Invisible Braces For Teens

As we all know, braces are the most common way of straightening one’s teeth. Dental braces improve how our teeth look and work. By spreading the biting pressure all over our teeth, braces can also make eating much more comfortable. About 70% of orthodontic patients are children and teens; the most common period for having braces are the adolescent years because both the head and mouth are still developing. Of these people who need orthodontic treatment, some choose traditional metal braces and others choose Invisalign.

While the discomfort of having misaligned teeth is a common concern, another reason that people invest in straightening their teeth is to simply look better. How we feel about your teeth can influence our overall appearance. Having perfectly aligned teeth can have an impact on confidence and Invisalign, can offer the great results you desire without the discomfort from metal brackets, rubber bands, and wires.

What Are Invisible Braces?

We all want to improve our smiles. With Invisalign braces, or often called “clear aligners,” you won’t have to experience the discomfort of metal brackets or wires that affect your ability to smile while undergoing treatment. Invisalign braces are made from BPA-free plastic and are far more accessible than traditional braces.

How Do Invisable Braces Work?

Traditional braces use wire, metal brackets, and rubber bands to move and align the teeth, while Invisalign uses a series of plastic aligners. Invisalign 3D technology allows the orthodontist to perform a systematic method for patients to know every step of the treatment. The orthodontist will take x-rays and impressions of the teeth to create a 3-D image. The image will then be used to map the exact movement needed for teeth alignment. Once the system is ready, the first set of aligners will be made custom for your mouth. Patients will receive a new set every couple of weeks until the desired results are achieved. 

Clear aligners offer several benefits, including the ability to be removed for cleaning and eating. Clear aligners can minimize the self-consciousness of patients when smiling or eating since Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible. This is especially true for teens that struggle with the discomfort of wearing metal braces. Removing traditional metal braces isn’t possible without going to the orthodontist, and the metal braces themselves can be a challenge for the wearer to clean their teeth.

How Long Will Teens Need Invisalign Braces?

Invisalign moves teeth gently. The consistent movement produced by the aligner’s shape guides the teen’s teeth to the desired locations. The initial movement can cause some discomfort, but it is important not to remove the Invisalign regardless of the pain. Some discomfort is normal with all orthodontic treatment. If you remove the Invisalign trays for too long, you will inhibit your treatment and prolong the amount of time needed to wear your clear aligners.

This progress can only happen when teens wear them regularly. If the patient fails to follow the right amount of time needed to wear them, the orthodontist might have to alter the treatment. Hence, the progress may take the teeth more time to move to their new location. In these cases, orthodontists will need to re-fabricate the aligners causing more money and time for both orthodontists and patients.

Why Are Invisalign Braces Needed?

Correcting misaligned teeth is more than just giving a patient that picture-perfect smile. Alignment can also protect the teeth’s long-term health. When the teeth are aligned, they tend to have fewer bacteria since they’re easy to clean. The best oral hygiene will minimize your risk of periodontal disease and cavities. Healthy gums can support your teeth when they aren’t overlapping. When your teeth fit together, you could also decrease the risk of breaking or wearing your tooth away. Like traditional braces, clear aligners can help relieve the stress that misaligned teeth may bring to your jaw.

How To Care For Your Invisalign Braces?

Regular brushing is only a basic component of caring for your Invisalign braces. You can remove your Invisalign to eat, so you can brush and floss like normal to keep a healthy smile. Wearers must keep the trays as clean as possible since food particles stuck on the aligners or in your teeth can lead to tooth decay and causing aligners to smell. 

Caring for Invisalign braces is easy and will only take a few minutes. To care for your aligners properly, you will only need a toothbrush. Rinse the aligners under lukewarm water and brush the Invisalign braces using small circular motions. Once you have completely brushed the aligners, rinse them again onto lukewarm water. Inspect the aligners for any tartar build-up. Once cleaning is done, rinse them, and you can now place them back into your mouth.

What Are The Possible Complications Of Having Invisible Braces?

One consideration of having Invisalign is that it requires high patient compliance. Since you can take the aligners out whenever you like, some patients disregard the need to put them back. Keep in mind that Invisalign works the best when worn for at least 20 hours a day. Patients that wear for only a few hours will not just see minimal results; they may see no results at all. 

Plastic isn’t as robust as metal, so the aligner system may progress at a slower rate than traditional ones. On a lighter note, the slow rate can benefit the wearer, which means less discomfort.

Conclusion

Wearing braces can be tough for teens, and two years or more seems like forever for your child. But it can be more difficult to go through life without getting orthodontic care. Here at Infinite Orthodontics, we will help your child achieve the picture-perfect smile! Your success is our success too. We offer various options that work best for you and your teen. To learn more about our services, call us today at (972) 931-9998.