Invisalign for Teens treats problems with the alignment of the teeth. Examples of types of malalignment that it may be able to correct include crossbite, crowding, open bite, overbite, and underbite. However, if the malalignment is severe, Invisalign is less likely to treat them because the aligners do not exert sufficient force to move the teeth into the desired position. Therefore, alternative straightening methods, such as braces or oral surgery, may be necessary for some cases. It is worth noting that even if Invisalign alone cannot address the problem, it may be part of a broader treatment plan.
According to Invisalign, the total treatment time averages a year to a year and a half. However, this can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case and the patient's compliance with the treatment.
Typically, Invisalign patients must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. However, they can remove them for eating, completing their normal oral hygiene routine, and cleaning them. In addition, since the aligners may slightly alter speech, teens giving speeches in class may remove them. However, be sure to only remove them when necessary and replace them as soon as possible.
Since teens can remove their aligners when eating, there are no restrictions on the foods they can eat during treatment. However, they may find it difficult to eat certain foods initially because there may be some sensitivity as their mouth adjusts to the device. It is also important that Invisalign patients brush their teeth and clean the aligners after eating anything, whether a snack or a full meal.
The aligners consist of clear, smooth plastic that Invisalign has patented as SmartTrack material. The aligners are custom to each patient, so they must be created in the Invisalign lab after we take a mold of the patient's teeth. The results provide a snug and virtually invisible fit.
The SmartTrack material the aligners contain is free of toxic ingredients such as bisphenol-A, or “BPA.” As a result, the treatment is safe and effective.
The patient receives a new set of aligners about every two weeks during treatment. With each change of aligners, the teeth may be tender and sore for a few days. However, this is mild and temporary. Other than that, Invisalign may cause some minor irritation of the gums. Still, because the material the aligners consist of is smooth, it will not cut the mouth's soft tissues or cause any bleeding.
Yes, teens can play sports and instruments while wearing clear aligners. Suppose the aligners interfere with these extracurricular activities. In that case, they can remove them if replaced once the activity is complete.
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We hope this article was helpful in preparing you and your teen for a consultation. Contact our office if you would like to schedule a consultation or have more questions about Invisalign for Teens. We are here to walk you both through every step of the process.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
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