More than any generation before, teens today have an online presence, and it can be difficult for us technological dinosaurs to understand the importance of that. Most teens have multiple social media accounts, and of the more than a million selfies posted daily, a significant portion are uploaded by teens. With this kind of constant sharing, the social media spotlight can be intimidating if a smile is less than perfect.
Here at Craig & Streight, we encourage all our patients to embrace their unique appearance and inner beauty, but we also understand how beneficial a beautiful smile can be, both cosmetically and functionally. Invisalign Teen is one way to achieve that smile!
Invisalign Teen
The Invisalign Teen system provides a nearly invisible way to straighten teeth without the restrictions that can accompany metal braces. Rather than relying on the more traditional wires and brackets, Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners that teens wear over their teeth. These aligners are changed out every week for the next in the system. Gradually, the teeth shift into their new and improved positions, leaving behind a straight and confident smile teens are thrilled to share with the world!
Beyond the cosmetic, there are many other benefits to orthodontic treatment. A badly aligned bite can lead to a whole host of other problems such as headaches, jaw pain, grinding the teeth, gum disease, or general inflammation.
Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign Teen will result not only in a straighter, more aligned smile, but an optimized bite pattern as well. This makes the teeth more attractive, and also makes it easier for teens to clean them more efficiently.
Wondering what else makes Invisalign such a great choice for teens? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits it offers.
Works as well as traditional braces
Invisalign is most successful at treating mild to moderate cases of underbite, overbite, overcrowding and gaps between teeth. When teens are vigilant about wearing their aligners the recommended 20-22 hours a day, Invisalign Teen can be just as effective as traditional metal braces for many of the most common dental issues.
Offers flexibility
Traditional metal braces take some getting used to, and one of the steepest learning curves can be the food restrictions. Patients need to avoid anything sticky or crunchy, and unfortunately, a lot of socializing revolves around foods just like that. Invisalign aligners are removable, designed to be taken out at mealtimes, so teens are still able to eat just about anything they like as long as they maintain a thorough dental hygiene routine. Even with removable orthodontic appliances like Invisalign aligners, patients should be vigilant about brushing and flossing after eating. This prevents bacteria from being trapped against the teeth.
Boosts self-confidence
It can be easy for adults to underestimate the extent to which teens feel self-conscious about crooked teeth or other dental issues that affect their smile. Traditional metal braces are an excellent long-term solution for malocclusions, but have the potential to make insecurities even worse in the short-term. Because Invisalign Teen aligners are almost invisible, they remove what can be a very real source of stress, the idea of braces making a teen “stand out” for the duration of their treatment. They can also be removed for important occasions when a teen only wants their natural smile to shine through, such as homecoming, prom, and senior pictures.
Less time in the office
We live in a busy world, with families struggling to schedule downtime around work, school, sports, and other extracurricular activities. Compared to traditional braces, patients wearing Invisalign Teen generally tend to require less frequent visits for maintenance, since there aren’t any adjustments to make, or broken wires and brackets that need fixing. After the initial appointment, follow-up appointments will be scheduled for about every eight to twelve weeks.
Designed specifically with teens in mind
Although the treatment benefits and underlying technology of both Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the same, Invisalign Teen was developed with leading orthodontists in order to meet the unique needs of teenage patients. There are features specific to the Invisalign Teen system that address the clinical needs common to teens, such as:
Compliance indicators
Patient compliance is a critical component to success with Invisalign. If the aligners aren’t worn 20-22 hours per day as recommended, the treatment will not be effective. Compliance indicators fade from blue to clear, providing a visual approximation of wear that offers parents and orthodontists peace of mind.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
Life happens! Sometimes teen patients will lose or break an aligner, but there’s no need to worry. Invisalign Teen provides up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case.
Craig & Streight, an elite Invisalign provider
Invisalign Teen is designed for patients who have lost all baby teeth, and have second molars at least partially erupted. If you’re in the Norman, Mustang, or Oklahoma City areas, and have a teen who may benefit from this orthodontic treatment, get in touch with us today! Craig & Streight Orthodontics recognize that the best dental and orthodontic care begins with world-class communication, and we specialize in making our patients feel right at home. We’re here to help your teen find their very best smile!