What Parents Should Know About Invisalign Teen

Minneapolis, MN – Long gone are the days of using metal and wires to straighten your teeth. Invisalign offers an inconspicuous option for teenager and adult alike. A Minneapolis-area orthodontist explains, “Invisalign is a wonderful way to align teeth that is very popular with teens! The aligners are clear and removable, and are just as effective as traditional metal braces.”

If you’re considering getting Invisalign for your teen, here are some things to consider.

How Invisalign Teen Works

After an initial consultation with an experienced Invisalign provider, you’ll know if your child is a good candidate for this device or not. If he is, he’ll then get a detailed treatment plan including a digital 3D demonstration of what his teeth will look like before and after using Invisalign Teen. Custom-made clear, plastic aligners will be created for your child and will be replaced with a new set every one to two weeks. This continues until the desired outcome is accomplished. Finally, the orthodontist will design and implement an aftercare plan to maintain your child’s brilliant smile.

The Advantages to Invisalign Teen

“I absolutely love telling families about Invisalign Teen,” says an ORTHODONTIST. “It’s discreet, more comfortable than metal braces, and allows teens to eat what they like.”

Your child may be reluctant to wear traditional braces, as they’re highly visible and make oral hygiene difficult to manage. Brushing and flossing with braces is difficult, allowing lots of bacteria to get trapped in the mouth. Furthermore, sticky or hard foods are usually off-limits to those wearing traditional braces, which can be easily damaged.

Invisalign Teen, on the other hand, can be removed instantly. This allows your teen to keep his diet the same and brush and floss normally, increasing overall oral health. If your child plays a musical instrument, the aligners can also be removed for short intervals, allowing for less interference during practice.

Self-esteem is another bonus of treatment with Invisalign Teen. A 2014 survey found that “more than four in five (81%) current wearers of Invisalign are satisfied with the look of their teeth, vs. 68 percent of those with metal braces.” If your teen can straighten her teeth without a visible and clunky apparatus, she will likely feel better about her own appearance not just after treatment, but during it.

Since Invisalign Teen is made from smooth, clear plastic, it is considerably more comfortable than metal braces, which tend to have wires and brackets that can painfully poke your child’s mouth. The Invisalign design is also helpful for sports; if your child gets hit during physical activity, the likeliness of oral injury is lower with Invisalign than with traditional braces.

Finally, Invisalign only requires visits to the orthodontist every four to six weeks, in order to assess progress and change aligners as needed. Teeth are often straightened faster than with metal braces as well.

Appropriate Ages for Invisalign Teen

While there is no set age for when your child is ready for this treatment, there are set conditions. Most teenagers are eligible, as they have erupting or erupted permanent dentition – that is, their full set of adult teeth are coming through the gum line. Don’t forget: if one orthodontist says your teen is not a good Invisalign candidate, you can seek a second opinion from a more experienced provider.

The Cost

While prices will vary by case, most treatments in the United States cost between $3,000 and $8,000. The good news is that a growing number of dental insurance policies are covering Invisalign Teen. Due to the wild popularity of these aligners, the cost continues to drop and is now comparable to that of traditional metal braces.

Your ORTHODONTIST advises, “Of course, it’s always necessary to get an in-person consultation with an orthodontist who can provide Invisalign treatments. Your orthodontist can give you the most up-to-date, accurate analysis for your particular situation.”

For More Information

Invisalign offers a guide for parents who are considering getting the device for their teenagers. There is also an affiliate site providing an interactive pocket guide for those wanting Invisalign for their children.

Finally, it’s always necessary to consult with a professional who’s skilled and experienced in all things Invisalign. As this is a tailor-made treatment, an in-person consultation is a great place to start.

If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign for your teenager or yourself, schedule a free consultation with an ORTHODONTIST today! You can also stop by our Minneapolis/St. Paul-area office or call us at 651-447-6768.

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