Invisalign treatments are one of the most popular orthodontic solutions for adults. Many adults do not want traditional braces because of how disruptive they can be to their lives. Aside from altering how you tackle oral care and what you can and cannot eat, traditional braces require routine orthodontic visits to have the braces tightened which can be difficult for adults with busy work schedules. Luckily treatments like Invisalign are lower maintenance and less disruptive. For that reason, many parents might wonder if their teenagers can also get Invisalign aligners. In fact, Invisalign was designed for both teenagers and adults. But, figuring out whether or not Invisalign is specifically right for your teenager might require you to think about a few key factors.
Are Your Child’s Orthodontic Issues Solvable By Invisalign
Invisalign can help patients make small to moderate adjustments to their bite alignment and the positioning of their teeth. That said, patients who need complex orthodontic solutions might not be good candidates for Invisalign aligners. Teeth that are severely misaligned might require traditional metal braces.
Invisalign Requires Personal Responsibility
The largest reason Invisalign treatments fail is that many patients fail to follow the instructions they receive with their Invisalign treatment. Invisalign aligners need to be worn for the majority of the day (at least 22 hours out of every 24 hours). If patients are frequently removing their Invisalign for hours a day the treatment will stall. This can often be a concern for parents with teenagers. Teenagers might take their Invisalign after leaving for school and not put them back in until they are home. It is imperative that teenagers understand the importance of the instructions and only remove their Invisalign aligners when they eat or brush/floss their teeth.
Invisalign is Low-Maintenance for Teenagers
Aside from the 22-hour rule, Invisalign is often loved by adults and teenagers for how low maintenance it is. It is extremely easy to clean your aligners and the aligners are non-disruptive to your daily routine. One of the common issues for teenagers who have traditional braces is they fail to floss properly leading to the development of cavities, gum disease, and other oral issues especially between the teeth.
How Long Does Invisalign Take For Teens
Invisalign treatment times vary based on the specific orthodontic issues an orthodontist is helping resolve. For example, minor adjustments can sometimes be done in as short as just three months. That said on average, most patients have Invisalign for 12 to 18 months.
Invisalign Dentist in Swampscott Massachusetts
Whiting Dental Arts provides a variety of dental services from our office in Swampscott Massachusetts including Invisalign treatments. If you are interested in getting Invisalign treatments for yourself or a member of your family, please give us a call or click below to schedule an appointment.