April 12, 2023
5 THINGS STAFFORD PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INVISALIGN TEEN®
Many parents know about Invisalign®, the virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without metal braces, but we’re often asked for more information about Invisalign® Teen. Parents are curious about how (and if!) these clear aligners can really work for their teens.
In short, rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign® Teen uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth, a result of precise images I take with the sophisticated iTero Element Scanner. Your teen simply wears these aligners over their teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners periodically—most often every two weeks. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place.
Here are the answers to the top five questions we are asked about Invisalign Teen. We hope you find it helpful!
1. INVISALIGN TEEN CAN BE AS EFFECTIVE AS TRADITIONAL BRACES.
When worn according to the customized plan I set in place, Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional braces. In fact, the chances are very high your teen will be a candidate for Invisalign as it can treat many of the common issues we see. Click here to set up a free consultation appointment to find out for sure.
2. THERE ARE PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF INVISALIGN TEEN OVER TRADITIONAL BRACES.
With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so your teen can play sports, musical instruments and eat their favorite foods without the worry that braces will get in the way. Plus, it’s much easier to brush and floss normally to maintain proper oral hygiene. If getting into the hard to reach places is already a struggle for your teen, Invisalign aligners may be a good choice over traditional braces.
3. AN INVISIBLE SOLUTION CAN BOOST CONFIDENCE.
Research shows that parents underestimate the extent to which teens feel self-conscious about their smile—and their appearance in general. Wearing braces can often make this lack of confidence even worse. Invisalign Teen removes a potential source of anxiety, giving them more confidence during what can be a challenging time in their lives.
4. YOUR TEEN HAS TO WEAR THE ALIGNERS MOST OF THE DAY.
How many hours does that really mean? Invisalign Teen is most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and changed approximately every week. Essentially, unless they’re eating or brushing their teeth, your teen should be wearing their aligners.
5. YOU’LL SPEND LESS TIME AT MY OFFICE THAN WITH TRADITIONAL BRACES.
Invisalign Teen often requires less time with your orthodontist than traditional braces do. There are no adjustments to make, no brackets to re-glue and no broken wires to fix. After the initial appointment, follow-up appointments are usually scheduled every four to six weeks.
If you’d like to know if Invisalign Teen is an option for your teen (or yourself!) click below to schedule a complimentary consultation. We offer many flexible payment options - including an in-house, no interest option - and can’t wait to meet you!