7 Things Parents Need to Know About Invisalign Teen, Glendale AZ
Many teenagers are eager to find a discreet way to fix their crooked or misaligned teeth. If your teen is reluctant to try traditional braces, Invisalign® may be an option. Invisalign's clear, removable aligners gently shift teeth into the correct position.
Invisalign for teens is available at Singh Smile Care - Dentist Glendale, AZ in Glendale AZ and the surrounding area. Our team offers orthodontic treatment for many common dental concerns. Invisalign is suitable for most adolescents. Call us today at (623) 400-6009 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Invisalign Offers Discreet, Flexible Orthodontic Care
During adolescence, many teens are self-conscious. If a dentist recommends orthodontic care, teens typically balk at getting braces. Teenage patients tend to worry that braces will spoil their appearance.
Invisalign offers a discreet way to correct misaligned teeth. The clear removable aligners are difficult to spot once they are in place. Friends and family often have no idea that a teen is undergoing Invisalign treatment. Teens can also remove their aligners for photos and special occasions.
Invisalign offers a discreet way to correct misaligned teeth.
Invisalign Treatments Usually Take Less Than Two Years
Invisalign corrects most orthodontic problems within 12-18 months. Many patients notice significant improvement within the first six months of treatment. However, treatment plans can vary. Severe dental issues may take longer to resolve.
Consistent use of the aligners is essential. Patients should keep their aligners in place at least 22 hours per day. Aligners can be removed during meals, oral hygiene, and special events. For optimal results, patients must wear their aligners as often as possible.
Invisalign corrects most orthodontic problems within 12-18 months.
Time-Saving Benefits
Orthodontic care can involve a significant time commitment. Traditional braces often require monthly or bi-monthly appointments with an orthodontist. These appointments can be lengthy. The provider must tighten wires, replace elastics, and take measurements.
Invisalign requires less time in the dentist's chair. Without the upkeep required by wires and elastics, appointments are less frequent. Many providers schedule Invisalign appointments six weeks apart and offer aligners several weeks in advance. Patients can change their aligners at home without setting foot in the dentist's office.
Many providers schedule Invisalign appointments six weeks apart and offer aligners several weeks in advance.
Invisalign Is Fully Removable
Invisalign is designed to be removable. Many teens are delighted to learn they can take out their aligners for school formals, sports, and pictures.
School Formals
Clunky braces or orthodontic appliances can be embarrassing during school events. With Invisalign, teens can remove their clear aligners for a few hours. Keep in mind that the aligners are discreet. Some patients discover that they do not mind wearing their aligners to special events.
Sports
Metal braces can cause mouth lacerations. If your teen gets hit while playing sports, they might experience bleeding or oral teas. Their braces may become damaged, too. Playing sports while wearing braces can be risky and may lead to complex repairs. With Invisalign, your child can remove their aligners before physical activities. Taking out the aligners helps prevent injury and damage to orthodontic appliances.
Pictures
Many teens prize the ability to remove their aligners while in front of a camera. With traditional braces, teens may feel too embarrassed to smile for pictures. With removable clear aligners, teens have the confidence to enjoy photos and videos.
While the aligners are removable, frequent use helps speed up treatment and ensures results. The more often your teen wears their aligners, the better. Patients should aim to wear their aligners 20-22 hours per day. Most dental providers recommend removing aligners only for meals, oral hygiene, and occasional special events.
With removable clear aligners, teens have the confidence to enjoy photos and videos.
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
Q. How long does Invisalign take?
Q. How often do I have to see a dental provider during my Invisalign treatment?
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Invisalign Requires Some Care and Upkeep
Proper dental hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment. The aligners can sometimes trap food particles against teeth and gums. Your teen will need to take extra care with their oral hygiene.
Helping Your Teen Care for Their Aligners
Patients should thoroughly brush their aligners at least once a day. Our dental team can recommend specialized products to keep the trays fresh and clean. Check with the office before trying out a new product. Some oral hygiene products may damage the aligners.
Your teen should avoid eating while the trays are in place. It's fine to sip water throughout the day, but teens should remove their aligners before drinking anything else. Hot beverages like coffee can warp or stain the aligners.
Make sure your teen keeps their aligners safely stored. Some patients set their aligners on a plate or napkin while eating. This habit often leads to lost or damaged aligners. If the aligners aren't in your teen's mouth, they should be placed in a plastic case. Avoid exposing the aligners to extreme heat or cold, and keep the aligners secure in a purse, backpack, or bathroom cupboard.
The Benefits of Proper Upkeep
Invisalign can produce a brighter smile, but sloppy oral hygiene or careless habits can undermine treatment results. Keeping up with treatment recommendations pays off. Teens who follow up with their provider's recommendations enjoy straighter teeth and improved oral health. If your teen doesn't take care of their aligners or wear them daily, they may not see results.
Invisalign requires a high level of responsibility, and some teens may not be good candidates for this treatment. If your child struggles to keep up with daily chores and tasks, they might do better with traditional braces. Parents should consider whether their child is mature and responsible enough to be in charge of their own orthodontic care.
Proper dental hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Invisalign® Terminology
Aligner Trays
With Invisalign® treatment, the patient will receive a series of aligner trays and swap out each one for the next one in the series every two weeks in order to gradually straighten the teeth.
Blue Compliance Indicator (Invisalign® Teen)
The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process.
ClinCheck® Software
ClinCheck® software allows professionals to map out the straightening process the patient’s teeth will go through with Invisalign® in great detail.
Gum Line
The gum line is the line in the mouth where the teeth and gums meet. If a patient struggles with gum recession, then the gum tissue around the teeth may begin to wear away.
Incisal Ridges
Incisal ridges are the portion of the crown of the tooth that makes up the incisal portion and can be a direct cause of overbite if they are extended too far.
iTero Element® Scanner
An iTero Element® scanner allows professionals to create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth in minutes and predict what it will take to move the teeth into proper alignment.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®.
Overbite
An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues.
Polyurethane Resin
Polyurethane Resin is a USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight compound that makes up the Invisalign® aligners.
SmartForce Attachments
SmartForce attachments are small attachments that professionals place on the patient’s teeth before placing aligners to help move the teeth.
Smart Track® Material
Smart Track® material is in Invisalign® aligners to increase comfort, improve control of movement, increases the speed of treatment and applies a gentle force to the teeth over time.
Smile-Scan
Smile-Scan analyzes the way a patient smiles by measuring the position of the mouth and eyes before giving a score.
Vivera® Retainers
Vivera® retainers are a type of retainer that consists of clear plastic material and helps to maintain orthodontic corrections after a treatment.
Call Us Today
Dental services can vary, and each practice has its own approach to technology and patient care. Every general dentist can offer routine checkups and cleanings. If you need specialized care, look for a practice that offers specialized services and advanced techniques. If you are searching for a new dental provider, let Singh Smile Care - Dentist Glendale, AZ in Glendale AZ deliver the care you need. Call us at (623) 400-6009 to learn more about our services and policies.
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