Truths and Myths About Invisalign for Teens

Invisalign® for teens can offer adolescents a more comfortable and more discreet option for straightening their teeth. For years, braces were one of the only options for effectively treating a crooked smile. Even though Invisalign® has been providing an alternative for decades, some people may not be familiar with who it is for and how it works.

Common myths about Invisalign® treatment

Understanding the facts about using clear aligner trays can help patients determine which approach is right for their unique needs. Talk with a dentist about any questions you have so you can develop a proper treatment plan.

Myth: Only adults can use Invisalign®

Originally, when Invisalign® was first developed, it was only offered to adults who wanted straighter teeth without braces. However, advances in technology, products, and design have allowed this company to expand its patient range, including options for teenagers and even children with alignment issues. In fact, Invisalign® for teens has continued to increase in popularity over the past few years.

Myth: Invisalign® treatment is faster than using regular braces

How long your treatment lasts depends on a variety of factors:

  • Age
  • Overall oral health
  • The extent of alignment issues
  • Compliance with wearing the trays
  • Ability to maintain regular appointments

In some cases, Invisalign® treatment may be faster than wearing braces. In others, it will take roughly the same amount of time. Patients who do not wear the trays for long enough periods may find their treatment takes longer than it would with braces. Only a dentist can give you an accurate time window for the expected duration.

While the overall time may not differ much, many patients find that when choosing Invisalign® for teens, they notice visible results much faster. This can be a confidence booster for many people and helps encourage continued proper use and care.

Myth: Invisalign® for teens is only effective for minor tooth alignment issues

While clear aligner trays can effectively address minor gaps or slightly crooked teeth, they can also treat more serious issues, including overbites and underbites, crossbites, larger gaps, and even open bites. However, you need to have a professional evaluation with a dentist to determine whether Invisalign® for teens can improve your unique smile. Some more serious cases may require braces or at least some type of dental work before treatment.

Myth: Invisalign® trays only have to be worn at night

Although clear aligner trays are completely removable, they should still be worn most of the time. Dentists recommend wearing them for a minimum of 22 hours every single day with no exceptions. For most people, this leaves just enough time to remove them for eating and toothbrushing and not much else. Retainers, which will be issued after treatment is complete, may need to be worn for longer periods at first, but they can eventually be worn only at night.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign for Teens in Alexandria, VA

Conclusion

If you have assumptions about whether or not Invisalign® for teens can work for you or your child, talk with your dentist today. You may be surprised to find that it is a good option for straightening your smile.

Request an appointment or call Alexandria Old Town Dental at 703-763-1078 for an appointment in our Alexandria office.

Related Posts

3 Benefits Of Invisalign® For Teens

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,…

What Type Of Dentist Offers Invisalign For Teens?

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…

Invisalign For Teens: What Foods To Avoid

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…

Alexandria Old Town Dental

Share
Published by
Alexandria Old Town Dental

Recent Posts

The Long-Term Benefits of Seeing a Family Dentist

Establishing a relationship with a family dentist offers numerous long-term benefits for maintaining oral health.

19 hours ago

Got a Missing Tooth? Dental Restoration Can Help

The purpose of dental restorations is to replace permanent teeth that are lost. This can…

4 days ago

Dental Restorations: Choosing Between Fillings and Crowns

Dental restorations are for patients with missing, weakened, fractured, or decayed teeth. A restoration replaces…

6 days ago

How Dental Restorations Can Restore Your Oral Health

Dental restorations can improve overall health by decreasing the chances of infection, decay, and issues…

2 weeks ago

3 Tips For Choosing the Right Dental Restoration For You

Modern dentistry provides many options for treating decayed or missing teeth. Although dental restorations can…

2 weeks ago

Restore Your Jaw with Dental Restorations

If you have ever gotten a filling or watched someone put in their dentures, you…

3 weeks ago