Invisalign Teen

Invisalign for teens.There's a new technology that's putting a smile on plenty of young faces: A system of clear, removable aligners made especially for teens called Invisalign Teen®! If you, or a teenager you know, are a candidate for this treatment, you might find it to be the best fit for your lifestyle: It lets you eat what you want, makes it easier to clean your teeth — and best of all, it's virtually invisible.

Are clear aligners right for you? It all depends on what kind of orthodontic treatment you need. Traditional metal braces still work best in some situations, and you might be surprised to find that they're still a popular option for many teenagers! But now that aligners are being designed specifically for teens, more teens are choosing them every day.

What is a clear aligner? Basically, it's a thin plastic covering or “tray” that fits over your top and/or bottom teeth. You'll wear a series of aligners that will gradually move your teeth into better positions. Here's how they work: Each aligner is custom-made with the help of a computer program that takes into account exactly where your teeth are now, and how they need to be moved. You'll wear each tray for two weeks or so, to shift your teeth slightly, and then you'll go on to the next, which is slightly different. Over time, all of the small movements will add up to a big change!

The Difference Between Invisalign & Traditional Braces

Your aligners are designed to be worn 22 hours a day, allowing you to take them off for meals or important social occasions.  Even when you're wearing them, it's pretty hard for anyone else to tell they are there — a big difference from metal braces! Plus, they offer other advantages that aren't so easy to see.

One benefit of aligners over traditional braces is that they make it easier to keep your teeth clean. Because they're removable, there's nothing to keep you from brushing and flossing everywhere in your mouth, just as you would without appliances. But brushing and flossing can be challenging with braces and wires.

In addition, metal parts of braces may cause irritation to the cheeks and gums for some patients.  Fortunately, the plastic of an aligner rarely causes issues. Also, you won't have to rush into the office for emergency visits to fix a protruding wire or reattach a broken bracket. You won't have to watch what you eat, either, because you'll simply remove the aligner at mealtimes.

How Invisalign Teen Is Different From Invisalign For Adults

Invisalign teen aligner.Clear aligners for adults have been available for over a decade, but until recently they weren't recommended for teens in most cases. Why not? Mainly, for two reasons: It was thought that teens wouldn't always wear them for the recommended 22 hours per day; also, since many teens have some permanent teeth still erupting (emerging from below the gums), the precisely planned movement of the teeth might be disturbed.

Luckily, technology has come to the rescue. The first problem is addressed by “compliance indicators” located on the aligners themselves. These colored dots fade over time as the aligners are worn in the mouth, showing whether or not you've followed the plan. To solve the second problem, aligners made especially for teens come with “eruption tabs” built in; they are designed to hold space for teeth that have not yet fully erupted. Today, more people than ever — both adults and teens — are finding that clear aligners suit their needs best.

Schedule A Consultation To See If Invisalign Teen Is Right For You


Dr. Maryam Mojdehi-Barnes DDS, MS, PA has been providing high-quality orthodontic care to her patients for the past 20 years. Allen Orthodontist provides a wide variety of services from traditional braces to Invisalign and is here to help you decide which treatment plan works best for you. If you believe that you or your teenage child may be the perfect fit for Invisalign Teen, contact us or schedule a complimentary consultation today! We look forward to hearing from you and transforming your smile for the better. 

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Clear Aligners for Teens - Dear Doctor Magazine

Clear Aligners for Teenagers Teens who regard traditional braces as restrictive, confining, and obstructive to their lifestyles now have another choice for orthodontic treatment: clear aligners. This advanced dental technology, originally geared toward adults, has recently evolved to treat a greater variety of bite problems in younger people. These improved orthodontic appliances can help teens function normally during a difficult phase of life... Read Article