Invisalign Teen

What Is Invisalign Teen?

Invisalign Teen is a type of orthodontic treatment that’s similar to the adult system, so users still need to wear a series of removable clear plastic aligners, but the system includes other adaptations, especially for teens. These include:

A More Comfortable Material

The aligners are made from the latest SmartTrack® material, making them more comfortable to use and easier to put in and take out. Overall, treatment can be less uncomfortable than wearing traditional braces.

SmartForce Attachments

Our Invisalign or kids dentist can use SmartForce attachments when required. These small buttons of tooth-colored resin are attached to teeth during or before treatment. They help guide the aligners to apply the correct amount of force in the right direction.

These tiny attachments are discreet and help enable complex tooth movements without using traditional fixed braces.

Precision Wings

Special precision wings can be tailored to fix problems like overbites while straightening teeth. These wings can help improve the chin’s appearance and bite or occlusion.

Accountability Indicators

Invisalign Teen requires good compliance for treatment to be successful, but the manufacturers know that busy teenagers can sometimes forget to wear their aligners regularly. The system includes a blue indicator dot on the aligner that gradually fades with use, although this is optional.

What Is the Treatment Process for Invisalign Teen?

The treatment process for Invisalign for Teens is the same as for adults.

1. An initial consultation with our Invisalign dentist helps us assess if your child is suitable for treatment and discuss further what is required.
2. A digital scan is taken of your child’s mouth. This system is extremely comfortable, non-invasive, and very accurate.
3. Invisalign software creates your child’s custom treatment plan, providing accurate and highly predictable results.

What Are the Pros of Choosing Invisalign Teen?

The pros of choosing this treatment can be considerable and include the following.

More Comfortable Treatment

The clear plastic aligners will not dig into gums, lips, or cheeks and are more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. Once your teen is used to wearing their aligners, they will probably forget they are in.

Treatment Is Virtually Invisible

The clear aligners are discreet, creating a slight halo effect around teeth that most people will not notice.

Zero Food Restrictions

Traditional fixed braces trap food and dental plaque around the brackets and wires and can become damaged by any foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky. These foods are best avoided until fixed braces are removed. Invisalign aligners are removed before eating and drinking anything other than water. Therefore, there are zero food restrictions.

Easy Oral Care

Teeth can be brushed and flossed like normal using the same techniques as before. However, brushing and flossing more often, especially before replacing the aligners after meals, is important.

Shorter Appointment Times

Your teenager will need to see our NJ dentist regularly for checkups, but because there is no need to adjust brackets and wires, these visits are quicker.

No Need for Emergency Brace Repairs

It is not unusual for a bracket to become loose or a wire to break, requiring an urgent dental appointment for repairs. There are no such concerns with Invisalign smooth plastic aligners.

What Are the Cons of Using Invisalign Teen?

Potential downsides to choosing this treatment may include the following.

Compliance Is Essential

The aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours each day, and we would prefer that they be removed only for oral care and mealtimes. If your teen is likely to forget to wear their aligners, one option is to include the blue compliance indicators or fixed braces, which might be a better choice as they will work continuously to straighten their smile.

Losing Aligners

Because the aligners are removable, it is easy to mislay them, delaying treatment and increasing costs. Invisalign Teen does account for this, including some free replacement sets in its system. However, if you have a particularly forgetful child, it’s worth considering the extra costs and deciding if fixed braces would be better.

Because Invisalign Teen is adapted especially for teenagers, it can produce excellent results more comfortably compared to fixed braces. Although compliance is essential, you will probably have a good idea if your teen will remember to wear their aligners. Learn more about Invisalign Teen when you visit My New Jersey Dentist.