Invisalign for Teens

There are plenty of cons to being a teenager these days— but there are also some exciting developments in the worlds of healthcare and technology that make a few classic adolescent experiences less stressful than they once were. Today’s generation can enjoy the benefits of metal braces without their bulky appearance. How? Invisalign for teens!

Today there are more choices than ever for effective orthodontic treatment. Invisible aligners like Invisalign don’t draw the same daily attention—or require the same maintenance—as traditional braces, making them a hit among the younger crowds and their parents.

Invisible aligners have become so popular, in fact, that Invisalign has expanded its product line to offer aligners specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the teenage demographic: Invisalign Teen. 

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an FDA-approved orthodontic treatment, and one that many consider being a more convenient method for straightening smiles.

While it may not be the right choice for all patients, there are many who can benefit from the treatment. Your dentist or orthodontist can conduct a consultation to determine whether or not Invisalign is the best option for your treatment plan. 

Those who have both major and minor issues might be eligible for Invisalign. The following are situations in which invisible aligners may help:

• Crowded teeth
• Gaps in teeth
• Underbite
• Overbite

The aligners are switched out every other week, as the dentist directs depending on the patient, with regular visits to be sure the teeth are moving along at the right pace for the treatment plan. 

The aligners can be taken out to eat, drink, or brush your teeth, but should be promptly put back in. They should be worn between 20 and 22 hours a day over the course of treatment to be sure they deliver results. 

Benefits of Invisalign for Teens

Many patients prefer invisible aligners to metal braces and for good reason.

Invisalign Is Invisible 

Of course, many people opt for Invisalign simply because they are invisible. At least, nearly. 

While braces stand out and can make some wearers self-conscious, invisible aligners allow wearers to feel confident even while they are in the process of getting a straighter smile.

Invisalign Can Be Removed 

Eating and drinking with regular braces can be uncomfortable and messy. Not to mention trying to brush immediately after a meal to avoid food sitting under or around the wires and brackets. 

Invisalign aligners eliminate this issue entirely, as they can be removed to eat, drink and brush your teeth. When worn correctly, this means Invisalign offers results with more convenience. 

Clear Aligners Are Slightly Less Painful

The wires and brackets of traditional metal brackets can dig into gums and feel like they are forcing your teeth into position. Invisalign offers a remedy for that.

Not only can they be removed to make eating more comfortable, they are made of flexible material and custom-fit to avoid any painful poking or prodding while wearing them. 

There may still be some pain, but it can usually be remedied with pain relievers or numbing cream, and usually goes away within the first day or two of a new tray. 

Invisalign May Work More Quickly 

The exact length of treatment time will vary greatly from case to case, but on average Invisalign treatments take between 12 and 18 months, while traditional braces take between 18 and 24 months.

What is Invisalign for Teens

Invisalign Teen, while it still offers all of the benefits of Invisalign, is custom-made to meet the needs of younger people. The Teen treatment adds a few features that make it ideal for this age group. 

Eruption Tabs 

Did you know that a young person’s teeth continue to grow well into their teens? To account for that growth, Invisalign Teen features eruption tabs. These allow space for teeth that are still “eruption” to come in completely, without disturbing the aligning process. 

Wear Indicators 

Many parents worry that the removability of invisible aligners will lead to their teenagers not wearing them for the recommended amount of time each day, therefore potentially extending the treatment time and maybe even affecting the cost.

That’s why Invisalign Teen offers wear indicators: blue dots that fade to clear when they have been worn for the correct amount of time. 

Replacement Aligners 

Teenagers may go through aligners more quickly for a few reasons. Some may be more likely to misplace or break their trays, making it necessary to get a replacement. Other times the growth and change of adolescent teeth can require trays to be swapped out more quickly. 

In either case, Invisalign for teens comes with more replacement aligners to help. 

How Does Invisalign for Teens Work?

If you’re thinking about opting for Invisalign Teen, here’s what you can expect from the treatment:

1. Invisalign for teens can solve many dental issues, but it’s not for everyone. Schedule a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist to discuss whether or not Invisalign Teen is right for your child, the length of the projected treatment plan, and insurance and cost options.
2. You will be fitted for your aligners shortly after that. This process includes taking molds of your top and bottom teeth.
3. Wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, every day. Most treatment plans call for the trays to be switched out every two weeks, but this may vary from case to case.
4. You will come in for check-ups on occasion with your provider, to be sure the treatment is progressing as expected and address any adjustments. 

How Much Does Invisalign Cost?

The exact price will vary from patient to patient, but on average Invisalign for teens costs between $3,000 and $8,000. Our Invisalign dentist in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Morrisville areas regularly offer major discounts on Invisalign treatment.

Monthly payment plans are often available with a down payment, and in some cases insurance may cover a portion of the cost. Your provider can work with you to determine the best payment options for you. 

Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation

Ready to get started with an Invisalign or Invisalign Teen treatment? Mint Leaf Dentistry is a leading provider of Invisalign in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, and Morrisville, with hundreds of smiles to show for it.  

Contact our Morrisville dentist at Mint Leaf Dentistry by calling 919-330-1710 or by booking with us online.