Teenage years are full of surprises. This is the time when the body breaks through, and the child becomes an adult. Much like other parts of the body, the teeth and bones also change drastically, and this is why this is the best time to make sure that misaligned teeth are corrected.
During the teenage years, the bones are still growing and are flexible enough to be aligned. However, though metal braces have been around for hundreds of years, it is not something that is liked or appreciated by teens. Not only are these braces uncomfortable and painful, but also have a negative impact on your self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there’s a way you can align your teeth correctly without metal braces digging into your mouth.
What we’re talking about is Invisalign for teens. These invisible aligners are ideal if you are looking for solutions that aren’t as visible or noticeable as metal braces. Still, because we understand that you might have many questions about the treatment plan and how it works, we’ve made it our mission to answer some of the most common queries related to Invisalign for teenagers.
So, the following are the answers to some of the questions.
How does Invisalign for teens treatment work?
Invisalign aligners look like the plastic retainers that you get once you’re finished with metal braces. The difference between this technique and metal braces is that instead of using invasive braces and wires to straighten the teeth, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners for the same goal.
Moreover, to get the aligners, you won’t need to go through a lengthy and painful process. You will only need to get your teeth inspected and measured carefully so the plastic tray can fit correctly. Once you have your aligner, they will put pressure on the teeth, and as a result, the teeth will shift from misalignment to alignment.
As this happens, you will need to change the retainers after a few weeks so your dentist can fit you with new aligners depending on the change in alignment.
What are the benefits as opposed to braces?
A study published in 2015 investigated the oral health of patients with regular braces and those with Invisalign and found that people treated with the latter have a better satisfaction rate and overall periodontal health.
Invisalign isn’t just useful when it comes to your oral health but will also help a lot in boosting your self-confidence. Other than the fact they are almost invisible, you also have the freedom of eating whatever you like. Unlike braces that have a restriction on consuming chewy, crunchy, hard and sticky food, you can enjoy whatever you want once you’ve removed the aligners.
Another advantage of this technology is that even though it can take some time for you to get used to them, they aren’t as painful as braces can be.
How long does it take and how often should the aligners be worn?
Though the treatment time depends on the severity of misalignment, Invisalign’s treatment duration varies from 6 to 18 months. You will need to get the aligners replaced after every two weeks and visit the orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks. The recommended time for Invisalign for teens is 20 to 22 hours per day.
Research data shows that teens wear their aligners for an average of 21 hours, which is as recommended. Moreover, Invisalign’s unique built-in assurance checker makes such that the blue indicators fade over time so your doctor can track the compliance rate.
What happens if I lose the aligners?
Because Invisalign for teens is removable, it is understandable if you end up losing them at a friend’s house or a restaurant while you were enjoying a hearty meal. The good news is that depending on where you’re at the replacement cycle; you can get another set of aligners for free without worrying about it. Make sure you inform your orthodontist right away, and he’ll be able to take care of it.
How much does Invisalign cost?
The cost of Invisalign for teens is about the same as traditional wire braces. However, the prices may vary according to the complexity of treatment, location and orthodontic. To know the exact cost of Invisalign, you can search Google for ‘Orthodontist near me’ to find a trained orthodontist who won’t just discuss the costs but also the full treatment plan. Also, because Invisalign for teens is something which is covered by most dental insurance policies, you won’t need to worry about it a lot.
Are there any concerns I should be aware of?
In the beginning, teens go through an adjustment period during which they don’t like to wear their aligners enough. It is because these aligners may result in increased saliva production and sometimes a slight bit of lisp in speech. However, though these things do discourage teens from wearing the Invisalign, it will go away on its own if you keep wearing them. If you’re a parent, then simply making sure that your teen wears the aligners most of the time will help you get rid of the concerns, and you’ll be on your road to success.
Before you ask an orthodontist for Invisalign for teens, you need to make sure that they are trained for this particular purpose because installing Invisalign may seem very straightforward but they need a lot of technique and practice. So, if you want to guarantee that you ’re investing in the best aligners, look for an experienced and trained dentist in your area.