detailed information about Invisalign Teen, its benefits, and why it’s an excellent alternative to braces for teens.
What is Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth gradually. Unlike traditional metal braces, which use brackets and wires to move teeth, Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth, nearly invisible plastic material. The aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over the teeth and gently move them into their desired positions over time.
Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for adolescents, offering features tailored to the unique needs of growing teens. The aligners are virtually invisible, which means teens can straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of metal braces.
How Invisalign Teen Works
The Invisalign Teen treatment process begins with a consultation at Brookshire Dentistry, where Dr. Tehrani will assess your teen’s teeth and discuss their orthodontic needs. Using advanced 3D imaging technology, Dr. Tehrani will create a digital treatment plan that maps out the precise movements of the teeth throughout the treatment.
Based on the treatment plan, a series of custom aligners will be created. Each aligner is worn for about one to two weeks before being replaced with the next set in the series. The aligners gently move the teeth into their new positions, applying pressure in specific areas to achieve the desired results.
Key Benefits of Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen offers several advantages that make it an appealing alternative to traditional braces for teenagers:
Nearly Invisible Appearance
One of the most significant benefits of Invisalign Teen is its discreet appearance. The clear aligners are nearly invisible when worn, allowing teens to straighten their teeth without the noticeable metal brackets and wires associated with traditional braces. This is especially important for teens who may feel self-conscious about their appearance during orthodontic treatment.
Comfortable and Removable
Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth plastic material, which means there are no metal brackets or wires to irritate the inside of the mouth. This makes the treatment more comfortable than traditional braces, which can sometimes cause discomfort due to sharp edges or adjustments.
Additionally, the aligners are removable, which gives teens the flexibility to take them out when eating, brushing, and flossing. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene compared to traditional braces, where food particles can get trapped in the brackets and wires.
No Dietary Restrictions
With traditional braces, certain foods—like sticky candies, popcorn, and crunchy snacks—are off-limits because they can damage the brackets or wires. Invisalign Teen eliminates this concern. Since the aligners are removable, teens can continue to enjoy all their favorite foods without worrying about damaging their orthodontic appliances. Just remember to remove the aligners before eating and brush your teeth before putting them back in.
Improved Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment can be challenging with traditional braces, as food particles can become stuck in the brackets and wires. Invisalign Teen makes it easier to keep teeth clean and healthy throughout treatment. Since the aligners are removable, teens can brush and floss as usual without having to navigate around metal brackets.
Custom Fit for Comfort
Invisalign Teen aligners are custom-made using advanced digital imaging technology. This ensures a precise and comfortable fit for each set of aligners, making the treatment process as smooth as possible. The aligners are designed to fit snugly over the teeth, reducing the risk of irritation or discomfort.
Fewer Office Visits
Traditional braces require regular visits to the orthodontist for adjustments and tightening of the wires. Invisalign Teen, on the other hand, typically requires fewer in-office visits. While Dr. Tehrani will still need to monitor your teen’s progress, there are no adjustments needed with Invisalign. Instead, your teen will simply switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks.
Special Features of Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen is designed specifically for teenagers. It includes unique features that address the needs of growing teens and ensure successful treatment outcomes:
Compliance Indicators
Invisalign Teen aligners come with small blue compliance indicators that fade over time as the aligners are worn. These indicators help ensure that the aligners are being worn for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. Wearing the aligners as prescribed is essential for achieving the best results.
Replacement Aligners
Accidents happen, and sometimes aligners can get lost or damaged. Invisalign Teen includes up to six replacement aligners at no extra cost. This gives parents peace of mind, knowing that lost or broken aligners won’t disrupt the treatment process.
Accommodating Growing Teeth
Invisalign Teen is designed to accommodate the unique needs of growing teenagers. The aligners can be adjusted to account for the eruption of new teeth or the continued growth of the jaw, ensuring that the treatment remains effective as the teen’s dental development progresses.
Who is a Good Candidate for Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen is an excellent option for many teens, but it’s important to determine if your teen is a suitable candidate for the treatment. Invisalign Teen can effectively treat a variety of orthodontic issues, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
However, not all cases are appropriate for Invisalign Teen. During your consultation at Brookshire Dentistry, Dr. Tehrani will evaluate your teen’s orthodontic needs and determine if Invisalign Teen is the best treatment option. For more complex cases, traditional braces may still be the preferred choice.
Conclusion
Invisalign Teen offers a comfortable, discreet, and effective alternative to traditional braces, making it a popular choice for teens who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of metal brackets and wires. With Invisalign Teen, your teen can enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment while maintaining confidence in their smile.
At Brookshire Dentistry in Hurst, TX, Dr. Salomeh Tehrani and her team are committed to providing high-quality orthodontic care, including Invisalign Teen, to help teens achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. If you’re considering Invisalign Teen for your child, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn more about this innovative treatment option.