The Invisalign® clear braces system is a non-invasive and discreet way to straighten teeth. It's especially popular with adults who want to straighten their smile while still maintaining a professional appearance. But is Invisalign suitable for teens? If your teen has alignment issues and wants to wear Invisalign, this can be a good solution, but there are some important points to be aware of.
Invisalign® isn't Suitable for Everyone
The first thing to know about Invisalign is that it’s not suitable for treating all alignment issues. Invisalign is most effective for the treatment of mild to moderate alignment issues, but can’t correct severe alignment problems. Another aspect is that Invisalign is less effective at treating vertical misalignment, where a tooth is situated above or below the normal gum line. And finally, while Invisalign can treat some mild to moderate bite issues, it’s not effective for the treatment of all such problems.
Whether or not your teen is a good candidate depends on what alignment complications they have. To find out for sure, a dental visit is needed so your dentist can examine your teen’s teeth and decide if Invisalign is an ideal treatment option.
Wearing Invisalign® Requires Commitment
One of the hardest things about wearing Invisalign isn't that the aligners are painful or difficult to wear—they're not! Invisalign clear aligners are comfortable to wear and don't cause any pain. There is some unavoidable discomfort due to the movement of teeth, but most people adjust quickly to wearing the aligners.
The fact is since the aligners are removable, it does take some discipline to make sure they're worn for the required 22 to 23 hours a day. This can be difficult for teens to manage and is the main reason why Invisalign may not be suitable for all teens.
Invisalign® for Teens
Invisalign has developed a unique aligner system for teens, to account for the fact that the last few adult teeth often don’t fully erupt until the mid to late teenage years. Invisalign for Teens is designed to straighten your teen’s teeth while allowing space for these last few teeth to erupt fully. This allows teens to get the most benefit from Invisalign, even if those last teeth are late to arrive.
Compassionate and experienced dentist, Dr. Alan B. Coleman is proud to offer an alternative to traditional orthodontic care with Invisalign® clear braces. For more information on candidacy, or if these aligners are right for you, contact our Beaumont dental practice today!