Braces are a staple of childhood and teenage years—but that doesn’t mean they’re very popular. The brackets and wires can be harsh and painful, and teenagers often worry about their appearance with these large appliances. Luckily, technological advances have made Invisalign® in Franklin, TN, possible.
Clear aligner trays are a more comfortable alternative to braces. Invisalign is discreet and almost unnoticeable, removable, and, more importantly, effective at achieving a straighter smile, ensuring good oral health for your child without impacting their daily routine.
What Is Invisalign Teen and How Does it Work?
Invisalign Teen is a clear aligner system for teeth made specifically for teenagers. It consists of clear, detachable aligners for your teen's teeth. By applying pressure, the aligners gradually move the teeth from misalignment to alignment.
Unlike braces made with wires, brackets, and bands, clear aligners are an almost undetectable teeth straightening method because they consist of transparent plastic trays. They look like a clear mouthguard or the plastic retainers patients often receive after finishing an orthodontic treatment.
To achieve the desired alignment, teenagers are supposed to switch out their aligners every two weeks. As the teeth get used to the new aligner, there might be some discomfort, but it is usually less than metal braces. Every day, the trays should be used for at least 22 hours. Some aligners for teens come with blue wear indicators that fade with use, helping monitor that the trays are being worn as prescribed.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign for Teens?
Invisalign is becoming increasingly popular for teenage orthodontic treatment—and for good reason. There are several benefits of using Invisalign over traditional braces for teens, such as:
Easier Oral Hygiene Maintenance
One of the biggest challenges of braces is that food and plaque can accumulate in the wires and around brackets. However, because Invisalign is removable, teens can simply remove the trays and brush and floss their teeth like normal.
This significantly reduces the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum inflammation.
No Diet Restrictions
With metal braces, there are many diet restrictions to protect the brackets and wires. For instance, foods like apples or sticky candies that could get attached are a no-go. Furthermore, it can be challenging to tell if your teen truly abides by those rules.
However, there are no dietary restrictions for teens when using Invisalign. Your child can eat anything they want, whenever they want, because they can take the aligners out of their mouth entirely when it is time to eat.
Fewer Dental Emergencies
Invisalign aligners are less risky because they don’t have wires or brackets that can break, poke, or require emergency orthodontic visits. This is especially helpful for active teens involved in sports or music (e.g., wind instruments).
Additionally, Invisalign trays are more comfortable to wear. They’re made from smooth plastic, which reduces irritation to the cheeks and gums—a common issue with braces. Moreover, no adjustments or wire tightening are needed, which can often cause soreness with braces.
Aesthetic & Social Confidence
Besides all the advantages we’ve been over, one of the biggest reasons for choosing Invisalign is psychological. For teens concerned about their looks, not having to wear noticeable braces can do wonders for their confidence.
Clear aligners are discreet and make it easier for them to smile in photos, speak in public, and socialize without self-consciousness.
Additionally, Invisalign aligners tend to have minimal impact on speech after the initial adjustment period, unlike other orthodontic appliances,
Fewer Office Visits
Invisalign typically requires fewer in-office adjustments, making it easier for busy families to manage appointments around school, sports, and other commitments.
In some cases, Invisalign also allows for shorter treatment times—depending on compliance, of course.
Common Challenges for Teens Using Invisalign
One may think that teenagers can be more trustworthy than young children during orthodontic treatment. However, teens often fail to follow instructions, causing their Invisalign treatment to fail or suffer delays.
Some common challenges for teens using Invisalign include:
Not Wearing the Aligner
The primary obstacle facing teenagers using Invisalign is the insufficient use of the aligners.
Even if they’re more comfortable than braces, Invisalign has an adjustment period. In the beginning, your teen may notice an increase in saliva production or speak with a slight lisp.
Even though teens know these problems will eventually disappear if they continue wearing their aligners, these things can still deter them from doing so. Encouraging them to use them properly requires a team effort from both teens, parents, and dental professionals.
Losing an Aligner
Teenagers often lose or break their aligners by accident. They may take them out to eat lunch during lunch, put them on a napkin, and inadvertently throw them away. They may forget them at a friend's house, or they may vanish—as things with teens often do.
You can easily obtain a replacement set of aligners by contacting your dentist if you lose yours. We could go on to the next set of aligners without worrying about a replacement, depending on how close your teen was to switching them out for the next set.
Extracurricular Activities
Sometimes, teens have extracurricular activities, such as band or sports, requiring them to remove their aligners. In these situations, they can remove them, but they should make an effort to compensate for the time lost.
However, aside from certain activities, Invisalign is made to be so discrete that your teen's life will not be disturbed if you wear it at any other time.
Achieve a Straighter Smile with Invisalign in Franklin, TN
Invisalign for teens can come with a series of challenges. For instance, ensuring their adherence to the treatment can be hard. Additionally, they can easily break or misplace the trays, leading to increased costs and delays in the treatment. However, these are common occurrences for braces treatments for teenagers, too.
If your teen is not wearing their trays properly, we will be able to tell when they come in for checkups. Helping them understand the importance of this treatment is a team effort, so rely on Happy Harpeth Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for help. Contact us today and schedule a consultation!
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
