Phoenix Pediatric Dentist

Invisalign for TeensPhoenix, AZ

When a teenager needs to straighten their teeth, Invisalign® for teens provides the straight smile they desire in a discreet way. As an effective tooth straightening option, Invisalign allows patients to have greater versatility than other teeth straightening options. Invisalign is a series of removable clear plastic aligners customized to the patient’s teeth to straighten them into the proper alignment. Invisalign for teens is available at Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Phoenix and the surrounding area. Instead of being limited to traditional metal braces, we provide Invisalign for teens as another possible solution to treat crooked teeth. Teenagers also may be more comfortable at the idea of wearing clear aligners instead of braces, as well. If you or a loved one are interested in Invisalign for teens, then call us at 602-595-3531 and schedule an appointment to learn more today.
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How Invisalign for Teens Works

Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign for teens uses clear plastic aligners that are totally transparent and incredibly difficult to notice. The aligners are also removable, meaning patients can take them off for cleaning or when eating. Thus, removing diet restrictions and complicated oral hygiene routines that accompany other teeth-straightening methods. Invisalign teen applies the mechanism of braces that shifts teeth gradually by placing a minor amount of pressure, and instead dividing the movement into several stages. Invisalign aligners have multiple sets, with a pair of aligners for the top and bottom teeth. The patient will wear each aligner for two weeks before replacing it. After the two weeks, patients will switch to the next pair of aligners to continue shifting the teeth until they reach the final, desired position. The duration of treatment depends on the number of aligners required, which is determined by the condition of the patient’s teeth. However, the average treatment duration for Invisalign teen is around six to 15 months.

Following the Treatment Plan

For Invisalign to work, patients must actively commit to wearing the aligner trays for at least 22 hours per day. Doing so helps to keep the teeth moving and achieve the desired results. To keep teens compliant, Invisalign incorporated a compliance indicator into the aligner. The indicator gradually fades from blue to clear as the teen wears the aligner, providing an approximate time of wear that allows patients and orthodontists to monitor usage. If the teen is not using the aligner as instructed, we can tell quickly enough to ensure compliance before it affects the treatment progress. By continuing to follow instructions and proper care techniques, the patient will not need to lengthen the timeline for their treatment.

Benefits of Invisalign for Teen

  • Virtually less conspicuous: Invisalign uses transparent aligner trays for teeth straightening to provide a beautiful, healthy dentition
  • Increased confidence: Patients can smile confidently in public, take great pictures, and interact without feeling self-conscious about their smile
  • Reduced risk of harm: Invisalign uses no metal, brackets, or wires. This considerably reduces the risk of harm or pain related to broken metal brackets and offers peace of mind
  • Fewer dental appointments: Invisalign for teens require fewer visits to the dental office. The only appointments will be to get new aligner trays for the next round of treatment
  • Flexibility: Teenagers wearing braces may not be able to play sports like hockey, football, soccer, or play brass instruments for fear of damaging the orthodontic device. With Invisalign, teenagers can continue to participate in these activities, by removing or leaving it in, based on their preference

How Invisalign Affects the Teenager’s Lifestyle

Typically, Invisalign does not interfere with a teenager’s lifestyle in any significant way, even for those with an active lifestyle. They only need to wear the aligners according to instructions. Teenagers can take the aligners off if they have an event and are worried about the presence of the trays on their teeth. When playing sports, the aligners can double as a mouthguard to protect the teeth. Since the aligners are removable, there are no dietary restrictions. It is advisable to avoid hard or sticky foods that may cause damages to the teeth. The patient must also be serious about brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene routines to prevent cavities or tooth decay.

Caring for Clear Aligners

Clean the aligners after removing them. Dry saliva and plaque are the perfect hosts for foul-smelling bacteria. The teenager needs to brush the aligners gently since vigorous brushing can scratch the plastic and leave visible marks on the aligners. Also, the teenager must avoid eating or drinking (except water) while wearing Invisalign trays. Certain foods and drinks can stain or discolor the trays. Patients must avoid cleaning the aligners with toothpaste as it may scratch the plastic and dull their appearance. Scratches can create tiny traps that may harbor bacteria.

Call Us Today

If you are considering Invisalign for teens, book an appointment with us at 602-595-3531. We will assist you with the process and provide all the information you need to decide if Invisalign is the right treatment for you.

Contact Us

Camelback Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is located at 4901 N 44th St #101 Phoenix, AZ 85018 (602) 595-3531