Getting braces is not something that most teens look forward to. Invisalign® treatments for teens may be an option that has benefits for your teen.
Invisalign® designs and markets a different treatment option for teens which the company calls Invisalign® Teen. The primary difference between the two products is that Invisalign® Teen has a set of blue indicator dots. When your teen wears the aligners, the dots fade. If the dots on your teen's aligners are not fading, that may indicate that your teen is not wearing them long enough to be effective. The dots also help your dentist judge when it is time to switch your teen to a new set of aligners.
The clear plastic aligners used in this treatment work by applying pressure to the teeth to shift them into the desired position, similarly to traditional braces. Some teens prefer this treatment because of its advantages, but the treatment also has some drawbacks.
Because traditional braces remain in place all the time, it can be difficult to thoroughly brush and floss the teeth which can sometimes contribute to tooth decay. Clear aligners are easy to remove which allows the patient to brush and floss the same way they did before they began the treatment.
The wires and brackets of traditional braces can rub against the inside of the cheeks and lips causing sore spots. Invisalign® does not cause this type of irritation.
While teens may not be bothered by the appearance of braces as much as some adults, many teens still feel self-conscious about their braces. Clear aligners are less noticeable which may reduce your teen's anxiety about wearing them.
The wires and brackets of traditional braces can break or crack. When this happens, you may have to schedule an emergency appointment for repairs, which can be expensive and inconvenient. There are no brackets or wires to break with Invisalign® treatments.
Traditional braces force compliance because your teen can not remove them. Because clear aligners can be removed, there is a risk that your teen will not wear the treatment for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. If your teen does not wear the aligners enough, the treatment may not work.
Some insurance policies may not cover the cost of Invisalign® treatments. You may want to check with your insurance company before choosing a treatment option.
The ability to remove the aligners creates the possibility of losing them. If your teen is likely to remove the aligners and then forget them someplace, you may want to consider other treatment options.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Bakersfield, CA
Invisalign® treatments for teens have both benefits and drawbacks. You may want to talk to your teen about the potential pitfalls before deciding which treatment option to select.
Request an appointment or call Brimhall Dental Group at 661-249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.
Invisalign® clear aligner trays are not just for adults; teenagers and some children can also benefit from this treatment system. Many teens prefer Invisalign® over traditional braces because of the numerous advantages it offers, including:Discreet treatment appliancesMore comfort throughout the entire processRemovable trays for improved oral hygieneWhile wearing these trays is easy and relatively effortless,…
A popular way to straighten teeth without traditional braces is Invisalign®. Clear aligners are available for both adults and teenagers who are interested in improving the alignment of their teeth and improving the appearance of their smiles. The aligners are not visible in the mouth and do not have metal components that can irritate sensitive…
A dentist will recommend Invisalign® if your dental alignment is mild to moderate. This system needs responsible patients because the care and changing of the aligners will depend on them. Knowing how this system works can help prepare you for your treatment period. Here are the details about how Invisalign aligns teeth.Assessing the teeth with…
Are you looking for CPAP alternatives to treat your sleep apnea? Obstructive sleep apnea is a common condition that impacts millions of individuals all across the globe. Due to this condition, the patient’s airway closes while they are asleep. This can lead to symptoms like difficulty staying asleep throughout the night, snoring, morning headaches, and…
Dentures can be a great way to replace missing teeth, but they require regular denture care and maintenance. In fact, dentures can last for ten or more years with proper denture care. How long dentures will last depends on how well and how often you take care of them.Dentures rarely need repairs, but dentists recommend…