For many years, traditional metal braces were the most common way to treat crooked teeth, gapped teeth, underbite, and overbite. However, in the late 1990s, Invisalign came onto the scene and revolutionized the world of orthodontics. Invisalign uses clear tray aligners made of special plastic and manufactured based on molds of your mouth. The plastic puts pressure on certain parts of your teeth, gradually shifting them into the appropriate position. Invisalign is not an appropriate treatment if your teen still has baby teeth.
In order to determine if Invisalign clear aligners are an appropriate treatment for your teen, you will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Layth Gahnim at Arlington Dental Excellence. He will examine your teen’s smile, take x-rays and impressions of their mouth, and evaluate their overall health. Invisalign will use the impressions to make the aligners to fit your teen’s mouth. Dr. Gahnim will build a custom treatment plan and will ensure that you and your teen get the best results.
While it’s true that Invisalign clear aligners are a solid piece of plastic, similar to a retainer, they are considered braces because they actively shift teeth into their appropriate position. Once treatment is complete, a retainer is used to hold the teeth in their new position.
You may be wondering if there is really a difference between Invisalign for teens and Invisalign for adults. The primary difference is that Invisalign for teens has a series of blue dots. If you’re concerned about whether your teen is wearing their aligners as prescribed, you can get aligners with blue dots. As the aligners are worn, the blue dots fade.
While this isn’t a perfect method, it does help. If you notice that the blue dots on a set of aligners they’ve had for a while are still bright, it’s an indication that they are not wearing them like they are supposed to. This can also help prevent switching to a new set of aligners before your teen is ready.
Invisalign and traditional braces are appropriate treatment options for fixing misaligned teeth, it’s important to ask the following questions to determine which one is best for your teen:
Of course, you should also consider what your teen’s dentist has to say about the most appropriate treatment option for your teen. If your teen requires extensive work, traditional braces may be the better option. In fact, research indicates that Invisalign is not the ideal treatment for complex malocclusions.
Since the aligners are removable, and there are no wires and brackets to maneuver around, it's easier for your teen to brush and floss. Typically, better oral hygiene equals fewer cavities.
Many times, when teens have traditional metal braces, their confidence suffers. Invisalign is less noticeable, so your teen may not feel like everyone is watching them. This benefits their mental and emotional health.
If you've ever had traditional braces or know someone who has, you know that they can cause sore spots where brackets and wires rub against the inside of lips and cheeks. This doesn't happen with Invisalign, since they are clear trays- there are no wires or brackets to worry about.
The wires and brackets with traditional metal braces can crack and break. Invisalign doesn't have the wires and brackets, so you don't have to worry about getting your teen in for an emergency appointment to fix something that is broken.
If Dr. Gahnim determines that your teen may benefit from traditional braces or Invisalign, it may come down to their preference. You will want to consider your teen’s mental health and whether they might feel better about Invisalign since it’s almost invisible or if they would be fine with metal braces. In addition, you’ll want to consider whether or not your teen can keep up with the aligners and wear them as directed.
Research indicates that adults are more likely to choose Invisalign than teens. One study noted that many young people prefer colored ties, which are plastic pieces that go on the brackets of metal braces. Don’t make the assumption that your teen would prefer Invisalign- ask them how they feel about it.
Our office is in-network with all major insurance providers. Please bring your insurance card to each appointment so we can make sure your information is as up-to-date as possible. If you do not find your insurance provider here; please call at (703) 420-3253 for clarity.
