If your teen needs teeth straightening, Invisalign® Teen is one potential option you can choose. The treatment has both benefits and drawbacks when compared to traditional braces.
Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that can be used in place of traditional braces for straightening teeth. The Invisalign Teen treatment differs only slightly from the adult option. The aligners in the teen version have a series of blue dots that fade as the aligners are worn. This helps parents determine whether their teen is wearing the treatment long enough to effectively straighten the teeth.
Several dental issues can be treated with these aligners:
The process begins with a dentist creating a 3-D image of the patient's jaw and mouth. This image is used to create a plan for moving the teeth into the desired position. The dentist then uses the treatment plan to manufacture a series of customized plastic aligners. The aligners straighten teeth by applying pressure that gradually shifts the teeth into the desired position.
As the teeth are moved, the patient must periodically change to a new set of aligners. This usually happens about once every one to two weeks. The patient needs to wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day.
The aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, and cleaning the aligners. However, the patient should avoid removing the aligners any more often than necessary. Additionally, the patient should not clean the aligners with hot water. Hot water may warp the plastic, which can alter the fit and make the aligners less effective. The complexity of the patient's dental issues can also affect how well the treatment works. It may take more time for the treatment to correct complex bite or spacing issues.
There are several reasons Invisalign Teen may be preferable to traditional braces. There are also some concerns.
The aligners are not truly invisible, but they are significantly less noticeable than traditional braces. This may be beneficial for teens who dislike the aesthetic appearance of traditional braces or feel self-conscious about wearing braces.
The ability to remove the treatment is both a benefit and a drawback. Teens who are careful not to lose the aligners and are vigilant about wearing them the recommended time can benefit from being able to remove the treatment to eat, brush, floss, and clean the aligners. Food particles can become trapped in traditional braces, and it is not easy to brush and floss around the wires. Removing the aligners for eating and cleaning can help prevent tooth decay.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign in Bakersfield, CA
Invisalign aligners straighten the teeth in a similar manner to traditional braces. Some teens may prefer the appearance and other benefits of this treatment. However, they must be able to follow the treatment guidelines to be successful.
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…
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…
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…