A Parent’s Guide to Invisalign® for Teens
Have questions about Invisalign® for teens? To make an informed decision for your child, we recommend booking a consultation with our Invisalign dentist in Grand Rapids, MI. During your appointment, Dr. Olszewski will be able to determine if your teen is a candidate for Invisalign treatment.
In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about Invisalign for teens.
Aligners Must Be Worn Consistently
Invisalign aligners work by exerting constant but gentle pressure on your child’s teeth. This means that your teen will be responsible for wearing their orthodontic aligners at least 20 to 22 hours per day. Otherwise, they’ll fall behind on their treatment and may have to wear their aligners for longer than originally anticipated.
Invisalign for teens is a great option, as long as your child remains motivated and disciplined about wearing their . To stay on track, aligners should only be removed to eat, drink anything but water, and practice oral hygiene.
Blue Compliance Dots are Optional
One of the benefits of Invisalign for teens is that we can add blue compliance dots to your child’s aligners. These discreet dots are hidden near the back of your child’s aligners where no one will see. Over time, as your child wears their aligners, the dots will fade by the time they’re ready for their next appointment with us.
If the blue compliance dots are still bright and visible, this may indicate that your child is not wearing their clear aligners as directed by our Invisalign dentist. This allows us to intervene and counsel your child accordingly about the importance of wearing their clear orthodontic aligners consistently.
Aligners are Clear and Discreet
Would your child feel embarrassed about having traditional metal braces on their teeth? If so, are a safe and effective alternative.
Invisalign aligners are made out of clear and comfortable plastic that snugly fits around your child’s smile. In fact, most people won’t even realize that your teen is wearing aligners unless your child tells them they’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment.
Whether your child is applying for summer jobs or wants to look their best for the next school dance, Invisalign clear aligners will help them feel confident about their smile.
No Dietary Restrictions
Your teenager will be able to continue eating their favorite foods during orthodontic treatment. That being said, it’s important that they brush after every snack and meal to ensure good oral health and to avoid staining their clear aligners.
This is much different from what your teen would experience with metal braces. With traditional metal braces, your child would have to avoid foods that are sticky and/or difficult to chew. Otherwise, they would risk damaging their metal wires and brackets.
Book an Invisalign Consultation
Our Invisalign dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment for your teen, please call Always a Smile Dental at (616) 949-1700. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.