Many orthodontists advise Invisalign® for teens as a discreet and reliable method of treating misaligned or crooked teeth. However, you may only know about traditional metal braces. Invisalign is an alternative way to fix malocclusions or imperfect positioning of the teeth. Here is some information about this type of treatment.
Questions you may have about Invisalign
Teenagers who need to have their teeth straightened may have many questions about the process. For example, you may wonder why an orthodontist recommends Invisalign or why a person may qualify for it.
Who can use Invisalign treatment?
Invisalign can fix various orthodontic issues, from minor straightening to bigger problems. Some treatable problems include:
- Gaps between teeth
- Underbite
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Overcrowding
Many orthodontists and other dental professionals recommend Invisalign for teens because it can help many patients fix their orthodontic problems.
Why do people choose Invisalign?
Invisalign is an effective teeth-straightening option that allows flexibility during treatment. THe teen can remove their custom aligners for up to a couple of hours each day while eating, playing sports, giving a presentation, conducting a meeting, and more. Patients must also remove the aligners when brushing and flossing their teeth.
Clear aligners make this treatment option a discreet choice for teeth straightening. Most people may never notice that someone is wearing them. In addition, Invisalign can make it easier to clean teeth than braces. For example, patients can brush and floss without getting around brackets and wires that have to stay in place through treatment. Also, some patients find Invisalign's material more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.
When does the teen wear the aligners?
In most cases, the teen will need to wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day for the desired results. The aligners may have blue compliance indicators to assure their parents and orthodontist that they are wearing them for enough time.
How does Invisalign straighten teeth?
After a scan of the patient’s teeth, an orthodontist will design the custom aligners. The patient wears each set for one to two weeks, then upgrade to another set. The patient’s teeth will get slightly straighter with each set of aligners. Throughout the treatment, the patient will have checkups every six to eight weeks to ensure the aligners work as designed.
How long will your teen’s Invisalign treatment last?
Each patient is different. Your teen’s treatment plan is unique to their needs. The patient will start noticing results in just a few weeks, but their treatment will last for months. After reaching the treatment goal, a retainer can help keep their smile intact.
Are the aligners uncomfortable?
It is normal to feel pressure or discomfort when wearing a new set of aligners. That is because they are helping the teeth move into the correct position. As the teeth shift, the teen will feel less pressure.
Conclusion
Orthodontists often recommend Invisalign® for teens because it can be an effective treatment option for many patients. Call our office if you have any questions before and during your teen’s treatment. With Invisalign, they can achieve the smile of their dreams and have the tools to maintain it for the rest of their life.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
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