Invisalign® designs and markets a different treatment option for teens which the company calls Invisalign® Teen. The primary difference between the two products is that Invisalign® Teen has a set of blue indicator dots. When your teen wears the aligners, the dots fade. If the dots on your teen's aligners are not fading, that may indicate that your teen is not wearing them long enough to be effective. The dots also help your dentist judge when it is time to switch your teen to a new set of aligners.
The clear plastic aligners used in this treatment work by applying pressure to the teeth to shift them into the desired position, similarly to traditional braces. Some teens prefer this treatment because of its advantages, but the treatment also has some drawbacks.
Because traditional braces remain in place all the time, it can be difficult to thoroughly brush and floss the teeth which can sometimes contribute to tooth decay. Clear aligners are easy to remove which allows the patient to brush and floss the same way they did before they began the treatment.
The wires and brackets of traditional braces can rub against the inside of the cheeks and lips causing sore spots. Invisalign® does not cause this type of irritation.
While teens may not be bothered by the appearance of braces as much as some adults, many teens still feel self-conscious about their braces. Clear aligners are less noticeable which may reduce your teen's anxiety about wearing them.
The wires and brackets of traditional braces can break or crack. When this happens, you may have to schedule an emergency appointment for repairs, which can be expensive and inconvenient. There are no brackets or wires to break with Invisalign® treatments.
Traditional braces force compliance because your teen can not remove them. Because clear aligners can be removed, there is a risk that your teen will not wear the treatment for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. If your teen does not wear the aligners enough, the treatment may not work.
Some insurance policies may not cover the cost of Invisalign® treatments. You may want to check with your insurance company before choosing a treatment option.
The ability to remove the aligners creates the possibility of losing them. If your teen is likely to remove the aligners and then forget them someplace, you may want to consider other treatment options.
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Invisalign® treatments for teens have both benefits and drawbacks. You may want to talk to your teen about the potential pitfalls before deciding which treatment option to select.
Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.
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