As a parent, your aim is to prioritise the dental health of your teen. If your teen needs orthodontic treatment, consider Invisalign as an option. Invisalign for teens has become increasingly popular, offering a more discreet and flexible option than traditional braces.
However, before making any decisions, it’s essential to understand the benefits of Invisalign, how it compares to braces, and the treatment process.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to decide whether Invisalign is right for your teen.
Content Navigation
- 1 Summary of the Content
- 2 Understanding Invisalign for Teens
- 3 Reasons Why Teens Choose Invisalign
- 4 Comparing Invisalign and Traditional Braces
- 5 Determining If Your Teen Is a Suitable Candidate
- 6 The Cost of Invisalign and Payment Options
- 7 Preparing Your Teen for Invisalign Treatment
- 8 Ensuring Your Teen's Invisalign Journey is a Success
- 9 Life after Invisalign: Preserving the Results
- 10 Final Thoughts
Summary of the Content
- Invisalign is a popular alternative to conventional metal braces, and it makes use of clear aligners to straighten teeth.
- Invisalign is a good option for teenagers because the aligners are virtually invisible and removable, making maintaining a good oral hygiene routine easier.
- The treatment process involves creating a customised treatment plan using digital impressions, which are used to create a series of clear aligners.
- Invisalign treatment typically takes about 6-18 months, depending on the severity of the case.
- The benefits of Invisalign include improved oral hygiene, better comfort and aesthetics, and fewer food restrictions than traditional braces.
- Invisalign is more expensive than conventional braces, but some dental health funds may cover a part of the cost.
- Invisalign is not recommended for all cases; severe orthodontic cases may require traditional braces.
- When choosing a provider for Invisalign treatment, looking for a licensed and experienced dentist is a must.
Understanding Invisalign for Teens
When it comes to orthodontic treatment for teens, Invisalign has become a popular choice as a substitute for traditional metal braces.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign Teen uses a series of custom-made, clear, removable trays for each patient. These trays are designed to apply gentle pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into the desired position.
Patients wear each set of trays for approximately two weeks before transitioning to the next set in the series. This process continues until the teeth are aligned and the desired result is achieved.
The Treatment Process
The treatment process for Invisalign is relatively straightforward. First, the dentist will evaluate the patient’s smile and determine if Invisalign suits their specific issues. If Invisalign is suitable, the dentist will take digital impressions of their teeth, which will be used to create custom-made aligners.
The patient will then receive a series of aligners designed to move their teeth gradually. These aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss. Treatment time varies from patient to patient, depending on the severity of the misalignment. However, most Invisalign treatments take anywhere from 6 to 18 months.
Reasons Why Teens Choose Invisalign
Let’s take a closer look at why many teens are choosing Invisalign over conventional metal braces.
Boosting confidence with a discreet option
Younger patients often feel self-conscious about their appearance during orthodontic treatment, especially when it comes to metal brackets and wires. Invisalign offers a more discreet treatment option for image-conscious teenagers, as the aligners are made of clear, BPA-free plastic material, which makes them virtually invisible.
This means teens can straighten their teeth without fearing embarrassment or self-consciousness about their appearance. They can smile confidently and have a straight, beautiful smile once the treatment is complete.
Making oral care easier
Cleaning teeth during orthodontic treatment can be challenging, especially with conventional metal braces. With Invisalign, teen patients can remove the invisible aligners to brush and floss their teeth, making dental care easier and more effective. This means there is a lower risk of gum disease and other oral health issues during treatment.
Enjoying a less restrictive lifestyle
Invisalign aligners are removable, which means that patients can continue to enjoy their favourite foods without any restrictions. There is no need to worry about getting food stuck in metal brackets, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing.
Invisalign also offers several advantages for an active lifestyle compared to traditional braces for teenagers. While traditional braces have brackets and wires that can pose a risk of detaching or causing injuries during sports or physical activities, Invisalign aligners are removable, reducing the chances of such incidents. This allows individuals to participate in sports, play musical instruments, and engage in other activities without the same level of concern.
Additionally, the duration of treatment with Invisalign is often shorter than conventional metal braces, providing faster treatment and allowing teen patients to enjoy their new straight smile sooner.
Comparing Invisalign and Traditional Braces
When it comes to orthodontic treatment for teens, there are two main options: Invisalign and traditional braces. Each option has pros and cons, so it’s paramount to understand the differences to decide which treatment is most suitable for your teen.
Appearance and confidence
Invisalign is a clear, virtually invisible plastic aligner, making them a more discreet treatment option than traditional metal braces. Invisalign for teens is an orthodontic treatment that makes use of custom-made removable aligners that apply pressure on teeth. This results in the gradual movement of teeth into the desired position.
As a result, Invisalign aligners offer a more aesthetically pleasing solution for image-conscious teenagers who may feel less confident about their appearance during treatment. With Invisalign, teens can have a straighter and more confident smile without the use of noticeable braces.
Treatment duration
The duration of treatment for Invisalign aligners and traditional braces varies depending on the severity of the misalignment. The average treatment time for Invisalign is usually 6-18 months, with patients switching to a new set of aligners every 1-2 weeks.
In contrast, conventional braces require regular adjustments and can take 12 to 24 months to complete treatment. Invisalign aligners offer a faster treatment option and can help teens achieve their dream smile more quickly than traditional braces.
Maintenance and adjustments
Maintaining and adjusting traditional braces can be challenging, as they require regular adjustments by a dentist. Traditional braces trap food particles and require extra care to clean properly.
On the other hand, Invisalign aligners are removable, making oral hygiene easier and more effective. They also come with a blue dot wear indicator that fades with use, helping forgetful adolescent patients to remember to wear the aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. Busy parents and the majority of teenagers often appreciate this additional feature of Invisalign teens.
Determining If Your Teen Is a Suitable Candidate
While Invisalign for teens offers many benefits over traditional metal braces, not every teen suits this orthodontic treatment method.
Assessing orthodontic issues
Invisalign aligner treatments are suitable for a wide variety of mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. More complex cases may require traditional braces, which may involve longer treatment durations and higher costs. Standard braces usually refer to conventional metal, but there are also alternative braces, including ceramic braces, lingual braces and self-ligating braces.
Before considering Invisalign for your teen, you must consult with a dentist who can assess their orthodontic issues and provide a personalised treatment plan that suits their needs. The average treatment duration with Invisalign aligners is 6-18 months, depending on the severity of the misalignment.
Considering maturity and responsibility
Invisalign aligners require a level of maturity and responsibility from the wearer, as they must wear the aligners for 20-22 hours per day and clean them regularly. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, which means they can be taken out for eating and drinking. However, this also means a higher risk of losing or damaging the aligners.
Before considering Invisalign for your teen, assessing their maturity and responsibility is essential in order to be certain that they can follow the treatment plan and maintain their aligners properly.
The Cost of Invisalign and Payment Options
The cost of Invisalign treatment is a common concern among parents considering orthodontic treatment for their teen. In Australia, the cost of Invisalign, also called invisible braces, can vary depending on several factors. On average, Invisalign treatment ranges between $6,000 and $9,000 for a full treatment and $4,500 for minor treatments.
Factors influencing cost
The following are some factors that influence the cost of Invisalign treatment:
- The complexity of the case
- The duration of the treatment
- The number of aligners required
- The location of the dental clinic
- The experience of the dentist
- Any additional treatments required, such as extractions
Insurance and payment plan
Most dental insurance plans cover some parts of the cost of orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign for teens. Check with your health fund provider to see what is covered under your plan.
If your health fund does not cover Invisalign treatment, many dental clinics offer payment plan options to help make treatment more affordable. These payment plan options may allow you to spread out the cost of treatment over several months or even years, depending on the clinic.
Remember that while the cost of Invisalign treatment may seem high, it is an investment in your teen’s oral health and confidence. Straightening misaligned teeth can help prevent future dental problems and boost your child’s self-esteem.
Preparing Your Teen for Invisalign Treatment
Before starting Invisalign treatment, it’s essential to establish a routine that your teen can follow. This routine should include the necessary steps to care for their aligners and teeth. Additionally, communication with the dental team is necessary to see to it that your teen’s treatment plan is on track.
Establishing a routine
To help your teen establish a routine for Invisalign treatment, consider the following:
- Encourage your teen to brush and floss before inserting their aligners
- Remind them to brush their teeth after each meal and before putting their aligners back in
- Instruct them to clean their aligners daily with the recommended cleaning solution or gentle soap and water
- Discuss dietary restrictions, such as avoiding hard, sticky, or sugary foods
- Encourage your teen to wear their aligners for the recommended amount of time each day
Communicating with the orthodontic team
Effective communication with the orthodontic team is crucial so that the Invisalign treatment progresses as expected. Encourage your teen to ask questions during their consultation visit and to communicate any concerns or issues with their aligners or treatment coordinator. Stay informed about your teen’s progress and any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.
Remember that Invisalign treatment requires commitment and dedication from the patient. Encourage them to maintain their routine, even during school activities or special occasions. With proper care and communication with the orthodontic team, patients can achieve a straighter smile and improved dental health.
Ensuring Your Teen's Invisalign Journey is a Success
Your teen’s Invisalign journey requires commitment, patience, and consistent effort. As a parent, you play an important role in helping your teen stay on track and achieve optimal results.
Monitoring progress and compliance
Monitoring your teen’s progress and compliance during the Invisalign treatment is crucial for the success of the treatment. Patients need to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, and they must comply with this requirement.
Here are some tips for monitoring progress and compliance:
- Schedule regular check-ins with the orthodontic team to monitor progress and address concerns.
- Encourage your teen to keep track of their aligner usage and wear time using a calendar or app.
- Check the aligners periodically to see to it that they fit properly. Check the blue compliance indicators to determine if the aligners are being worn correctly.
- Watch for signs of non-compliance, such as lost or broken aligners or inconsistent wear time.
Celebrating milestones and achievements
Celebrating milestones and achievements is an excellent way to keep your teen motivated and engaged throughout their Invisalign journey.
Here are some ideas to celebrate your teen’s accomplishments:
- Celebrate when your teen moves on to the next set of aligners or reaches the halfway point in the treatment.
- Plan a special event or activity to celebrate the completion of the treatment.
- Recognise your teen’s effort and hard work throughout the treatment.
- Acknowledge the treatment’s positive impact on your teen’s self-confidence and oral health.
Life after Invisalign: Preserving the Results
As your teen nears the end of their Invisalign treatment journey, it’s important to start thinking about life after Invisalign. While achieving a straighter, healthier smile is a major accomplishment, it’s equally important to maintain those results over the long term.
Embracing retainer use
One of the essential steps in maintaining the results of Invisalign treatment is using retainers. After completing Invisalign treatment, the dentist will instruct the patient to wear retainers regularly to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Retainers come in two types: removable and fixed. Removable retainers can be in the form of Hawley retainers or invisible retainers. Regardless of the type of removable retainers, patients should wear them for at least 22 hours a day for the first few months and gradually decrease to nighttime use only. On the other hand, fixed retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth and are non-removable, providing continuous retention.
Teens must follow the recommended wear time and maintenance instructions for their retainers. Failing to wear retainers properly can cause teeth to shift and reverse the effects of Invisalign treatment. Additionally, if your teen loses or damages their retainers, they must be replaced promptly to prevent teeth from shifting.
Fostering lifelong oral health habits
Invisalign is an effective treatment that not only straightens teeth but also promotes lifelong oral health habits. Encouraging teenage patients to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as regular brushing and flossing, can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Additionally, your teen should visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings to maintain the health of their teeth and gums.
Another essential factor in maintaining oral health is a healthy diet. Patients should avoid sugary and sticky foods that can cause tooth decay and damage aligners or retainers. Encourage your teen to opt for nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, that promote good oral health and overall well-being.
Final Thoughts
Invisalign is a popular and effective orthodontic treatment for teens, providing a discreet and comfortable alternative to braces. While there are many benefits to choosing Invisalign, you must consider your teen’s needs and preferences when deciding. By understanding the treatment process and the differences between Invisalign and braces, you can decide on the most suitable option for your child’s orthodontic care.
If you’re considering Invisalign for your teen, choosing a trusted and experienced provider is essential. AP Dental is a leading dental practice with a team of skilled professionals focusing on Invisalign treatment. Contact AP Dental today to schedule an initial consultation appointment and learn more about how Invisalign can benefit your teen’s smile.
