Here at Henneberry Orthodontics, we want our teen patients to start their journey towards straighter teeth with excitement, not dread. Invisalign Teen helps us achieve just that, by providing us with a nearly invisible way to straighten teeth without the restrictions that often accompany the more traditional metal braces. Instead of bulky brackets and wires, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear aligners to gradually move teeth into their new positions, leaving behind nothing but a straighter, more confident smile.
The invisibility factor is obviously a draw for anybody wanting a less obvious orthodontic treatment option. But what other benefits does Invisalign offer to you as a teen?
Convenience
Traditional braces are composed of brackets and wires which can sometimes break, resulting in emergency appointments. They also require regular adjustment appointments. Invisalign often requires fewer appointments since you receive your aligners in advance, and each check up will typically involve less “chair time”, which makes Invisalign perfect for busy parents, teens, and schedules! On average, Invisalign patients are seen once every eight weeks or so for about 9-15 months.
Flexibility
The food restrictions that come with metal braces can throw a real curveball, with everything sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy off the menu. Invisalign aligners are designed to be removed at mealtimes, so you’ll still be able to eat all your favorites, as long as you always brush and floss afterwards so nothing is trapped against your teeth.
Invisalign is also an ideal choice for teens who are active in sports or play a musical instrument. For our more athletically inclined patients, the aligner can be removed before practice or a big game and replaced with a regular mouthguard. The musicians among us are also able to remove the aligner before band practice or a concert for uninterrupted music making!
Confidence booster
It’s really easy to underestimate the extent to which teens can feel self-conscious about crooked teeth or other dental issues. While traditional braces are excellent as a long-term solution, they can sometimes make insecurities worse in the short-term. Even though they’re less obvious and more comfortable than they used to be, they still take a bit of getting used to! Because Invisalign Teen aligners are practically invisible, no one even needs to know you’re wearing them. This removes a very real source of stress from your life, making it easier for you to focus on more important things.
If you’re a teen interested in Invisalign, but aren’t sure how to ask your parents for this alternative to traditional braces? Invisalign has provided a “cheat sheet” to help you talk to your parents about how Invisalign works. You can also check out #InvisalignTeen on social media to see other teens just like you showing off their Invisalign smiles!
Still not sold on Invisalign for teens? Please visit the teen section of our Invisalign FAQ page or schedule a free consult to ask us in person about your individual case. In the video below, you can also get an idea of how Invisalign works within a teen’s daily life.
