Get Invisalign to Improve Your Teen’s Smile

Like many young people, your teenager may have crooked teeth or bite problems that need correcting. Your dentist may recommend Invisalign® as a treatment option for your teen. Maybe you are familiar with traditional braces — perhaps you wore them yourself when you were younger. However, Invisalign can correct your teen's orthodontic issues while offering advantages over braces.

Questions parents may have about Invisalign

If your child's dentist recommends treating malocclusions with Invisalign, you probably have questions about the process.

How does Invisalign work?

First, your child's teeth are scanned. Then custom aligners are designed based on the scan results and the desired treatment outcome. When the aligners are ready, your teenager begins wearing them, upgrading to another set every one to two weeks as your dental professional recommends.

Your child will have checkups every six to eight weeks to ensure the treatment process is on track. A new batch of aligners will be ready at each appointment. Your teen's progress gets closer to the goal with each set of aligners.

Once the process is complete, your teenager will receive retainers to keep teeth in place. The dental professional will recommend how long your teen should wear them.

What are the advantages of Invisalign over braces?

Invisalign can offer your teen benefits that traditional braces cannot. Many people find the aligners to be more comfortable than the wires and brackets of braces. They are comfortable to put on and take off.

The aligners are clear, making them a discreet form of treatment. People may not even realize your teen is wearing them. Your teen may be more receptive to the idea of wearing clear aligners instead of braces for this reason.

Because the aligners are removable, your child can take them out to eat, drink, play sports, brush, and floss. Maintaining a good oral care routine can be difficult with traditional braces. It can be hard to brush and floss around the brackets and wires. With Invisalign, your teen can brush and floss normally.

How can you be sure your teen is wearing the aligners?

You can opt to have blue compliance indicator dots included on the aligners. These indicators assure you that your child is wearing the aligners as instructed and help you keep tabs on progress.

Will my teen be uncomfortable in the aligners?

It is normal for your child to experience pressure or discomfort with a new set of aligners. With each set, the teeth move closer to their final position. Your teen will probably experience less discomfort after a day or two of wearing a set of aligners.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The cost of treatment is similar to traditional braces. Many insurance plans also cover it. You can talk to your dental professional about payment options.