Table of contents
What is Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen is a clear aligner system similar to Invisalign for adults, and it is equally as easy to use. It utilizes the same virtually invisible, clear plastic aligners, which must be worn for approximately two weeks before being discarded for the next set in the series.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign Teen?
The major benefit of Invisalign Teen is the discreet nature of treatment. The aligners are extremely thin and virtually invisible once inside the mouth. At the most, you might spot a slight halo around each tooth, but only if you look closely. Other benefits can include:
- The clear aligners are removed for meals and oral care. There is no need to change your dietary habits or oral care routines.
- The aligners can be left out during sports, and a sports mouthguard can be worn instead.
- Teens who play a wind instrument can keep the aligners in, although it may take a little while to adapt to playing an instrument with aligners.
- Checkups during treatment are fast since no brackets or wires must be tightened.
- Treatment is comfortable since the aligners are made from smooth plastic, with no hard edges that can dig into cheeks and lips.
- Treatment takes a similar length of time to traditional braces.
Generally, the impact on everyday life is minimal.
However, teens have specific oral health requirements, and therefore, the system is tailored to meet these needs.
Invisalign Teen Modifications
The modifications available with Invisalign Teen can include:
- Eruption tabs.
- Compliance indicators.
- Replacement aligners.
- Precision wings.
- SmartForce attachments.
- Eruption Tabs
Teenagers can still have some teeth yet to erupt, and space must be maintained to allow these teeth to develop normally. Eruption tabs ensure there is adequate room for adult teeth to erupt correctly.
- Compliance Indicators
We know that teens can have busy lifestyles and that sometimes they forget to wear their aligners. Compliance indicators make it easy to check that the aligners are being worn for an adequate amount of time.
A compliance indicator is a small blue dot, located at the back of each aligner, which is not easily visible in the mouth. As the aligner is worn, the indicator gradually fades.
- Replacement Aligners
If your teenager is prone to damaging or losing things, there is no need to worry with Invisalign, as the system includes several sets of replacement aligners.
All you need to do is contact our dental office, and we will arrange for a new set of aligners to be computer-generated quickly, allowing your teenager to continue with treatment without delay.
- Precision Wings
Precision wings are only needed in certain circumstances, such as when an overbite or another issue requires more complex corrections.
The wings work by moving the lower jaw forward during treatment, helping to align your teenager’s bite. At the same time, moving the lower jaw can help improve facial aesthetics, creating a more balanced facial profile.
- SmartForce Attachments
These are another option that are two ways needed and can also be used in adult treatments. They are small buttons of tooth-colored composite resin that are attached to teeth, providing the aligners with something to hold onto and increasing the force available to reposition teeth. Treatment is still gentle yet highly effective.
How Does Invisalign Teen Work?
The treatment process for Invisalign Teen is remarkably similar to that of Invisalign for adults. Below is a brief overview.
For a more detailed overview of our Invisalign treatment process and planning, please visit our dedicated page.
- Consultation & Digital Scans
Briefly, treatment begins with a consultation with our Invisalign Teen provider to check that your teen is suitable for treatment. Invisalign Teen can address a wide range of orthodontic issues, including more complex problems.
A digital scan creates a 3D dental impression of your child’s teeth and is used to plan their treatment precisely. At this stage, we can provide digital images that show how your teen’s teeth will look once they are straightened.
- Treatment Process
After finalizing the treatment plan, we can computer-generate the custom aligners and begin the treatment process. Our Invisalign dentist will show your teen how to wear them, and we will discuss how to keep them clean.
It’s then simply a matter of wearing the aligners every day, ideally only removing them for oral care and meals.
- Dental Checkups
Regular checkups are necessary during treatment, but they are quick. They are to ensure your teen’s teeth are moving as predicted, to supply additional sets of aligners as required, and, if needed, to modify the treatment plan to ensure optimal results.
- Retainers
After completing treatment, your teen will need to wear retainers. These look exactly like the aligner trays and are super easy to use. Initially, they must be worn all the time, and we can advise when it is safe to reduce their use gradually.
Is Invisalign Teen the Right Choice?
Invisalign Teen can be an excellent choice for any self-conscious teenager who dreads the thought of wearing traditional fixed metal braces. The system is highly versatile and capable of addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues. However, there may be occasions where another system is a better choice.
We may recommend an alternative if:
- Your teen is likely to have compliance problems where they forget to wear their aligners regularly. This can delay or derail treatment and may mean fixed braces are a better choice.
- There are more complex orthodontic problems to address, requiring precise tooth movements that are less easy to achieve with removable aligners.
Invisalign Teen at NYC Dentistry Center offers a discreet, comfortable alternative to braces. Custom clear aligners correct teen teeth while allowing easy removal for eating, sports, and oral care, helping teens achieve a confident smile with minimal disruption. Book your teen’s Invisalign consultation today and start their journey to a confident smile!
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096