Invisalign invisible orthodontics has become one of the most popular braces for adults who want to correct their smile using a discreet system.
Although it is mainly in demand among older patients, it has become increasingly popular among teenagers.
Traditionally, as with children, this type of young patient only wore orthodontics based on metal or sapphire brackets.
However, the demand to fix teeth without sacrificing esthetics has become a reality among teenagers as well.
Thus, they demand from their parents orthodontic treatment without brackets or wires, which does not cause pain and, above all, does not inhibit them in their daily lives by interfering with their image.
Aware of this trend, the Invisalign brand developed the Invisalign Teen version a few years ago, which offers the classic advantages of the adult modality.
But it also offers these young patients additional features that adapt to their lifestyle.
Here’s why Invisalign Teen is becoming one of the most popular orthodontic methods for young patients.
Invisalign Teen has indicators that allow us to monitor patients’ effective wear time.
What is Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen is the teen version of the popular Invisalign cosmetic orthodontic system.
Like the adult modality, the Teen version allows for the correction of dental malocclusion problems.
The system is also based on discreet clear aligners that are changed every two weeks.
They have a great esthetic advantage, as they are made to fit the mouth of each person and are practically imperceptible to the eyes of others.
But as if this were not enough, Invisalign Teen incorporates a number of specific features that have been specially designed for the lifestyle of teenagers.
Invisalign aligners
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INVISALIGN ORTHODONTICS
What does it offer compared to the classic version?
Invisalign Teen has three elements that differentiate it from the modality used by adult patients:
Compliance indicators
Compliance indicators are blue indicators that gradually lose their color and become transparent as the time of use increases.
In this way, both parents and the orthodontist can monitor whether the adolescent wears the aligners for the necessary time (at least 22 hours a day).
Additional splint sets
Invisalign Teen also includes three additional free sets of aligners to replace the original ones in case the patient loses or breaks any of them.
Dental development guides
Finally, Invisalign Teen guides the birth of the final teeth that have not yet erupted, a common occurrence among patients entering puberty.
Is it as effective as traditional orthodontics?
Invisalign Teen is capable of solving both dental alignment and bite related problems.
However, it is important to note that for it to be equally effective, it is essential that the teenager follows the guidelines set by the orthodontist regarding the time of use.
Being a removable orthodontic system that the patient can take off at any time, it is essential to be very disciplined and responsible with the time of use.
If the dentist’s instructions are followed, Invisalign is as effective as braces, whether metal or lingual.
Invisalign Teen
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INVISALIGN TEEN
What are the advantages of Invisalign over conventional braces?
Invisalign has a number of advantages over traditional metal braces that are both functional and aesthetic:
Removable
The aligners are removed for eating and brushing teeth.
This allows the patient to enjoy certain foods that are not suitable with braces (snacks, kikos…).
Although it is also possible to remove them at specific times, such as at an event or celebration, it should be borne in mind that this should only be done on an ad hoc basis.
The duration of the treatment is directly related to the time the splints are worn.
Hygienic
Since it can be removed, it does not hinder brushing – as is the case with braces.
Therefore, hygiene is more thorough and the likelihood of developing caries is reduced.
Aesthetic
At a stage that is usually full of changes and small complexes, Invisalign Teen goes virtually unnoticed to the eyes of others.
It is only noticeable at very short distances, so the teenager will not have to worry about his or her appearance during treatment time.
Comfortable
There are no brackets or wires that can dig in or rub against any area of the mouth and cause sores or wounds.
This also means that the adaptation period is shorter and there are hardly any emergencies.
On the other hand, brackets cause emergencies due to the aforementioned metal elements they have.
Insurance
The adolescent can practice any sport without fear of a metal appliance getting stuck in the gum or lips.
Predictable
The system has a software called ClinCheck that allows you to visualize the final result of the smile before starting treatment.
Invisalign Lite aligners
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INVISALIGN LITE
Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign Teen
Now you know the differences between the Teen version and the more traditional versions of Invisalign.
Regarding other questions, this type of braces works exactly the same as Invisalign Lite or Full.
However, let’s briefly answer the most frequently asked questions about this type of bracket-free orthodontics.
Who can use Invisalign Teen?
In general, it can be said that any case of malocclusion can be treated with Invisalign Teen (mild or severe crowding, gaps between teeth, open bite, overbite, crossbite…).
However, the last word on the suitability of this orthodontic treatment should always be left to the orthodontist.
On the other hand, it should be noted that for Invisalign Teen to work, it is essential to have the patient’s cooperation.
In other words, the adolescent must be very responsible and disciplined in its use.
If the aligners are not worn for the time prescribed by the orthodontist, the necessary progress will not be achieved.
How long does Invisaling Teen treatment last?
Treatment time varies from patient to patient, so to determine exactly how long it takes, it is necessary to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the teenager.
In addition to the role played by the complexity of each case, consistency in following the plan established by the professional is a determining factor.
Nevertheless, we can say that the duration of Invisalign Teen treatment ranges between 14 and 24 months approximately (very similar to Invisalign Full).
Do I have to wear the aligners all the time?
As previously mentioned, for Invisalign Teen to be effective, the teenager must wear the aligners for 22 hours a day.
This means that they can only be removed to eat and brush their teeth.
To keep track of the time, they have a built-in blue compliance indicator that monitors whether the patient is wearing the braces regularly.
As explained above, the blue color lightens to transparent as the patient reaches the recommended wearing time.
Choose it if your child is very responsible
Because patient cooperation is essential, Invisalign is an appropriate treatment when the teenager is willing to be very responsible with the wearing time.
What happens if a brace is lost?
Invisalign Teen has thought about the active – and sometimes careless – lifestyle of teenagers.
That’s why the treatment includes three additional sets of aligners free of charge.
To get this replacement as quickly as possible, it is important to inform the orthodontist of the loss as soon as possible.
In this way, the aligners will be given to the patient and he/she will be able to continue with the treatment.
START YOUR TREATMENT WITH INVISALIGN TEEN
How long does the visit to the orthodontist last?
In general, Invisalign, whether for adults or teens, requires less time in the orthodontist’s chair than other orthodontic systems.
This is because there is no need for adjustments or archwire changes.
It also does not result in as many emergency visits, since there are no brackets or archwires to stick or come loose.
With Invisalign Teen, visits are scheduled every four to six weeks.
Can Invisalign Teen cause self-consciousness or self-esteem issues?
As mentioned earlier, puberty can be a challenging time for self-esteem.
For some teens, wearing braces for a year or two can be a big deal.
However, this does not happen with Invisalign Teen because, being an invisible orthodontic, it is much more discreet and the patient’s classmates and friends will not perceive any physical changes.
If after reading this article you have more questions about Invisalign Teen, we encourage you to consult our doctors.
They will tell you if this treatment is ideal for the patient and, if not, they will offer you an alternative solution to treat alignment and bite problems.
