Invisalign for Teens Federal Way, WA
Many parents considering treatment to correct their teen's misaligned teeth have heard about the new technology putting a smile on young people's faces: Invisalign Teen. Candidates for this treatment find it fits perfectly with their busy lifestyles. Invisalign Teen allows teens to eat what they want, makes it easier to brush and floss, and is virtually invisible, which helps alleviate the self-consciousness that metal braces can often elicit.
Invisalign Teen is a well-established brand growing in popularity. It offers a set of clear aligners to help straighten teeth and correct certain dental conditions. It treats widely-spaced teeth, crowded teeth, overbite, underbite, and simple bite irregularities. Many individuals who have worn braces but notice a shift in teeth after removal also turn to Invisalign to restore their smiles.
Invisalign Teen is available at Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way and the surrounding area. Our staff can help you make the right decision for your child's dental needs. Call us at (253) 336-0023 to schedule a consultation today.
Invisalign Teen vs. Invisalign for Adults
Invisalign Teen aligners have a blue indicator that keeps track of how many hours the patient wore the trays that day as it can often be difficult to remember. The indicator changes color from blue to clear or white the more often the trays are worn. Traditional Invisalign trays for adults do not come with the blue indicator, as they assume adults will be responsible enough to wear their aligners for the bulk of the day. The indicator helps busy teens keep track of their wear duration so they can be sure to wear them for the required 22 hours a day.
Invisalign Teen also comes with a higher number of replacement aligners. Due to the nature of a teenager's active lifestyles, they provide more replacement aligners with Invisalign Teen, in the event a set becomes damaged or lost. These replacement trays come included in the treatment plan at no additional cost.
“Invisalign Teen aligners have a blue indicator that keeps track of how many hours the patient wore the trays that day as it can often be difficult to remember.”
Refitting Aligners for Teens
Invisalign's clear aligners, also known as "trays," fit over the top and bottom teeth. Patients wear a series of aligners that will gradually move their teeth into proper position. Each custom-made tray is worn for a few weeks, allowing the teeth to slightly shift before moving on to the next set of trays. The next set is slightly different and helps the teeth continue to move into their desired position. Over time, the small shifts add up to a big change.
The number of trays a patient will receive and, thus, the duration of treatment depends on the amount of time needed to fix each issue. Some patients may need 20 trays, while others may need as many as 40 trays to correct their teeth. Treatment remains customized to each patient, no matter their age. Your teen must remember to put their Invisalign trays in a safe place upon removal to prevent them from being misplaced or accidentally discarded. In the event your child does misplace the trays, Invisalign Teen comes with replacement aligners that their orthodontist can provide. For cases in which a patient forgets to wear their aligners or replace them as prescribed, refitting and adjusting may be required at their follow-up appointment.
“For cases in which a patient forgets to wear their aligners or replace them as prescribed, refitting and adjusting may be required at their follow-up appointment.”
Designed Just For Teens
Align Technologies designed Invisalign Teen with teenagers in mind. Invisalign Teen remains a preferred treatment for many teenagers as the invisible trays are removed for eating, drinking, and engaging in activities. For treatment to be as effective as possible, teens will need to wear their aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day. That gives them plenty of time to take them out for eating, cleaning, and engaging in extracurricular activities such as band practice or sports. Designed to be discreet, Invisalign trays can be worn at other times without disrupting a teen's life or making them feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile.
One of the greatest advantages of Invisalign Teen remains its nearly-invisible trays. Less than one millimeter in thickness, these clear aligners offer teens a far less invasive alternative to traditional metal braces. The clear aligners come computer-manufactured and completely customized to fit the patient's mouth. It slides comfortably over the surfaces of teeth and can be removed to eat, drink, brush, floss, and engage in activities such as sports and playing musical instruments.
“Less than one millimeter in thickness, these clear aligners offer teens a far less invasive alternative to traditional metal braces.”
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Materials Made For Teens
Invisalign Teen makes it easier than ever for teenagers to achieve their desired smile and correct dental issues. Each aligner comes with a blue compliance indicator that helps teens ensure they wear the aligners for the prescribed duration each day. The indicator changes from blue to clear to indicate the trays have been worn for a sufficient amount of time each day — 20-22 hours a day.
The aligners are made of SmartTrack material to keep them smooth and comfortable while in the patient's mouth. SmartForce® Attachments, or small tooth-colored shapes, are often added, allowing the aligners to apply the right amount of force in the right direction. The mandibular advancement feature for patients with complex overbites (common in teens) comes with precision wings that gradually move the lower jaw. These additions and features can be requested or may be recommended by an orthodontist during consultation.
“Invisalign Teen makes it easier than ever for teenagers to achieve their desired smile and correct dental issues.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is the difference between Invisalign Teen and Invisalign for adults?
Q. How many trays will my teen need for Invisalign treatment and will they need to be refitted?
Q. What are the benefits for teenagers wearing Invisalign Teen?
Q. What kinds of materials are used in Invisalign Teen?
Q. Why is Invisalign Teen the preferred treatment for many teens?
People Also Ask
Q. What is the best age to use Invisalign Teen?
Q. What are some examples of purely cosmetic procedures?
Q. How should you choose the right treatment and cosmetic dentist?
Q. What is the process of getting Invisalign?
Q. When are braces more effective than Invisalign?
Q. What should people consider before seeking cosmetic dental care?
Why Teens Prefer Invisalign
Invisalign Teen is the preferred orthodontic treatment for many teenagers today. Teens feel less self-conscious wearing the aligners because of their nearly invisible design compared to traditional braces that remain difficult to hide. Teens also enjoy the freedom (engage in activities, eat their favorite foods, ect.) that comes with removable trays.
Patients who are concerned about pain may prefer Invisalign Teen as their smooth design provides enhanced comfort compared to bulky metal braces. The trays use slower, more gentle movements than traditional braces so any pain and discomfort is minimal, typically mild and temporary. If particularly sensitive to pain, Invisalign Teen offers an ideal option for teens.
“Invisalign Teen is the preferred orthodontic treatment for many teenagers today.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens if my teen loses their aligner?
A. If a patient loses their aligner, they should consult our team first. Possible options may be using the prior set of aligners, moving on to the next, or receiving a replacement. We will help patients choose the right option to maintain their progress.
Q. Are there any diet restrictions for Invisalign for teens?
A. Unlike traditional braces, there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign. This is because Invisalign is removable, so patients can remove their aligners before eating. Teens should make sure not to eat or drink with their aligners to prevent staining, breakage, or bacteria accumulation.
Q. How many hours a day does my teen have to wear Invisalign?
A. Teens must wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. Invisalign aligners only work when they touch the teeth, so it is crucial to wear them for long enough. Patients can remove their aligners during activities, including eating, drinking, cleaning teeth, and playing sports.
Q. What happens if my teen does not wear their aligners for long enough?
A. If a patient does not wear their aligners for long enough, their treatment will not progress as planned. Not wearing aligners for an extended amount of time can cause teeth to move back and the aligner trays to not fit properly. Teens must be committed throughout the treatment process to get the desired results.
Q. What is the length of treatment for Invisalign for teens?
A. The length of treatment will vary on the patient's diagnosis. However, treatment can take 10 to 24 months. Our team can provide a more precise timeline after an examination.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Learn More About Invisalign Teen Today
If you would like to learn more about Invisalign Teen for your child, call Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way at 253-336-0023 to learn more.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- Invisalign®. How Invisalign Works. 2024
- Invisalign®. Take the Smile Assessment. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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- Smile Center Dental Care was established in 2005.
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