Wearing braces carries a stigma among teenagers who associate it with the stereotypical nerd (Think of Betty Suarez from Ugly Betty or Eliza Thornberry from The Wild Thornberries).
It’s a good thing that this view of braces is gradually changing as parents become more concerned with perfecting their kids’ smiles.
This is the whole point of what we do as orthodontists. We make sure that kids get a perfectly straight set of teeth and prevent the onset of dental complications like malocclusion (our fancy way of saying crooked or misaligned teeth) that can lead to gum disease and cavities.
Dental braces are the best method for straightening your teen’s chompers, but it would take at least two or three years for the treatment to produce a visible effect. Until then, your child may have to experience getting food stuck on the wire or the brackets.
If that’s the case, then parents can always turn to clear aligners like Teen Invisalign.
What is Teen Invisalign
Developed by Standford University students Zia Christi and Kelsey Worth in 1997, Invisalign provides a workaround to the problems that come with wearing braces. As the first brand of clear aligners on the market, Invisalign functions the same way as braces. It helps straighten teeth, eliminate gaps, and prevent the onset of gum disease.
But what makes Invisalign innovative is the fact that it’s made from medical-grade plastic. This see-through material is molded into trays that follow the shape of your child’s teeth. Exerting subtle pressure, Invisalign gradually positions the teeth to a healthier alignment. The trays are replaced with new molds every one or two weeks and the treatment takes less than twelve months to complete.
What are the Benefits of Teen Invisalign?
Getting Invisalign for your teen solves many of the issues of wearing braces. For one, the system uses plastic trays instead of wires and brackets. According to this article from News-Medical.net, braces can cause soft tissue injuries. It can even trigger allergic reactions in children who are sensitive to materials like rubber and nickel.
A key benefit of wearing Invisalign is the convenience your teen gets to enjoy. Since the trays are removable, your child can enjoy their favorite food without the risk of getting food, especially the ones that are difficult to chew with braces on. That includes popcorn, hard candies, chewing gum, nuts, and crunchy fruit!
Invisalign is also transparent. They are not even there when you’re teen puts the trays on. This allows for picture-perfect moments.
Does My Child Qualify for Teen Invisalign?
If you are thinking of getting Invisalign for your child, you need to know if it fits their dental situation. It may not work for children who have large gaps in their teeth. In that case, braces would be the best solution. That’s also recommended for cases of a severe overbite, peg-shaped teeth, and extrusion.
In addition, you must make sure that your child has had all their baby teeth extracted or grown in. Otherwise, you can opt for Invisalign trays that can align baby teeth alongside permanent teeth.
To be sure, it’s important that you consult with a pediatric dentist to see if this alignment system is perfect for your child as they enter their teen years.
At Children’s Choice, we work closely with you in keeping track of your child’s oral health and picking the best route towards a healthier smile! Give us a call to learn more or schedule a consultation with us.