The most common time to straighten teeth is during the teen years. Permanent teeth have fully developed and issues like overbite, gaps, and misalignment become clear.
- However, your teen may be reluctant to agree to treatment with braces due to any of a wide range of reasons. The most common reasons teens avoid braces include:
- “Metal mouth” – the impact of braces on a teen’s appearance can often lead to teasing by peers and reduced self-esteem
- Restrictions – braces require your teen to give up popcorn, hard and sticky candies, gum, crunchy foods, and more
- Discomfort – braces can irritate the lips and gums, and increase teeth sensitivity · Effort – teeth with braces are more challenging to keep clean and healthy
- Activities – sports, band instruments, and other common activities can be limited or made more difficult when wearing braces
Invisalign teen® is designed to provide straighter, healthier teeth without any of these drawbacks of braces. Invisalign teen® uses a series of clear, custom-fabricated aligners to gently and gradually correct the alignment of your teen’s teeth. Their nearly invisible appearance means most people will not be aware of the treatment. Invisalign teen® aligners can be removed for eating, dental hygiene, and activities like sports or band. This allows your teen to live a more normal life, keep their mouth healthy, and maintain a higher self-esteem during orthodontic treatment. In most cases, Invisalign teen® can correct issues with your teen’s smile for about the same investment as traditional braces, and generally requires fewer office visits. For more information or an Invisalign teen® consultation, contact our office.
