If you’re a teen in today’s world, chances are you’re no stranger to social media. Teens today have a greater online presence than any previous generation, with multiple social media accounts, and near constant sharing, whether it’s selfies or status updates. Spending so much time in the spotlight of social media can sometimes be overwhelming or intimidating, especially if a smile is perceived as less than perfect.
At Clauss Orthodontics, we encourage all our teen patients to embrace both their inner and outer beauty, but we also know how important it can be to have a smile you aren’t afraid to show to the world. Modern orthodontics have multiple options for straightening teeth and improving oral health, but some teens may be reluctant about the idea of traditional metal braces. We want you to be excited about starting your orthodontic journey, not dread it. InvisalignⓇ Teen is one way we can achieve just that!
Invisalign Teen is a clear aligner therapy system that provides a nearly invisible way to straighten teeth without any of the restrictions that can accompany metal braces. Rather than relying on the more traditional wires and brackets, Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners. These aligners cover the teeth, and are changed out every week for the next in the system. Over time, the teeth gradually shift into their new positions, leaving behind a straight and confident smile you’ll be excited to show off.
Wondering what else makes Invisalign such a great choice for teens like you?
Work as well as traditional braces
For treating mild to moderate cases of underbite, overbite, overcrowding, and gaps between teeth, Invisalign Teen can be just as effective as traditional metal braces. Invisalign is most successful at treating common dental issues, but that success does depend on patient cooperation. You must be vigilant about wearing the aligners as directed in order for them to work properly. Fortunately, they’re made of a smooth, comfortable plastic, so keeping them in the recommended 20-22 hours a day is no problem!
Offers flexibility
Traditional metal braces can take some getting used to, and often, one of the steepest learning curves is the food restrictions. Anything sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy needs to be avoided. But these tend to be exactly the types of food a lot of teen socializing revolves around! Because Invisalign aligners are removed at mealtimes, you’ll still able to eat all your favorite foods as long as you maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine. Even with removable orthodontic appliances like Invisalign aligners, you’ll still need to brush and floss thoroughly after eating so bacteria can’t be trapped against the teeth, causing a buildup of plaque.
Increases self-confidence
Adults can sometimes forget what it’s like for teens who feel self-conscious about crooked teeth or other dental issues that affect their smile. Traditional metal braces are an excellent long-term solution for malocclusions, but they do have the potential to make any insecurities worse in the short-term. Invisalign Teen aligners are almost invisible, so no one even needs to knows you’re wearing them. This can take a lot of stress off of you, giving you the chance to focus on the things that really matter.
Less time with us means more time for you
Teens today are busier than ever before with school, sports, work, and other extracurricular activities. Since Invisalign aligners don’t require any adjustments, and don’t have any wires or brackets that can break, you will generally need less frequent visits to the office for maintenance. After your initial appointment, follow-up appointments will be scheduled for approximately every four to eight weeks.
Looking beyond braces
Never underestimate the power of a straighter smile when it comes to increasing self-esteem! This is a pretty big deal at a time in your life when self-confidence may be in short supply. But beyond the cosmetic, there are many other benefits to braces. A badly aligned bite, or crowded teeth, can lead to a laundry list of problems such as headaches, jaw pain, tooth grinding, gum disease, or general inflammation.
Treatment with Invisalign Teen will not only result in a straighter, more aligned smile, but an optimized bite pattern as well. This improves your overall appearance, makes it easier for you to to clean more efficiently, and keeps your mouth and jaws functioning in the way they are meant to.
Designed specifically for teens
Though the treatment benefits and underlying technology of both Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the same, Invisalign Teen was developed with leading orthodontists in order to meet the unique needs of teenage patients. Some of the features included with the Invisalign Teen system specifically address clinical needs that are common to teens, such as:
Compliance indicators
As we mentioned above, patient compliance is a critical component to success with Invisalign. The aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day for treatment to be effective. The compliance indicators included with Invisalign Teen aligners fades from blue to clear as the aligner is worn which gives you, your parents, and your orthodontist a visual on how often you’re wearing them, allowing you to make improvements early if needed.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
Life happens! Sometimes aligners will be lost or broken. Invisalign Teen understands you don’t need one more thing stressing you out, and provides six extra aligners just in case.
Invisalign Teen is a clear winner at Clauss Orthodontics
Invisalign Teen is designed for patients who have lost all their baby teeth, and have second molars at least partially erupted. At Clauss Orthodontics, we provide comprehensive Invisalign treatments for teens at both our Watertown and Woodbury locations, and Dr. Mark takes many continuing education classes in Invisalign throughout the year. If you’re a teen who is interested in learning more about Invisalign Teen, or a parent who is exploring orthodontic treatment for your teen, get in touch with us today to schedule a free consultation to explore your smile options with us!