Choosing Invisalign Over Traditional Braces for Teens

Improperly spaced teeth can cause an array of physical and mental health issues. Invisalign® clear aligners can help. Many people of all ages use Invisalign trays today to discreetly and efficiently correct their smiles. These transparent corrective treatments can be an especially great alternative to braces for teens.

Invisalign as an alternative to braces for teens

Below are some reasons why teens might decide upon Invisalign treatments instead of traditional braces.

Easier maintenance

Two things make Invisalign easier to maintain than traditional braces. For one, Invisalign trays generally require fewer in-office visits than traditional braces, as traditional braces have to be routinely physically manipulated and changed. These in-person visits often take more time and physical work when they involve conventional braces as well. Traditional braces can also be more easily damaged and may require additional emergency visits, unlike Invisalign aligners.

Not only are Invisalign trays easier to keep clean, but also, Teens report having an easier time caring for their teeth during Invisalign treatment. Teenagers often find braces annoying because they collect greater amounts of food debris and create additional spaces for plaque to settle. Brushing and flossing conventional braces takes more effort and time, things that many people, particularly teens, do not want to put to waste. In contrast, Invisalign aligners are removable, so your teen can simply brush, floss, and rinse their teeth like normal, rinse or wipe the Invisalign trays clean, and then place them back into their mouth.

Better look and feel

Invisalign also has the right aesthetics for teens. The trays generally fit more comfortably and are less noticeable than braces. The smooth exterior of the trays means they can run their tongue or cheek over them without fear of getting cut or pinched. Teens will appreciate being able to enjoy all the same foods and treats as their friends as well because they can simply remove the aligners when they want to eat and drink. Teens also tend to be less self-conscious about smiling, speaking, and laughing while wearing clear Invisalign aligners. Again, the fact that the trays are removable is an extra bonus because they can take pictures and enjoy major events, like romantic dates, prom, or graduation, without also having to endure, reveal, and memorialize a mouth full of metal.

Shorter duration

Many Invisalign treatments take less time to correct teen teeth than traditional braces. The precise, specialized technologies used to design and make Invisalign trays can more specifically determine and form a strict timeline for the necessary adjustments. As long as your teen sticks to the assigned time regimen for wearing each tray, the planned corrections will usually happen faster than they would with fixed braces.