Invisalign For Teens
For teens today, “off” days do not really exist. As the most visible generation ever, most have multiple social media accounts and a camera roll full of practiced selfies. Although it is practically a rite of passage at this point, sharing so much so often can sometimes get a little overwhelming. That feeling can be amplified if a teen feels their smile is less than perfect. Here at Frey Orthodontics, we see the unique inner and outer beauty of every patient, but we also know what a good feeling it is to have a beautifully aligned, fully functional smile you’re proud of. Invisalign Teen is one way we are able to help our teen patients achieve that kind of smile!
Orthodontic treatment has many benefits that go far beyond improving a teen’s cosmetic appearance. Having a badly aligned bite or misaligned jaw can lead to other issues you may not even associate with teeth, including headaches and pain in the jaw, neck, and shoulders, as well as teeth-grinding, gum disease, and general inflammation. Invisalign Teen treatment not only gives teens a straighter, more aligned smile but an optimized bite pattern as well. This makes the teeth more attractive, makes it easier to keep them clean, and helps them to function optimally.
Curious about what makes Invisalign such a great choice for teens? Let us take a look at what the Invisalign system is all about, and what kind of benefits it has to offer.
What is Invisalign Teen? Is it different from the regular Invisalign system?
Like the Invisalign system, Invisalign Teen offers eligible teen patients a nearly invisible way to straighten their teeth, without any of the restrictions that can accompany more traditional braces treatment. Instead of using wires, brackets, and bands to straighten teeth, Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable, custom-made aligners. These are worn over the teeth, and are changed out weekly for the next in the system. As the teeth gradually shift into their new and improved positions, Invisalign leaves nothing behind but a confident smile teens will not mind sharing with the world!
While Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the same when it comes to the benefits of treatment and the underlying technology, Invisalign Teen was developed in conjunction with leading orthodontists with the unique needs of teens in mind. There are features specific to the Invisalign Teen system that meet teen patients where they are, such as:
Compliance indicators
It is absolutely critical that patients comply with all of Dr. Frey’s directions when it comes to Invisalign treatment. This is the biggest factor in achieving the desired results. In order for Invisalign to be effective, the aligners must be worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day. For parents and orthodontists who want to be sure a teen patient is holding up their end of the treatment bargain, Invisalign Teen has a compliance indicator incorporated into each aligner that will fade from from blue to clear, providing a visual approximation of wear.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
Who among us has not lost or damaged something important to us before? Our team knows that life just happens sometimes, and Invisalign Teen knows it, too. Although we obviously encourage our teen patients to treat their aligners with care, there is no need to worry if one is misplaced or incurs damage. Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case!
Invisalign Teen works as well as traditional braces
When it comes to treating most mild to moderate cases of underbite, overbite, overcrowding, and gaps between the teeth, Invisalign Teen is extremely effective. As long as teens are vigilant about wearing their aligners the recommended 20-22 hours a day, the clear aligners can be just as successful as traditional braces at treating many common dental issues.
Invisalign Teen offers extra flexibility
Even though modern orthodontics has come along in leaps and bounds in recent years, making treatment more comfortable and less obvious than ever, traditional braces can still take some getting used to. Food restrictions are often one of the steepest learning curves for kids. Patients need to avoid anything that is hard or chewy, and that can sometimes mean a little extra planning to navigate school, social life, and orthodontic treatment successfully. Because Invisalign aligners are removable and designed to be taken out at mealtimes, teens are able to eat normally, provided they are careful about brushing and flossing afterward. Even with removable orthodontic appliances like the Invisalign Teen aligners, patients should practice a thorough oral hygiene routine in order to prevent bacteria from being trapped against the teeth.
Invisalign Teen can increase self-confidence
As an adult, we can sometimes forget all the pressures that come with being a teenager. When you have grown-up concerns to consider, it can be easy to underestimate how self-conscious a teen may be about crooked teeth or other perceived dental issues affecting their smile. Even though traditional braces are an excellent long-term solution for malocclusions, for teens already concerned about their appearance, they may have the potential to make insecurities worse in the short-term. The virtually invisible Invisalign aligners can remove a very real source of stress for teens: the idea that braces will make them “stand out” unnecessarily until their treatment is complete. As an added bonus, they can also be removed for any of those all-important occasions when a teen only wants their natural smile to shine through, such as homecoming, prom, and senior pictures.
Invisalign Teen leaves more time for patients to do the things they love
It can be exhausting trying to fit work, school, sports, and other extracurriculars into your family’s schedule, let alone regular orthodontist appointments. When compared to traditional braces, patients using the Invisalign Teen system will generally require less frequent visits for maintenance. This is because there are not any adjustments to be made or broken wires and brackets that need attending to. After the initial appointment, patients can expect check-up appointments about every eight to twelve weeks.
The clear winner with Frey Orthodontics
Invisalign Teen is designed for patients who have lost all their baby teeth, and whose second molars are at least partially erupted. If you have a teen you believe may benefit from this innovative orthodontic treatment, why not get in touch today to schedule a consultation for them with us? We have a talented team that is committed to providing a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience for every patient we see. With two convenient locations in Algonquin and Naperville, an orthodontist who is an active member of the Invisalign Innovation Leadership Panel, and a skilled staff who love what they do, we welcome you to discover your teen’s very best smile with Frey Orthodontics today!
