Sporting metal braces for a couple of years isn’t exactly a teenager’s dream. But then again, neither is crooked teeth or a misaligned bite! While the stigma associated with braces is mostly dead and buried, many teenagers still feel self-conscious about straightening their teeth using this technique. For many orthodontic conditions, traditional metal braces is still the most effective way of straightening a patients’ teeth, however there is new technology available that is more discreet and more comfortable than the traditional brackets and archwires method.
If you’ve noticed that your teenager needs orthodontic treatment but they refuse to have braces, you’re probably one of many parents throughout the country who have dealt with the same problem. The good news is, there are other orthodontic treatments available that are just as effective and are comparative in costs to traditional metal braces. To ease the burden of parenting a determined teenager, today we’ll be offering you an orthodontic alternative to braces which is far more attractive and easier to manage.
Introducing Invisalign Teen®
Invisalign Teen is a new orthodontic treatment which uses a series of clear, plastic aligners instead of metal braces. Similar to a super thin mouthguard, Invisalign Teen aligners are almost invisible to other people so they can undertake orthodontic treatment without anyone noticing. Your teen simply wears the aligners over their teeth and substitutes for a new set of aligners every week or two. Slowly and gradually, your teen’s teeth will shift into the desired position achieving a healthy and confident smile.
Some patients who have braces find it difficult to maintain good oral health because it’s difficult to thoroughly clean their mouth with brackets stuck to their teeth. As a result, some patients develop cavities and experience tooth demineralisation which occurs when unremoved plaque sucks the mineral out of the tooth’s enamel.
An enormous advantage with Invisalign Teen is that the clear aligners can easily be removed when eating and cleaning their mouth, meaning they have no difficulties maintaining good oral health. Additionally, Invisalign Teen patients don’t have the same food restrictions as patients who are wearing braces. Bring on the popcorn and candy at movie night!
How often does my teen need to wear the aligners?
Your teen will need to wear Invisalign aligners for roughly 20 to 22 hours each day, which gives them enough time for eating and cleaning their teeth. If you’re worried your teen won’t wear their aligners for the recommended timeframe each day, each Invisalign Teen aligners have a blue dot indicator which fades when the aligners are worn as recommended. Consequently, most teenagers follow their orthodontists’ instructions and wear their aligners for the recommended time period each day.
Is Invisalign Teen as effective as traditional metal braces?
If your teen wears their aligners for the recommended timeframe each day, Invisalign has proven to be just as effective as traditional metal braces for most teeth straightening issues. Invisalign is ideal for treating mild to severe orthodontic conditions such as crooked teeth, crowding, overbite, underbite, and gaps between teeth. In fact, most teenage patients are suitable candidates for Invisalign Teen, but to find out for sure, get in touch with your family orthodontist who will assess your teen’s needs.
How much does Invisalign Teen cost?
Invisalign typically costs roughly the same as traditional metal braces, however keep in mind that the cost of treatment is heavily dependent on the complexity of the orthodontic condition. If you have health insurance with orthodontic cover, you will be entitled to a rebate. Most orthodontic clinics offer flexible and affordable monthly plans the same as they do with traditional metal braces, all you need to do is ask!
While it’s understandable that some teenagers don’t want to be burdened with braces to achieve a confident and healthy smile, Invisalign Teen is an excellent alternative that is more attractive, comfortable, discreet, and easier to manage. With a myriad of advantages over traditional metal braces and being just as effective at straightening teeth, why not enquire today? Give the friendly staff at Clear Smiles Orthodontics a call on 07 5593 3733 for a free initial consultation.