7 Things Parents Need to Know About Invisalign Teen Los Angeles, CA
Invisalign® Teen is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces. In many cases, it is just as effective as conventional braces in straightening the teeth and correcting the bite. Invisalign Teen also has the added benefit of being less visually obtrusive than metal braces, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option.
Invisalign Teen is available at Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. We can give your teenager a good reason to smile. Call us today at (310) 906-1300 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Teens and Invisalign
Adolescence is an emotionally fraught time. During this period of life, teens are particularly concerned with their appearance. Many dread the prospect of traditional braces and the "metal mouth" that comes with them. Fortunately, Invisalign Teen offers a more pleasant alternative.
Invisalign Teen is so popular, in fact, that millions of patients have successfully undergone treatment. These clear aligners are virtually invisible, allowing for a seamless look all throughout treatment. Compared to traditional braces, they also make it easier to maintain one's oral hygiene.
“Invisalign Teen is so popular, in fact, that millions of patients have successfully undergone treatment.”
Wear Time With Invisalign Teen
Invisalign will only work if the wearer follows through on treatment. In other words, the aligners must be placed on the teeth for the appropriate amount of time every day. For best results, patients should keep their aligners on for 20 to 22 hours per day. They should be removed only for brushing, drinking, eating, and flossing.
The overall treatment time varies on multiple factors, including the complexity of the patient's case and how often the patient wears their aligners. Vatan Dental Group can give each teen (and their parents) the best idea on what to expect. For most people, however, the treatment time lasts anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
“… the aligners must be placed on the teeth for the appropriate amount of time every day.”
Time Savings With Invisalign Teen
One of the many advantages of Invisalign Teen is that it entails fewer trips to the orthodontist's office. While traditional braces typically require monthly or bi-monthly appointments to tighten wires and replace elastics, Invisalign Teen patients can switch out their aligner sets at home.
The lack of wires and brackets also lessens the need for any emergency visits. The typical Invisalign Teen patient only needs to schedule visits every six to eight weeks to ensure progress.
“One of the many advantages of Invisalign Teen is that it entails fewer trips to the orthodontist’s office.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: 7 Things Parents Need to Know About Invisalign Teen in Los Angeles, CA
Invisalign Is Fully Removable
nvisalign is designed to be removable. Many teens are delighted to learn they can take out their aligners for school formals, sports, and pictures.
School Formals
Clunky braces or orthodontic appliances can be embarrassing during school events. With Invisalign, teens can remove their clear aligners for a few hours. Keep in mind that the aligners are discreet. Some patients discover that they do not mind wearing their aligners to special events.
Sports
Metal braces can cause mouth lacerations. If your teen gets hit while playing sports, they might experience bleeding or oral teas. Their braces may become damaged, too. Playing sports while wearing braces can be risky and may lead to complex repairs. With Invisalign, your child can remove their aligners before physical activities. Taking out the aligners helps prevent injury and damage to orthodontic appliances.
Pictures
Many teens prize the ability to remove their aligners while in front of a camera. With traditional braces, teens may feel too embarrassed to smile for pictures. With removable clear aligners, teens have the confidence to enjoy photos and videos.
While the aligners are removable, frequent use helps speed up treatment and ensures results. The more often your teen wears their aligners, the better. Patients should aim to wear their aligners 20-22 hours per day. Most dental providers recommend removing aligners only for meals, oral hygiene, and occasional special events.
“With removable clear aligners, teens have the confidence to enjoy photos and videos.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Can I take out my aligners for special events?
Q. How do I take care of my aligners at home?
Q. How do teens feel about Invisalign as compared to traditional braces?
Q. How long will my teen need to wear Invisalign?
Q. How does Invisalign Teen save time?
People Also Ask
Q. Are braces or Invisalign aligners more effective?
Q. How long is treatment time with traditional braces and Invisalign?
Invisalign Requires Some Care and Upkeep
Proper dental hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment. The aligners can sometimes trap food particles against teeth and gums. Your teen will need to take extra care with their oral hygiene.
Helping Your Teen Care for Their Aligners
Patients should thoroughly brush their aligners at least once a day. Our dental team can recommend specialized products to keep the trays fresh and clean. Check with the office before trying out a new product. Some oral hygiene products may damage the aligners.
Your teen should avoid eating while the trays are in place. It's fine to sip water throughout the day, but teens should remove their aligners before drinking anything else. Hot beverages like coffee can warp or stain the aligners.
Make sure your teen keeps their aligners safely stored. Some patients set their aligners on a plate or napkin while eating. This habit often leads to lost or damaged aligners. If the aligners aren't in your teen's mouth, they should be placed in a plastic case. Avoid exposing the aligners to extreme heat or cold, and keep the aligners secure in a purse, backpack, or bathroom cupboard.
The Benefits of Proper Upkeep
Invisalign can produce a brighter smile, but sloppy oral hygiene or careless habits can undermine treatment results. Keeping up with treatment recommendations pays off. Teens who follow up with their provider's recommendations enjoy straighter teeth and improved oral health. If your teen doesn't take care of their aligners or wear them daily, they may not see results.
Invisalign requires a high level of responsibility, and some teens may not be good candidates for this treatment. If your child struggles to keep up with daily chores and tasks, they might do better with traditional braces. Parents should consider whether their child is mature and responsible enough to be in charge of their own orthodontic care.
“Proper dental hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I be sure that my teen is wearing their Invisalign aligners properly?
A. Invisalign Teen comes with a blue-dot compliance indicator to ensure that patients are wearing their aligners for a long enough period of time. The dots do not affect treatment; rather, they allow the orthodontist to know if the patient has been wearing their aligners adequately. As the aligners are worn, the blue dots should begin to fade away. If the blue dots are still visible, the patient has failed to wear their aligners for an adequate period.
Q. How can I be sure that my teen is wearing their Invisalign aligners properly?
A. Invisalign Teen comes with a blue-dot compliance indicator to ensure that patients are wearing their aligners for a long enough period of time. The dots do not affect treatment; rather, they allow the orthodontist to know if the patient has been wearing their aligners adequately. As the aligners are worn, the blue dots should begin to fade away. If the blue dots are still visible, the patient has failed to wear their aligners for an adequate period.
Q. What happens if my teen loses their Invisalign aligners?
A. We understand that accidents happen. Call us immediately, so we can help get your child a new set of aligners. In the meantime, depending on your child's specific case, we may instruct them to wear the previous set of aligners or advance to the next set.
Q. Will my child have any diet restrictions with Invisalign?
A. No. Since Invisalign aligners are totally removable, they do not impose any dietary restrictions whatsoever. However, patients should always remember to take off their aligners when eating and brush their teeth before putting their aligners back on.
Q. What kind of orthodontic conditions can Invisalign Teen treat?
A. Invisalign Teen is best suited for mild to moderate malocclusions, and patients with more severe orthodontic problems may be better suited to traditional braces. Vatan Dental Group can determine what is best for your child in a one-on-one consultation.
Q. Is treatment with Invisalign Teen painful?
A. Treatment with Invisalign Teen is typically less painful than treatment with traditional braces. While there may be some discomfort during the adjustment periods, this typically subsides rather quickly.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Call Us Today
Invisalign can produce a brighter, straighter smile. If you're considering orthodontic care for your teen, schedule an Invisalign consultation. Clear removable aligners are an appealing alternative to braces, especially for image-conscious teens. Invisalign boasts a 96% satisfaction rate. The majority of Invisalign patients are satisfied with their results and would recommend Invisalign to a friend.
Let Vatan Dental Group in Los Angeles determine if your teen is a candidate for Invisalign. Call us at 310-906-1300 to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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