I remember what being a teenager was like; and worrying about my smile or crooked teeth would have been just one more hardship to cope with. Unfortunately, many teens face self-esteem issues that are connected to their appearance and deal with comparison and immaturity that is tough to overcome. As much as we try to cheer them on, it’s hard not to feel inadequate in this ‘perfect’ appearance-driven culture. But when it comes to your smile, there is hope with Invisalign. If your teen is a good candidate for the procedure, they can and will smile confidently like millions of other patients!
Invisalign is used not just for aesthetics, these smooth, plastic aligners shift your teeth into the correct position which is important for their overall oral health. It treats a wide array of oral health concerns and may be a great solution for you!
Is Your Teen A Good Candidate?
Invisalign might be for you if you have any of the following:
- Gapped teeth: you have a space between two teeth
- Overbite: your upper jaw overlaps your lower jaw
- Underbite: your lower jaw overlaps your lower jaw
- Crossbite: you have a lateral misalignment of teeth within the dental arches
- Open bite: front upper and lower teeth slant outward and they do not touch when the mouth is closed
- Crowded teeth: you don’t have enough room in your mouth for your teeth to fit properly.
- Rotated teeth: your tooth or teeth have rotated which can be caused by overcrowding or an injury
Treatment Overview
If you and your dentist decide that Invisalign is a good fit for your teen, the treatment process will consist of return visits properly care and monitor your progress. Patients must wear aligners for approximately 20 to 22 hours per day and change their trays about every two weeks. Every 4 to 6 weeks, your teen will return to the office for new trays and to check your improvement.
It is fairly easy to maintain excellent oral health with the ease of the removable Invisalign trays. You will simply pop out the trays to brush, floss, and eat your favorite foods. This benefit provides independence and convenience for your teen that is so important.
If you think that Invisalign will benefit your teen and keep their smile healthy and beautiful, contact your dentist for a consultation today!
