What Invisalign Teen is
Invisalign Teen is a series of clear plastic trays made to fit your child's teeth. Like braces, they gently move the teeth into better positions. Unlike braces, the trays come out, which makes brushing and flossing easier. Teens who play sports or a musical instrument often like them, since there is no metal in the mouth to cause injury.
The trays are nearly clear, so in most cases only your child can tell they are wearing them. They need a safe place to go when removed, as lost or thrown-away trays are a common problem. If a tray goes missing, we can arrange a replacement.
What it can treat
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
It works best for mild to moderate cases. It may not be the best choice for more severe problems, such as missing teeth or major bite issues.
Is your child ready?
Treatment takes personal responsibility. Teens wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, take them out to eat and drink, and put them back in afterward. A blue indicator dot on each aligner fades to clear as it is worn, which shows whether it has been worn long enough. Think honestly about whether your child will stick to the routine.
There is no strict minimum age, but your child should have most of their adult teeth and be mature enough to care for the aligners. It is never too late to start orthodontic treatment, and no single age is the best one. Ask us for a recommendation for your child. You can also read 7 things parents need to know about Invisalign Teen.
Comfort and visits
Braces can cause mouth sores and soreness after adjustments. Invisalign Teen is gentler. Your child will feel some pressure with each new set of aligners, but it should not be painful. Check-ins are also less frequent than with braces, about every four to six weeks.
Not sure if your child is a candidate? Call us at (781) 289-3331 and we will take a look.
Common questions
How often will my child need appointments?
About every four to six weeks, so we can check that treatment is on track. That is less often than with traditional braces.
Will the aligners affect my child's speech?
There may be a slight lisp at first while the mouth adjusts. It usually fades quickly.
What if my child forgets to wear the aligners?
If it was only a short time, the aligners should still fit. After a longer break, call us so we can see how to get back on track.
What if my child loses an aligner?
Call us as soon as you can. Depending on the stage of treatment, your child may go back to the previous aligner or move on to the next set.
How should my child clean the aligners?
Every day, with a soft-bristled toothbrush and lukewarm water, or with the Invisalign cleaning system. Soaking them also helps remove bacteria.