Millions of Americans dream of straighter, more symmetrical smiles. Until recently, metal braces were the only way to achieve these goals. But more people are now choosing Invisalign® treatment, because it’s less noticeable and often more comfortable. Still, many wonder if this approach is safe for teens.
At her practice in San Jose, California, skilled general dentist Irma Francisco, DDS, offers Invisalign treatment to teens and adults. Here, we explain what Invisalign treatment is, highlight its benefits and drawbacks, and discuss what to do if you’re interested in trying this treatment.
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that improves the alignment of the teeth and bite. Unlike traditional metal braces that use brackets, wires, and rubber bands, Invisalign uses a series of removable, custom aligners that fit over your teen’s upper and/or lower teeth. Your teen wears the aligners most of the time, removing them only to eat, brush, or floss.
Made from a clear, durable thermoplastic, the aligners blend in with your teen’s teeth, making treatment more discreet than braces. This feature makes Invisalign especially popular with young people who prefer not to have a mouth full of metal.
Invisalign aligners designed for teens also include a blue compliance indicator that fades over time, letting wearers know it’s time for an orthodontic checkup.
Invisalign offers several benefits for teenagers, including:
Another benefit of Invisalign is that treatment typically doesn’t require as many orthodontic visits as braces. Because there aren’t brackets or wires, adjustments aren’t necessary. Instead, we provide your teen with new aligners at each of their regularly scheduled checkups.
Invisalign aligners can be a great alternative to metal braces, but their efficacy depends on your teen’s commitment to the treatment program. For Invisalign to work, the aligners must be worn 20-22 hours a day, which can be challenging for some teens.
Invisalign is typically recommended for minor or moderate alignment issues, such as gaps or overlapping teeth. Complex issues, like severe bite misalignment, may require metal braces.
It’s also important to know that Invisalign treatment can be more expensive than braces. Because the aligners are custom-designed, they take more effort to create, and this process isn’t always covered by dental insurance.
If your teen has been told they may benefit from braces, Invisalign treatment is worth exploring, especially if they’re self-conscious about having metal in their mouth or worried about the maintenance involved.
After an oral exam and X-rays, Dr. Francisco can provide personalized treatment recommendations and help your teen achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.
To request an appointment for your teen today, contact us by calling the office or booking online.
