Invisalign for teens is an excellent alternative to traditional braces that can boost your teen’s confidence while still delivering the same effective results. However, every teen is different and Invisalign does require some accountability on your part, so it’s important to fully discuss the treatment option with Dr. Sol and his team before deciding to go with Invisalign. With Invisalign, you benefit from their proprietary SmartTrack® and SmartForce® technologies, which quickly and comfortably align your teeth and improve overall oral health.
How Does the Invisalign Process Work?
The process starts with our team using the iTero digital scanner. This digital scanning tool will render 3D scans of your smile and can even predict how your teeth will look at the end of treatment. Using these digital images, our team will create a custom treatment plan and design sets of aligners that will gradually move your teeth into proper alignment.
Every couple of weeks, you will move into a new set of aligners. It’s important that you wear your aligners as much as possible, typically around 20-22 hours each day. Not wearing your Invisalign as recommended could lengthen treatment time or affect the end results.
The Maintenance Process
As mentioned, you will need to wear the aligners between 20 and 22 hours a day and should only take them off for brushing and flossing, eating, and regular cleaning. Over time, Invisalign for teens will fix issues like overbites, crowding teeth, and gaps.
You will need to visit the orthodontist every 6-8 weeks so that Dr. Sol can review your progress and determine that your smile is on the proper track. Because you will be switching the aligners out on your own, you can benefit from fewer visits to our office.
The Main Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign for teens has many benefits that range from aesthetics to functionality:
- Oral Hygiene: With Invisalign, it’s easier to keep track of your oral hygiene, as you can remove the aligners each time you brush and floss.
- Comfortable: Invisalign aligners are smooth and perfectly shaped to your teeth, meaning there is less chance of irritation to the gums and lips.
- Convenient: Because they are removable, you can enjoy your favorite foods, including hard, sticky, and chewy foods, without worrying about damaging any appliance.
How Long Will My Teen Need to Wear Invisalign?
The total timeframe for how long you will need to wear Invisalign varies. Every teen’s mouth responds differently to treatment, and some orthodontic issues require more prolonged treatment. Typically, treatment takes between 12 to 18 months for most teens and young adults.
Will My Teen Lead an Active Lifestyle?
Many teens wonder if they can still do everything they love while wearing Invisalign. Since you can easily remove your aligners, you can simply take them out for any activities where they may get in the way, such as playing instruments, certain sports, or singing.
