Does My Teen Need Braces or Invisalign®?

In the past, the only way to fix your child’s crooked teeth was with traditional metal braces. Metal braces remain effective, but they come with some unpleasant downsides during the treatment process.

Now, instead of metal braces, your teen can enjoy wearing modern, invisible Invisalign® aligners to attain a beautiful smile. Discover from Bella Pinkatz, DDS, board-certified dentist at Kew Gardens Dental P.C., in Queens, New York City, whether your teenager might need Invisalign and how the treatment can help.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that corrects misalignment (malocclusion). The therapy uses custom-made clear aligners to straighten your child’s teeth.

Your teenager wears the removable aligners for at least 20 hours a day. They remove the aligners for eating, brushing, flossing, and playing sports.

Does my teen need Invisalign?

The preteen and teen years are an ideal time to correct your child’s teeth. It’s easier and faster to make orthodontic corrections in a growing teenager than in an adult.

Not all teens need braces, but your child might benefit if they develop any of the following problems as their adult teeth emerge:

• Crooked teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overly crowded teeth
• Overbite or underbite

Correcting these problems not only helps your teen feel more confident with their smile, but it also makes it easier for them to eat and speak. At a consultation, we examine your teenager’s mouth and teeth and determine if they’re a good candidate for Invisalign.

The benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign provides many positives that make the treatment easier and more comfortable than metal braces. These include:

A discreet appearance

Invisalign aligners are clear and more difficult to see than traditional metal braces. Your teenager will feel more comfortable smiling and interacting with their peers.

Your teen can also occasionally remove the aligners for a special event.

Reduced pain levels

You can expect your teen’s Invisalign aligners to feel better as well. Your child won’t experience the pain and tenderness common after appointments to adjust braces and won’t need the aligners to be attached or taken off their teeth.

No changes in diet are needed

Since your teen removes Invisalign to eat and drink, they don’t have the food restrictions that are required with traditional braces. They can continue to eat all the foods they enjoy.

Eating is also safer with Invisalign since there’s no risk of the metal braces breaking when your child eats.

Easier to care for teeth

Your child can easily brush and floss their teeth after removing their Invisalign trays. They don’t need to use special techniques to floss under metal wires, which reduces the risk of tooth cavities and stains.

Fewer orthodontic appointments

Traditional braces require your child to visit the orthodontist every couple of weeks to have them adjusted or corrected. Most teenagers don’t need to come to appointments as frequently when they use Invisalign.

If your teenager needs orthodontic treatment, they can see full results after wearing Invisalign aligners for just 12-18 months. To find out if Invisalign is right for your teen, contact us to schedule a consultation.