Dr. Anna Berik, Boston’s Top Cosmetic Dentist, explains 10 things you should know about Invisalign Teen when deciding on orthodontic treatment for your child.
Invisalign Teen is a virtually undetectable form of orthodontia that forgoes that traditional metal brackets and wires in favor of clear trays custom-fitted for your teeth. The trays go over your teen’s teeth for two weeks before getting switched out for the next one. As time goes by, your teen’s teeth shift along with their aligners until they have a perfect smile. When worn consistently, Invisalign can be just as effective as traditional braces in terms of straightening teeth and curing cases involving overcrowding, teeth gaps and underbites.
Invisalign has some notable advantages over traditional braces. Removable aligners make it easier to maintain proper dental hygiene because there aren’t wires preventing correct flossing and brackets to brush around. There are no dietary restrictions because the worry about getting food caught is minimized, since the aligners can be removed before eating. They can also be removed for sports practice, allowing your child to participate without worrying about damaging their braces during contact. Invisalign can also improve your child’s confidence because no one will need to know that they are straightening their crooked teeth.
Most teenagers with erupted permanent teeth are eligible for Invisalign Teen. The timeframe for treatment can vary. Most cases can take the same time as metal braces, but the final length is determined by the severity of your teen’s condition. When worn correctly (between 20 to 22 hours a day), Invisalign can work in under a year. Invisalign Teen costs the same as traditional metal orthodontia. If an aligner is lost or broken, your teen can get up to six replacements over the course of their treatment for free. Inform the office as soon as possible if a replacement aligner needs to be ordered. Office checkups are shorter because there aren’t adjustments to be made, and follow-ups occur every four to six weeks.
If you and your teen decide that Invisalign is the right road to a better smile, Dr. Berik and her team at Newton Dental Associates is here to help. Contact Newton Dental Associates at (617) 965-0600 to find out more about the clear alternative to braces and to schedule a consultation.
