When it comes to straightening crooked teeth, Invisalign® for teens is an excellent option for many families. This system is appealing due to its numerous benefits:
As with any type of alignment system, teenagers need guidance when managing the new responsibility of wearing and caring for Invisalign® trays. These tips can help new users achieve the most favorable outcome.
A dental professional should provide all of the necessary training and information before beginning an alignment treatment. However, parents should also be informed about the methods and recommended practices to help teenagers stay on track during the treatment process.
One of the most convenient advantages of Invisalign® for teens is the freedom to eat and drink as usual. However, it is important to remove the aligner trays before doing so. When consuming anything other than plain water, the trays should be removed, rinsed and stored. Immediately after eating, the patient should thoroughly brush teeth, rinse the trays and then replace them in the mouth. Failure to properly clean teeth could result in tooth decay, gum irritation and stains on tooth surfaces or trays.
Even though clear aligners are removable, they must still be used a majority of the time. For optimum results, trays should be worn for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day. The devices should only be removed for eating and cleaning and must even be worn during sleep. Failure to follow these instructions can extend the treatment timeline and produce less desirable results.
When parents choose Invisalign® for teens, optional compliance indicators can be added to each device. This system utilizes discreet blue markings, which are not visible during use. However, these markings will change and disappear over time with the proper use and wear. This allows the dentist to ensure the patient is meeting the minimum time requirements. In addition, the indicators can help determine if adjustments need to be made.
While eating, drinking or conducting basic oral hygiene, aligner trays should be properly stored to prevent loss or damage. Placing trays in a designated case helps protect against accidental malformation or breakage. Every evening, the clear aligners should be carefully rinsed and brushed to stay clean and odor-free. To keep the devices clear, soak with the Invisalign® cleaning system to remove cloudy buildup and stains.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign for Teens in Alexandria, VA.
Choosing Invisalign® for teens is an effective way of discreetly straightening teeth, often with less discomfort and a shorter treatment time. While the aligner trays are easy to remove and care for, it is still important for teens to follow the recommendations for use, cleaning and storage. This helps ensure optimum results when using this type of product.
Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
If you are thinking about Invisalign® for teens for your son or daughter, there is a lot to like. If your teen has crooked teeth, you need to find a good solution to give them a beautiful smile. Invisalign makes a lot of sense in many cases. As you compare these aligners with other options,…
A general dentist is often the first to inform parents that a teenage patient needs braces. As an orthodontic option, Invisalign® for teens can produce results in just a few months with minimal discomfort. This process can work to straighten teeth that are out of line, crooked, or twisted, and there may be no need…
Many families with adolescents in need of straighter smiles are opting for Invisalign® for teens over traditional braces. Braces use wires and frequent adjustments to straighten each tooth individually. Invisalign clear aligners straighten all the teeth at once and are swapped out for new ones about every two weeks during the process. These aligners are…
A cosmetic dentist can help improve all aspects of a smile's appearance, including alignment. They can offer a few treatments to straighten the teeth or make them appear straighter. If you are considering seeing a cosmetic dentist about your smile alignment, here is more about their services.Before discussing how a cosmetic dentist straightens teeth, it…
If your child has crooked or poorly aligned teeth, kids braces are one of the options that can be used to straighten his or her teeth. Continue reading to learn more about kids' braces.Dentists generally recommend children get orthodontic treatments once they reach the age of seven. That is when the final set of molars…