With Invisalign® Teen, you can discretely get the smile of your dreams without being called a metal mouth. The teen years can be difficult enough, but with Invisalign® Teen, you can get the smile you deserve with a treatment that is comfortable, removable, and, best of all, virtually invisible.
When you’re a teen, the last thing you want is to go through your days sporting a mouth full of metal. But if orthodontic treatment is on the horizon for you, what are your options?
Luckily for you, today there are treatment options that won’t draw more attention to an issue you may not want to stand out. Invisalign Teen offers a comfortable way to get the smile of your dreams, but without your friends even knowing you’re in treatment.
What is Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign consists of a series of clear, comfortable and completely removable aligners that are each calibrated to achieve a certain tooth movement. You wear the aligners as directed by our orthodontists, and at the end of treatment, you have a gorgeous new grin to show off.
You may be wondering – did we REALLY say removable? That’s one of the biggest advantages of Invisalign – the aligners can be taken out to eat, drink, brush and floss. That means you don’t have to say no to your favorite foods during treatment, and brushing and flossing is a breeze.
How do I get Invisalign?
It all starts with a visit to Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics. At your appointment, we’ll use a scanner to get a 3D image of your smile. This helps us get a complete idea of what is happening in your mouth, and then we can create a customized treatment plan to address those issues. You’ll even be able to see an image of what your smile will look like once treatment is completed.
These images will also be used to create your aligners. Every set of aligners is custom created for the individual patient, so your treatment is designed just for you. You’ll receive your series of aligners and treatment will start.
What do I need to know about Invisalign before I get started?
The first thing to know and understand is that Invisalign does require a much higher degree of patient compliance. Unlike other more traditional orthodontic treatment options that are bonded directly to the teeth, Invisalign aligners are removable. That means it can be tempting to take them out for a big occasion, or forget to put them back after eating or drinking.
When it comes to eating and drinking, there are no limits – you simply remove the aligners and can still enjoy all of your favorite foods, including ones your friends in braces have to say no to. But, it is very important that you always take the aligners out when you eat or drink anything but plain water. Eating or drinking with aligners can damage or discolor them.
Invisalign can only work when the aligners are in your mouth, so it’s important to wear them as directed by your orthodontist. Invisalign Teen aligners come with special compliance indicators so we’ll know if you haven’t been wearing them as you should.
The good news is, Invisalign requires fewer follow-up appointments because we don’t have to adjust wires. And you can still get treatment that is as efficient and effective as with metal braces.
But we think you’ll agree the work you put into your Invisalign smile is worth it!
There are so many advantages Invisalign can offer over traditional treatment that make the work you put in well worth it:
- There are no brackets or wires to irritate the insides of your mouth.
- Smile big, even during treatment because the aligners are virtually invisible.
- Eat and drink without worrying what’s on the no list.
- Spend more time having fun and not sitting in our office.
- Discover the power of Invisalign by calling Hawaiian Smiles Orthodontics today!
FAQ
How is Invisalign® Teen different?
Invisalign Teen has a few differences when compared to adult treatment options. Primarily, there is an indicator on each aligner that changes colors to let the patient know if they’ve used their trays for as long as required. Second, teenage patients might receive additional replacement aligners to use in case they misplace theirs.
Can my child get Invisalign® Teen?
Most patients who require orthodontics can get Invisalign, meaning your teenager shouldn’t have any problems getting their clear aligner treatment started. However, you will still have to bring your teenager to our orthodontic office in Kenohe to ensure they don’t have an overly complex condition that makes them ineligible for treatment with Invisalign.
Are there diet restrictions with Invisalign® Teen?
Fortunately, most patients will discover they don’t have to avoid their favorite snacks and foods when wearing their Invisalign clear aligner trays. Patients can take off their aligners and eat any foods they prefer. Patients who wear Invisalign don’t have the same restrictions as those wearing traditional metal braces.
What are the rules with Invisalign?
The most important rule teenagers need to follow when wearing Invisalign is how long they have to use the trays every day. Please, all patients have to keep their trays on for 20 to 22 hours each day. Another crucial reminder is to keep your aligners clean using a soft-bristled toothbrush, liquid soap, and lukewarm water. Finally, patients have to keep in mind they should always carry around their aligners’ case so they don’t lose or misplace the trays when they take them off during mealtimes.
How does Invisalign® Teen work?
Invisalign uses the same principle as conventional metal braces in that moving teeth requires constant pressure in a specific direction over a long period. Aligners are custom-made and come with pre-programmed biomechanics that gradually push your teeth one tray at a time. Just remember to use the trays for as long as required to maintain treatment efficiency.
What happens if my teen loses an aligner?
This situation qualifies as an orthodontic emergency because it risks setting back your teenager’s progress. If your teenager carries on without using their aligners, their teeth might start sliding back into the wrong position. As we mentioned, your teenager may receive some spare aligner trays for situations such as these. In any case, please contact your teenager’s orthodontist to get instructions on what to do.
