Things Parents Should Know About Choosing Invisalign for Teens

The teenage years are a time when young people become self-conscious about their appearance, from hairstyles to clothing and accessories. That perfect selfie or joyful group photo can be spoiled by an awkward smile, especially when someone is self-conscious about their teeth and opts for traditional braces. Nowadays we have effective solutions for this, namely, Invisalign braces. As a parent, this comprehensive blog will guide you through key things parents should know about choosing Invisalign for teens, explaining why it could be an excellent and effective option to consider for your teenager's orthodontic needs.

What are Invisalign Braces? 

Invisalign is a removable clear aligner that is put over the teeth to correctly align them. Since the aligners match the colour of the teeth, they are discrete and aesthetically pleasing.  Invisalign maintains oral hygiene, is easy to use, and does not create restrictions on eating.

The cost of Invisalign for Teens depends on the complexity of the dental issue for which the trays are made, the duration of the treatment plan (generally about a year to 18 months), and the location of the orthodontist.  You can inquire with the orthodontist about a staggered payment plan so that you are not intimidated by paying a large lump sum in one go.

What are the Benefits of Choosing Invisalign for Teens?

Invisalign for teens is not only beneficial for teeth straightening but has multiple benefits that parents should know about.

Aesthetically good looking:  Unlike metallic braces which make teenagers self-conscious, Invisalign aligners are practically invisible so teenagers need not feel awkward about their appearance when they are conversing or smiling.

Comfort: Teenagers need not worry about excessive irritation within the mouth the way it is for metallic braces. This is because the material used in Invisalign aligners is BPA-free plastic, which means that oral tissues can tolerate them and hence there is no undue irritation to the gums and mouth.

Easy to use, easy to clean: There are no complicated instructions to follow when using Invisalign for Teens. All that your teenager has to do is place them on the teeth for the required number of hours (20 to 22 hours is the recommended time) and remove them to clean in lukewarm water with a soft toothbrush.

Oral hygiene is not affected: The key to oral hygiene is regular brushing and flossing. These are unaffected by the use of Invisalign for teens, thanks to the convenience they offer.  The aligner trays simply need to be removed to brush and floss which are essential to preventing enamel erosion and tooth decay.

No restrictions on activities: There is a lot of hustle and bustle in a teenager's life with a range of activities and hobbies. A teenager’s life is filled with hustle and bustle, including a range of activities and hobbies. Outdoor biking trips, gym workouts, dance classes, and sports can all be enjoyed without discomfort when wearing Invisalign aligners.

Less food restrictions: One of the great advantages of Invisalign is the flexibility it offers with food choices compared to traditional braces. A movie night is no fun without popcorn! Wearing metallic braces often means avoiding certain activities, but with Invisalign for Teens, that’s not the case. Your teenager can remove the aligner, snack on a tub of corn kernels and put back the aligner later.

Replacements are possible: It is possible that your teenager misplaces the aligner tray or loses it. The orthodontist will provide a replacement, and you can ask at the start of the treatment how many are provided free in case of such a mishap.

Steps To Getting The Right Invisalign For Teens

Initial Consultation: The first step to getting an aligner tray is to visit an orthodontist who specializes in Invisalign for teens. The orthodontist will do a preliminary check to understand whether it is a suitable treatment, since severe dental problems may require specific types of braces and not aligners.

Taking the Impression of Teeth: Once it is determined that Invisalign for teens is a great option, the orthodontist will take an impression of the teeth. This is either done with a mould or creating one digitally using a specialized scanner.

Customized Treatment Plan: Based on the impression taken, the aligners will then be customized to fit, ensuring the gums are also secure around them. During the fitting session, instructions will be given on its use and care and a customized treatment plan for the duration of its use will be prescribed.

Monitoring Progress: The orthodontist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the progress and make the necessary adjustments in the trays if required.  It is generally advisable to change the trays every two weeks to allow gradual tooth movement, but this may depend on the type of treatment plan as per the dental problem. For a complex dental issue, the orthodontist may recommend a change in aligners after more than two weeks.

Final Steps: An assessment is done after the final change of aligners is completed and only if required an additional tray may be prescribed.

Also read: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting an Invisalign

Use and Care Responsibilities

Throughout the treatment plan of Invisalign for Teens, parents need to ensure that their teenager is following the use and care guidelines of the orthodontist. Invisalign treatment typically takes 12-18 months for teens. It is crucial to wear the trays consistently for the number of hours as prescribed, which is typically 20 to 22 hours. Constantly removing them needlessly will create a delay in the treatment. Some Invisalign aligners for teens come with compliance indicators, which help track wear time.

It is essential, too, to keep the aligners in their case when removed so that they remain secure and to clean them from time to time with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Parents can also give timely reminders of good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing so that the teeth remain clean and help towards getting the best results from the treatment plan.

Additional Considerations

It is normal to feel a little pain initially with the new Invisalign for Teens, with discomfort in talking and eating due to the pressure the aligners put on teeth. This can be mitigated by consuming soft food and using a cold compress on the outside. However, if the aligners cause severe irritation and gum inflammation, the orthodontist needs to check if this is due to the aligners not fitting properly or some other reason such as poor oral hygiene. 

Read to know: What To Do If Your Invisalign Doesn't Fit Properly?

Conclusion

Abnormal alignment of teeth can be awkward for a teenager and affect self-esteem. Choosing Invisalign for teens is a viable option for enhancing that perfect selfie with symmetrical teeth, restoring self-confidence, and investing in long-term oral health. At Dentique, we provide exceptional care for our patients and offer the best certified Invisalign braces in Kochi. Get in touch with us for more information!