Why More Teens Are Opting for Invisalign®

No matter how much teens want (or need) to correct dental alignment issues like crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and bite problems, many can’t face the embarrassment of a smile filled with metal braces. Luckily, they have an exceptional option with Invisalign®.

Invisalign is the solution to teens’ top worries about braces. And most teens are great candidates for clear aligners. 

Our TLN Family Dental team has helped many teens transform their appearance with aligners. Here’s a rundown of the top five reasons our teen patients prefer Invisalign.

Look great while improving your smile

Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, which is one of the most crucial benefits for teens. Adolescence is a time of increasing awareness of and worry about appearance. 

Fitting in is essential for self-esteem and confidence, vital qualities that can spiral downward when facing peers who are criticizing a mouth full of metal braces.

Another benefit of Invisalign is that teens can remove them for special occasions, whether a school dance or a first date. However, they must be careful to limit their time without aligners.

Teens should wear their aligners for 20-22 hours each day to stay on track with their treatment plan. Keeping the aligners out for longer can slow the tooth realignment process and require a new series of aligners to compensate for any unplanned changes or lack of progression.

Forget about food restrictions

Metal braces require teens to avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, chewy, and tough foods. But they don’t need to worry about dietary restrictions with Invisalign because they can remove the aligners while eating. Then, they can brush and floss before putting the aligners back in place.

Experience more comfort

Metal braces are notorious for causing irritation and sores. Wires and brackets may poke or irritate the soft tissues (cheeks, gums, and lips) or come loose.

Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic that fits snugly but comfortably over their teeth, seldom causing discomfort.

However, all orthodontic appliances, whether Invisalign or classic braces, cause temporary discomfort when the pressure is adjusted. Every week or two, teens switch the old aligner with the next one in the series, which adds the pressure needed to keep moving their teeth.

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for a day or two can help your teen cope with temporary adjustment-related discomfort. 

Easy to care for

There’s a big difference in caring for Invisalign versus braces. Braces demand extra effort to keep them and your teeth clean and plaque-free. Teens must use special tools and put in extra time to thoroughly clean between all the metal parts and wires.

Invisalign aligners are a breeze to care for. Teens pop out their aligners and use a soft brush to clean the inner and outer surfaces. Or, they can remove the aligners to brush their teeth and the inside of the aligners, and then put them back on to brush the outer surface with greater ease.

Improve many orthodontic issues

Invisalign is a good option for nearly every orthodontic challenge teens face, including: 

• Gaps between teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Open bite (an opening between the top and bottom teeth when the mouth is closed)
• Overbite (upper teeth are too far forward)
• Underbite (lower teeth are too far forward)
• Crossbite (one or more upper teeth close inside the lower teeth instead of over them)

Though most teens qualify for Invisalign, there are some issues that may need traditional braces. Our team can discuss the best orthodontic solution for your teen after an evaluation.    

Is your teen a good candidate for Invisalign?

We’re available to answer your questions, diagnose your teen’s orthodontic issues, and determine if Invisalign is a good option. Call or click online to schedule a consultation at your nearest TLN Family Dental office in Houston or Pearland, Texas, today.