5 Things You Should Consider Before Getting Invisalign® for Your Teen

It is not surprising that teenagers tend to prefer Invisalign® over other teeth-straightening methods. The dentist will recommend this option for parents who want to help their teens get a beautiful smile. Interestingly, they can fix their teeth discreetly without dealing with the inconvenience that comes with braces. However, before opting for the procedure, there are important points to consider.

Points to consider before getting Invisalign

Every parent needs to be aware of certain things before getting Invisalign for their teenager.

Invisalign requires commitment

Invisalign is a popular and effective treatment, but for them to work, the teen must be ready to follow through with it. The aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. The patient must remember to wear their aligners, care for their teeth and keep up with dental appointments. This demands commitment.

Although the commitment also applies to metal braces, the orthodontic device is fixed in place, removing any concern about the patient not wearing them as directed. The aligners are removable, meaning it is easy to misplace the trays or forget to wear them.

Dental appointments are fewer but important

Teenagers are always occupied. Invisalign provides a convenient way to straighten the teeth. They require fewer appointments with the dentist, unlike traditional braces, which must be tightened and adjusted regularly depending on the patient’s teeth. Many parents may find this challenging as it means taking time off work and school for the teen. The dental appointments for Invisalign only occur every four to six weeks so that the dentist can check the treatment progress and provide new aligner sets.

Dental care is important

It is easy to clean the aligners. The dentist can teach the teen how to clean their aligners properly. Since they are removable, cleaning can be done when brushing and flossing the teeth. Failure to care for their teeth and the aligners can put them at risk for oral diseases. The aligners can be cleaned with lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Abrasive toothpaste should be avoided as it could scratch the aligner trays.

Reduced risk of cavities

Crooked teeth can increase the risk of cavities. They may have managed to keep their teeth healthy by brushing properly and visiting the dentist, but with braces, the risks of cavities are higher because cleaning the teeth is more complicated. With aligners, there is no risk because they are removable. This means that the teenager can continue to brush their teeth as usual.

The clear option can help their confidence

Teenagers tend to feel conscious about their smiles – a fact unknown to many parents. Wearing metal braces over an already crooked smile can make it worse. The Invisalign aligners are almost invisible on the teeth, removing a possible cause of anxiety. They can go through their daily routine without worrying about being teased and hurtful comments.

In conclusion

With proper planning, Invisalign for teenagers can be just as effective as braces for teeth straightening. To learn more about the procedure, book an appointment with the dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://lifetimedental.us or call LifeTime Dental at (352) 414-2061 for an appointment in our Tavares office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.