Is Invisalign Teen Right for My Child?
Let’s face it: It’s not easy being a teenager, and being a teenager with braces can be even more difficult. That’s probably why more teenagers opt for clear braces or clear aligners such as Invisalign Teen. As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. Braces are tried and true — you probably wore them yourself, right? Can Invisalign Teen really be as good or better for your kiddo?
Summit Dental Partners provides exceptional orthodontic treatment to our patients in Summit, NJ, and the surrounding communities using traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. We’ve used Invisalign Teen time and again to bring our patients the smile of their dreams. We can do that for your child as well. Let us show you what to expect from Invisalign Teen, so you can decide if it’s right for your child.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are made to do what braces do but without the visibility. Invisalign trays are made from a special acrylic material that’s clear and blends with your teeth. Like braces, they use gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions and repair non-ideal bites.
Invisalign can repair issues such as:
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Underbite
- Gap teeth
- Crowded teeth
Invisalign isn’t for everyone. The most severe cases usually will need braces. But Invisalign has come a long way since its early days, and it can repair more than it once did.
When you schedule an appointment with Summit Dental Partners, we’ll perform a free, complete evaluation. We’ll be able to determine whether Invisalign is right for you or your child.
What Is Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen is nearly identical to regular Invisalign but with a few extra features that can help teens get the smile they want more efficiently. The biggest difference between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen is a series of blue dots. Blue dots? Yep! These blue dots fade as the clear aligners are worn. That way, you know whether your child wears them the required 22 hours a day. Sneaky, right? But effective!
Invisalign Teen works just like regular Invisalign. The patient must wear the trays 22 hours a day, taking them out for eating, brushing, and flossing. The trays are custom designed for your child’s mouth, and each tray is designed to move the teeth a certain way. Patients change out the trays every 1-2 weeks until the teeth are where they should be and the bite is repaired.
Are There Food Restrictions for Invisalign Teen?
Part of the reason teenagers don’t care for braces is because of the food restrictions. You can’t chew gum, you can’t eat popcorn, and forget about those hard nacho chips. But all of that is doable with Invisalign because clear aligners are removable! (Although they’ll want to keep the gum-chewing short since they have a limited amount of time they can be without the trays in their mouths.)
The two hours allowed without Invisalign daily are for eating and brushing and flossing their teeth. That means they can pop out the trays to eat meals (and for the occasional snack). They also should keep them out when drinking dark liquids like coffee, tea, or sodas, which is why such drinks should be limited to meal times. The important thing is that they brush their teeth and rinse off the trays before putting them back into their mouths. This prevents plaque buildup and lowers the chances of tooth decay.
How Do We Clean Invisalign Teen?
As we mentioned, Invisalign Teen should be rinsed off every time they’re removed and before they go back into the mouth. Bacteria, food particles, and plaque could end up on the trays otherwise, and all of that gets pressed against the teeth when the trays are put back into the mouth. The trays should also be cleaned by soaking them at least once a day (preferably twice daily) in a solution of warm water and special clear aligner tablets. You can use denture tablets, but make sure they clearly say they do not contain abrasives. No “scrubbing formula” tablets!
Abrasives can cause microabrasions on your trays, making them cloudy and more visible on your teeth. This is why we don’t recommend you brush your trays with toothpaste, because most toothpaste has abrasive material, which is what is used to scrub your teeth. If you need to remove particles, use a cotton swab, or gently use a soft-bristled brush with water only.
Never put your Invisalign in hot water (including in the dishwasher!) because the extreme heat can warp the acrylic material and make it harder to wear the trays. If you can’t find clear aligner cleaning tablets, dilute hydrogen peroxide or baking soda in lukewarm water and let your trays soak for a couple of hours. Rinse them thoroughly before putting them back into your mouth!
Is Invisalign Teen Right for My Child?
It’s important your child be responsible for their trays. They need to wear them for the correct length of time, and they need to clean them regularly. They also need to make sure the trays aren’t lost or damaged. If you think your teenager can handle all that, then Invisalign Teen may be right for them.
Keep in mind, Invisalign Teen may not be fully covered by your dental insurance. Summit Dental Partners has financial options available, but you will be responsible for added costs if your child repeatedly loses or damages their trays. Responsibility is important when it comes to wearing Invisalign Teen.
Invisalign and Invisalign Teen Treatment in Summit, NJ
Invisalign Teen is a great alternative for teenagers who want a better smile without the metal look. They give your child an amazing new smile with a nearly invisible look. The best part is, your child likely will use Invisalign for less time than they would traditional metal braces.
Are you interested in Invisalign Teen for your child? If you’re in the Summit, NJ, area, contact us to set up an appointment. Let us evaluate whether Invisalign Teen is right for your child!