Invisalign Teen-Information

Most people would agree that their teen years are the most awkward stage of life. Their bodies change drastically through puberty, and dealing with those changes can take quite a toll on each person’s self-esteem. It can sometimes present an extreme challenge for some individuals to become comfortable in their own skin. They feel less confident through these formative years, and having to wear conspicuous metal braces can make that feeling even worse.

Straightening teeth is important for a number of reasons, including prevention of major oral health problems like gum disease. However, the process of achieving a more symmetrical smile is not the most enjoyable experience, particularly when using traditional braces. The sharp wires and brackets can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort, not to mention the adverse affect they have on appearance.

Most teenagers and adults think braces are unattractive, and those who have to wear them can become less likely to show their teeth when they smile. This lack of confidence can cause some teens to become shier in general, and they may struggle to make friends during these years. Invisalign offers a solution to many of the problems associated with common metal braces.

This product consists of a series of aligners that are custom-made for the individual to straighten teeth. They are made of clear plastic, so most people cannot even tell when someone is wearing them. They are smooth and comfortable, so they won’t irritate the cheeks and gums the way that braces sometimes can. The wearer is able to remove them whenever he or she wants, so brushing and flossing teeth is much easier. With metal braces, dental hygiene is more difficult because the wires and brackets are fixed onto the teeth. Braces also inhibit the wearer from enjoying many types of food, such as popcorn or potato chips. There are no limits to the types of food a person can enjoy with Invisalign.

The teeth straightening procedure is almost the same with Invisalign for teens as it is for adults. The first step is a consultation with a dentist or an orthodontist who works with this type of aligner. The doctor takes x-rays and pictures of the patient’s teeth, which are used to compose a 3-dimensional image. The doctor uses the 3D images to construct an exact treatment plan. The patient then receives a series of aligners to wear that are made specifically for him or her. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks, and then a new set is used until the straightening process is complete.

The Invisalign Teen aligners have a blue dot located on them in an unnoticeable area. The blue dot acts as a wear indicator and fades over the two week period of use. This is designed to help teens remember when it is time to switch to a new set of aligners. The teen version also comes with six replacement aligners for free. These are included since teens are often more likely to lose or break an aligner than adults.

While Invisalign has many benefits over braces, none of them are more important to teens than the benefit to appearance. Being able to smile with confidence is easily the biggest advantage for them. They have one less thing to feel overwhelmingly self-conscious about, especially when talking or posing for school pictures.