Invisalign For Teens: A Parent's Guide To Invisible Braces
By:
The Woodlands Dental Group
| Published 04/15/2024
At The Woodlands Dental Group, we want all of our patients to be able to make informed decisions when it comes to their smiles. Parents want to make the best choice for their teen’s orthodontic treatment and sometimes, this decision can feel overwhelming. Luckily, your orthodontist in The Woodlands is here to break down the ins and outs of invisible braces.
The Invisalign Difference
Invisalign is a modern solution to your teen’s misaligned teeth. These clear aligners are created using a 3D image of the patient’s mouth. Via a succession of trays, teeth are gently shifted into place until they reach the desired position. Each aligner is worn for 1-2 weeks and moves the teeth by less than a millimeter, so the process is comfortable, convenient, and increasingly popular with both teens and adults.
Your teen probably isn’t jumping with joy over the prospect of having to wear traditional metal braces that are affixed to their teeth. It’s natural for teenagers to be worried about social status and how to manage all of the emotional hurdles of high school. If metal braces would create feelings of self-consciousness, Invisalign might just be the way to go.
Considerations When Choosing Invisalign
It’s likely that when researching Invisalign, you’ve seen the treatment compared and contrasted with traditional braces. Each corrective method has its pros and cons.
Invisalign treatment is generally more expensive than traditional braces for teens, which can be a deciding factor for families. Aside from the expense, clear aligners also require a teen to be disciplined in following their regimen for the treatment to be most effective.
Best practices recommend that Invisalign aligners be worn 22 hours a day, only being removed to eat and drink. On the flip side, this can be a welcome change from traditional braces that are affixed to the teeth 24/7. With Invisalign, your teen will have greater flexibility in their dietary habits and won’t need to necessarily avoid sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods.
While Invisalign has been proven effective at aligning crooked teeth and eliminating gaps, traditional braces are still used in more severe orthodontic cases. Your orthodontist in The Woodlands can help guide you towards making the best choice.
Seeking Orthodontics Treatment in The Woodlands?
Whether you’re already a patient of The Woodlands Dental Group or you’re searching for a new provider in The Woodlands, TX — we’re here to help. As The Woodland’s top-rated orthodontist, our team of professional, experienced, and friendly staff is excited to help you learn about Invisalign and how this modern solution can help keep your teen’s confidence high while providing a transparent solution for straighter teeth.
