The nearly invisible way to straighten your teenager’s teeth while avoiding diet restrictions and cleaning difficulties is Invisalign Teen. Instead of traditional metal brackets and wires, Invisalign consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that gently shift teeth into better positions. Many parents and teens have questions about the process, so let’s get the facts.

What are the advantages? The aligners are removable to make eating and cleaning easy. There are no foods to avoid during treatment, and normal brushing and flossing are all that’s required. Your teen can even remove the aligners while playing sports or musical instruments. Invisalign Teen is a practical way to improve your teen’s smile.

Does it work as well as traditional braces? Yes, when worn consistently for the recommended 20-22 hours a day, Invisalign treats most orthodontic issues. This includes crowding, gaps, and bite issues that commonly send teens to the orthodontist. Look for a certified Invisalign Teen dental professional in your area to find out if your teen is a good candidate.

What if my teen is irresponsible? Invisalign Teen has a built-in check system to make it easy to know when it’s time to change aligners. Each tray has a blue indicator that fades over time, so the orthodontist will know if your teen is wearing the aligners as directed. Computer imaging also tracks your teen’s progress, allowing you to see how the teeth are moving and what the end results will look like. This spurs many teens on to see how great their smiles will be if they comply to the guidelines! Also, if your teen is one who tends to lose things all the time, don’t worry. Invisalign Teen provides six replacement aligners for free.

What about my teen’s busy schedule? Invisalign Teen requires less office visits than traditional braces since there are no adjustments or broken appliances. A checkup every 4-6 weeks is all that’s needed. Plus, the average overall treatment is often complete in as little as one year.

Research shows that self-conscious teens are happy to have an orthodontic option that is less embarrassing than traditional braces. This incognito approach, along with the other benefits, makes Invisalign Teen a solution worth checking out.

Our dental office is located in Burbank