Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment among teenagers looking to enhance their smile without the hassle of traditional metal braces. The clear aligners, which are made of a smooth plastic material, are custom-fit to your teen’s teeth and offer a comfortable, virtually invisible alternative to brackets and wires.
The Many Benefits of Invisalign for Teens
Invisalign offers many advantages over traditional braces that make it a popular choice among those seeking to improve their smile compared to traditional braces. A few of these benefits include:
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Improved Oral Hygiene
One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign for teens is that the aligners are removable. This means that your teen can continue to eat, drink, brush, and floss normally, without having to navigate around metal brackets and wires.
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Comfort
The Invisalign aligners are crafted from a smooth and comfortable plastic material, which eliminates any potential irritation to the inside of your teen’s mouth. Unlike traditional braces, which can cause cuts, mouth sores and other uncomfortable side effects, Invisalign is a more comfortable option.
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Better Appearance and Self-esteem
Teens who are self-conscious about their appearance may feel more confident with Invisalign. Your teen can wear their aligners with confidence, knowing that they won’t affect their appearance or speech. Because of this, Invisalign is a suitable choice for teenagers who wish to enhance their smile without the visibility of traditional metal wires and brackets. This will boost their self-esteem and general quality of life.
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Shorter Treatment Times
With Invisalign, treatment times are often shorter than with traditional metal braces. The average treatment time is 9-15 months, although this can vary based on the severity of your teen’s bite problem.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign uses advanced align technology to gradually shift your teen’s teeth into the desired position. The Invisalign treatment process for teens typically involves several steps:
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Consultation
The first step is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. During the consultation, the orthodontist will assess your teen’s teeth and determine if Invisalign is a good option for them.
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Custom Aligners
If your teen is a good candidate for Invisalign, the orthodontist will take impressions of their teeth and use these impressions to create custom aligners.
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Treatment Plan
The orthodontist will then create a treatment plan that outlines the timeline for wearing the aligners, as well as the expected results.
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Wearing the Aligners
Your teen will wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day and switch to a new set of aligners every one to two weeks. The length of the treatment will depend on the severity of your teen’s bite problem and the goals of their treatment plan.
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Regular Visits
Teens will need to visit the orthodontist every six to eight weeks to monitor their progress and receive new sets of aligners.
Cost of Invisalign for Teens
The cost of Invisalign for teens will depend on several factors, including the severity of their bite problem, the length of treatment, and the location of the orthodontist. On average, the cost of Invisalign for teens can range from $3,000 to $7,000. It’s important to note that many orthodontic insurance plans cover the cost of Invisalign treatment, just like they would cover traditional braces. If your teen has orthodontic insurance, be sure to check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered.
What are the Possible Risks of Invisalign for Teens?
Like any medical treatment, there are risks and side effects associated with Invisalign for teens. Some of the most common side effects include:
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Tooth Pain
Teens may experience tooth pain when they switch to a new set of aligners. This pain is usually temporary and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers.
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Mouth Sores
Some teens may experience mouth sores as a result of wearing the aligners. This can be prevented by wearing the aligners for shorter periods of time until the mouth adjusts.
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Difficulty Speaking
Teens may experience difficulty speaking when they first start wearing the aligners. This is because the aligners can cause a lisp or other speech impediments. This side effect is usually temporary and goes away after a few days.
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Allergic Reactions
Some teens may experience allergic reactions to the materials used in the aligners. This is rare, but it’s important to be aware of the possibility.
Invisalign treatment is comfortable, virtually invisible, and can help improve oral health, appearance, and self-esteem. While there are some risks and side effects associated with Invisalign for teens, these are usually temporary and can be managed with the help of an orthodontist.
If you’re considering Invisalign for your teen, Madison Dental offers top-quality Invisalign treatment customized to their specific needs. Don’t let your teen’s misaligned teeth hold them back. Schedule a consultation with us right away to start down the path to a happier, healthier smile!
