Teenage years can be turbulent, fast-paced, and insecure for children. In such a period of enormous physical and emotional change, how teenagers see themselves can have an impact on how they act. Even seemingly minor physical flaws, like acne or crooked teeth, might lower their self-esteem and force them to withdraw a little so they don’t appear as vulnerable.
Correcting those problems can have a huge impact. Straighter teeth, for example, can increase self-esteem and make them feel more at ease and confident in their own skin.
Has your teenager expressed concern about their teeth and expressed an interest in getting braces or Invisalign? This is the first step in the direction of transformation. However, you must conduct a study to determine which alternative is best for them. Clear aligners or traditional braces? Musthavedental understands that Invisalign for teenagers is the better option.
Invisalign Board-Certified orthodontists offer some compelling arguments:
Fewer Appointments
Your teenager is occupied, and you are as well. You don’t have time to take them to the orthodontist every month for a check-up on their braces. Teenagers who use Invisalign must still visit the orthodontist, but not as frequently as they would with traditional braces. Furthermore, there are no wires to tighten or discomfort to deal with; rather, the appointments ensure that their treatment is developing as anticipated. There will be no emergency visits as a result of wires poking their cheeks!
No One Can Tell
No one can tell your teen is using aligners, unlike metal braces. This is a significant selling feature for teens of all ages because image is so important to them. There’s no teasing, and there were no difficulties with body image.
Easy to Clean
Teenagers with clear braces must wear them for 22 hours each day, but they can remove them to eat and brush their teeth. This means they can easily brush and floss after a meal to remove any residual food particles. Brushing is ineffective with typical metal braces because food can quickly get lodged in and around the brackets and wires.
Plus, because your teen can simply remove their aligners, they won’t have to watch what they eat. Popcorn, hard candy, bagels, almonds, chewy candy, gum, and other foods are prohibited while wearing metal braces.
Q&A
Your teen may have a lot of questions regarding Invisalign. Here are some of the most common we get:
Q: What if my teeth start shifting because of my wisdom teeth coming in?
A: When wisdom teeth are extracted, it is determined by the patient. Your orthodontist may recommend that you have this operation before starting clear braces therapy in specific instances. In some circumstances, wisdom teeth removal should be postponed until after therapy is completed. In some circumstances, wisdom teeth extraction can be done concurrently with treatment.
At the appropriate time in your therapy, your orthodontist will recommend you to an oral surgeon for a consultation on wisdom teeth removal.
Q: When can I take them off?
A: If you’re eating or drinking anything other than water, you can remove your Invisalign trays. You should wear them for a total of 22 hours every day. There are a few hours left for snacks and meals. Brush and floss your teeth after eating or drinking, then replace the aligners. Yes, you must sleep with them in your room.
Many teenagers we know participate in athletics, band, or other extracurricular activities. It is acceptable to remove the aligners in these situations in order to wear a mouth guard for lacrosse, but remember to replace them after the game.
Q: How long is the treatment?
Invisalign treatment normally takes a year to 18 months to complete, which is slightly less time than traditional braces, which can take anywhere from 18 months to two years or more. You’ll get a new pair of aligners every two months or so to replace the old ones. Invisalign takes some getting accustomed to in the beginning. You could have some trouble speaking and feel a little uncomfortable at first, but it will pass in a few days. You may experience some tightness when you first begin a new set. This is quite natural. Aside from that, there are no negative effects or soreness.
How do I prevent my teeth from shifting after treatment is complete?
Retainers, in a nutshell. You will be given a customized retainer to wear at night after your clear braces treatment. There should be no shifting of your teeth if you wear your retainer on a regular basis.
So, parents, pay attention to your teenagers! They seek a less invasive, less time-consuming approach to traverse this tumultuous era of braces, first dates, and high school drama.
Is your teen ready to start their Invisalign journey?
If you’d like to learn more about Invisalign, contact your dentist to schedule a consultation. For any youngster seeking a positive change, Invisalign is a practical, natural-looking, and effective option. It’s past time for our teenagers to stand up and confront the world!
