Gone are the days of only having one option for your teen’s orthodontic care. Many teens have forgone traditional braces for Invisalign. Invisalign aligners offers a unique alternative to appliances that may not work with every teen’s lifestyle. KCC Orthodontics has many young patients who have chosen to straighten their teeth with aligners. There are many elements to consider when helping your teen choose between braces or Invisalign aligners. While one is not overall better than the other, the decision usually comes down to what works best in your teen’s life. KCC Orthodontics has compiled a list of common questions about Invisalign for teens and answered them to help you consider if Invisalign is right for your family.
- What is Invisalign made of?
Invisalign aligners are made from a BPA-free plastic approved by the FDA. The plastic is clear and made to exactly fit over your teen’s teeth. The aligners are virtually invisible when worn.
- How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign works by straightening your teen’s teeth over time. They will receive specific sets of aligners to be worn throughout treatment. A new set will replace the current set every 7-14 days. Each set gradually shifts the teeth into place to produce a corrected smile just the same as braces.
- What if my teen loses their aligners?
Unlike braces, which are fixed to the teeth, Invisalign aligners are removable. This creates the possibility that an aligner set could be lost. If this is the case, contact us at KCC Orthodontics right away. Depending on your teen’s progress, the doctor will make the best decision as to how to proceed with your child’s treatment.
- How often will my teen need to wear the aligners?
For the best results, aligners should be worn at all hours whenever they’re not eating or drinking. Some teens may need to remove them for extra curricular activities, but this shouldn’t slow their progress. If your teen is consistent in their wear, their Invisalign progress should stay on track.
- Are there any dietary restrictions with Invisalign?
Overall, there aren’t dietary restrictions with Invisalign. Because the aligners can be removed, eating and drinking can resume as normal. It is important, however, that your teen rinses their mouth with plain water before replacing the aligners.
Invisalign aligners offers teens an alternative way to straighten their smile. KCC Orthodontics is a Diamond Invisalign Provider with much practice treating teens with Invisalign. While both braces and Invisalign straightens smiles, Invisalign may be a better option for some teens. Consider these answered questions when deciding if Invisalign is right for your teen.
