Being a teenager is hard. We have all been there. Many teens struggle with their appearance or self-esteem. And we know numerous things might impair your self-esteem, but most of them will fade away with time. For example, a terrible haircut will grow out. Acne will fade away. Adding a mouthful of metal braces to the mix isn’t going to help matters. Fortunately, braces are no longer the most popular or feasible treatment option for your teen’s poor bite or misaligned teeth. Invisalign for teens is a straightforward way to straighten your teeth discreetly while enhancing self-esteem. At Elim Dental, we want our teen patients to look forward to beginning their journey toward straighter teeth rather than dreading it. Thankfully, Invisalign for Teens can help them do just that!
What is Invisalign for Teens?
Dr. Oh can use Invisalign treatment to fix a range of dental issues in your teen’s smile, such as gaps between teeth, overbites, and underbites. We will provide your teen Invisalign with clear aligners every two weeks during their treatment. Every set of aligners is custom-made, utilizing innovative 3D technology to fit your child’s teeth perfectly. Over time, these custom-fit trays will gently shift your teen’s teeth into proper alignment, based on their predetermined treatment plan. Each set of Invisalign aligners is slightly straighter than the one before it.
What are the Benefits of Invisalign?
They are Removable!
Unlike braces, your teen can remove Invisalign aligners to brush and floss your teeth. Removing them makes it easy for your teen to maintain a proper oral hygiene regimen. However, because Invisalign aligners must be worn for up to 23 hours every day to be successful, it’s critical to replace them as soon as possible after brushing and flossing.
They are More Comfortable!
Because Invisalign aligners move more slowly and gently than braces, any pain or discomfort experienced will be less severe than with braces. Braces provide minor discomfort that is usually short-lived, while Invisalign causes even more minor discomfort. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the sharp metal brackets cutting the insides of your mouth and tongue.
They are Clear!
Most people won’t notice your child is using aligners because they’re made of a translucent material and contoured to fit their mouth. Throughout treatment, our patients report that they feel comfortable flashing their smiles. Even though modern metal braces are streamlined, some patients are self-conscious about having brackets and wires on their teeth. That is why teenagers prefer the invisible option.
They Have no Food Restrictions!
Braces trap food, incredibly chewy, sticky, or hard foods. Foods like popcorn, taffy, licorice, caramel, hard candy, and pizza crust can harm the brackets and wires. Your teenager must avoid those foods until their braces are off. Invisalign aligners are removable, and you can take them out to eat and drink. As a result, your teen is free to eat whatever they want throughout their treatment, including their favorite foods.
The Blue Dot System
You might be asking yourself, “How will I know if my teen is wearing the aligners if they can remove them?” This is a great question. The aligners must be worn for at least 22-23 hours to work. Teenagers aren’t often known for being responsible, and many parents worry that they will lose their orthodontic investment due to a lack of structure and routine. Your teen must have the self-control to wear the aligners most of the time, knowing that they are just hurting themselves if they don’t.
But that is the genius of the blue dot! Invisalign Teen is customized with a blue dot system located at the back of the aligners. As your teen wears the aligners, the blue dot will fade. When your teen comes in for their appointment, Dr. Oh will check the blue dot. If it is still undoubtedly visible, he will recommend your teen to continue to wear them. Your teen will not receive the next set until that blue dot is gone. The blue dot system is also a different way to see if your teen is wearing the aligners.
There’s no excuse for your teen to suffer any longer from a smile that’s undermining their self-esteem. Allow the experts at Elim Dental to build a customized Invisalign treatment plan for them to show off their best smile to the world. Schedule an appointment for Invisalign for Teens in Mount Kisco.