Invisalign Aligners are one of the most popular orthodontic treatments. This is especially true for adults. Whether adults had traditional metal braces as children and teens or have never had an orthodontic treatment in their life, many adults are interested in Invisalign. But can teenagers use Invisalign aligners? That can depend on a few factors. In this article, we will go over the factors on whether or not Invisalign aligners are right for teenagers. If you live in the Chicago area, and are interested in saving on orthodontic, general, and cosmetic dental services, please take a look at our new patient specials.
Should Teenagers Use Invisalign Aligners?
The first thing that will affect the answer to that question is the specific orthodontic issues that your teenager is trying to handle. Invisalign aligners are often recommended for handling certain types of orthodontic issues like misalignment, crowding, and spaces between teeth. However, traditional braces are often still used for more severe issues. When a change needs to be more dramatic, traditional braces might be recommended over aligners. Aligners are good at making minor to moderate changes to alignment over time.
The Importance Of Personal Responsibility
The biggest pro regarding aligners can also be their downfall. Aligners are removable. That means that patients who use Invisalign do not need to worry about their diet or their oral care being impacted the way they would by traditional metal braces. Metal braces usually require patients to stop eating a variety of foods like gum, popcorn, and other items that could get stuck between the wires and the teeth. They can also be difficult to brush and floss around. Invisalign aligners allow patients to remove the aligners while they eat and while they brush and floss. However, that strength might prove to be a weakness for some patients. Invisalign aligners only work when patients are wearing them 20-22 hours per day every day. One common issue that happens with teenagers is that they remove their aligners for longer periods of time due to either discomfort or because it is more convenient to have the aligners out. This can stall or even halt the process of straightening teeth. It is important to make sure your teenager is able to keep their aligners in and follow that schedule.
How Long Does Invisalign Take For Teens?
The duration of time it will take for Invisalign to straighten teeth will vary based on an individual’s unique oral goals. It can only be predicted on a case-by-case basis by an orthodontist. That said, when worn 20-22 hours per day, Invisalign aligners take around the same amount of time as traditional braces. The full treatment could take months or even a few years depending on the severity of the orthodontic issues.
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