Is Invisalign for Teens an Alternative to Braces?

Invisalign® for Teens is a viable option for some dental patients but not all. Your child's dentist will consider certain factors, such as how crooked the child's teeth are. If your teenager is a candidate for Invisalign, you can weigh the pros and cons of aligners and traditional braces to decide which works with your kid's lifestyle.

Invisalign

Invisalign for Teens corrects crooked teeth using the application of pressure to the teeth. Clear aligners sit over teeth to create the force that ultimately straightens the patient's teeth. In addition, this alternative to classic braces is more discreet because of the clear color.

How do they work?

Each week, patients visit their dentist for a new set of aligners. With every set, your teen will be one step closer to the smile of their dreams. The straightening devices can be removed to allow the wearer to eat and care for their mouths as normal but should remain in place for at least 22 hours of the day. If your child fails to wear Invisalign as prescribed, it could result in a longer timeframe for the device to work as intended.

What are the benefits?

  • Minimal pain
  • Extractable
  • Simpler to care for teeth
  • Barely noticeable
  • No damaged brackets or wires

What are the drawbacks?

  • Effectiveness varies based on individual dental issues
  • Costly
  • Necessitates willpower to keep them in the mouth
  • Easily misplaced

Traditional Braces

Classic braces consist of brackets bonded to the patient's teeth utilizing dental adhesive. The brackets are connected using wires that lace through them. This shifts your child's teeth into a straighter position. If your teen has a misaligned bite, this option is likely the teeth-straightening method your dentist will suggest.

How do they work?

Traditional braces must be placed at an oral health care provider's office. The placement of brackets and wires requires several hours. The process entails adhering the brackets to the front teeth while metal rings are positioned around molars. The braces work to move teeth using the wires and elastics to shift the teen's teeth and bite. Patients typically see their dental professional to have their braces adjusted twice each month. The adjustments take about 30 minutes.

What are the benefits?

  • Effective
  • Reasonably priced
  • Multiple color options for brackets and band colors available
  • Works well for bite issues and extremely crooked teeth

What are the drawbacks?

  • Requires exceptional oral care
  • Brackets sometimes fall off of teeth
  • Certain foods must be given up
  • Brackets can aggravate the inside of the mouth

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign for Teens in Scottsdale, AZ

Conclusion

Deciding whether to use Invisalign for Teens or classic braces entails contemplating your child's dental needs and preferences. For example, if your teenager has very crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, they will probably need traditional braces to correct the dental issues. On the other hand, if the patient has only slightly crooked teeth, your child can likely select Invisalign. Speak with your teenager and dentist to decide which option makes sense.

Request an appointment or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at 480-439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Recent Posts

Invisalign For Teens: Am I A Good Candidate?

There are various options for straightening teeth. Invisalign® for teens is a popular option for this age group, as it is less obvious than traditional metal braces. Invisalign consists of clear trays that fit over the top and bottom rows of teeth. This straightening method has many benefits. However, not everyone is a good candidate.…

Can Invisalign For Teens Affect Speech?

A significant advantage of Invisalign® for teens is that it makes the treatment more discreet and less conspicuous than traditional braces. Nevertheless, you may be worried that the treatment will affect your speech. While this is possible, it is usually temporary, and there are things you can do to lessen the effects.The clear aligners used…

4 Tips For Invisalign For Teens

When it comes to straightening crooked teeth, Invisalign® for teens is an excellent option for many families. This system is appealing due to its numerous benefits:Shorter treatment timelinesDiscreet appearanceLess discomfortFewer dietary restrictionsAs with any type of alignment system, teenagers need guidance when managing the new responsibility of wearing and caring for Invisalign® trays. These tips…

Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Share
Published by
Dr. Haleh Bazargan

Recent Posts

Invisalign for Teens: Am I a Good Candidate?

There are various options for straightening teeth. Invisalign® for teens is a popular option for…

1 day ago

4 Tips to Improve a Teen’s Invisalign Experience

Invisalign® clear aligner trays are not just for adults; teenagers and some children can also…

3 days ago

Pros and Cons of Teeth Whitening

Whitening patients' teeth involves a simple procedure that a dentist can perform in one visit…

7 days ago

Can Invisalign for Teens Affect Speech?

A significant advantage of Invisalign® for teens is that it makes the treatment more discreet…

1 week ago

The FAQs of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can relax you as your dentist works on your gums and teeth.

1 week ago

Your Tooth Replacement Options

If you are looking to replace one or more missing teeth, there are several tooth…

2 weeks ago