More and more teenage patients at Straight Smiles opt for Invisalign Teen instead of braces. While both treatments are effective, it really comes down to the patient’s lifestyle, personality and needs. For many, Invisalign Teen is the preferred option. As a general dentist practicing orthodontics only and a Kelowna Invisalign dentist, Dr. Scramstad has found there are a number of benefits of Invisalign Teen that make it so popular.
Virtually Invisible
Invisalign Teen aligners are made from smooth, clear, BPA-free plastic and they’re custom molded for the ideal fit. Most people won’t even notice a patient is wearing them. When it comes to Invisalign vs. braces, this is one of the key benefits of Invisalign Teen. While some teenagers love the idea of braces and colourful elastics, others are self-conscious about their smile or just don’t want to draw attention to the fact they’re in orthodontic treatment. If that’s the case, Invisalign Teen is probably the best bet. Aligners are a lot less noticeable than metal braces or even clear braces.
Saves You Time
When weighing Invisalign Teen pros and cons, this is a solid point for the pro column. Invisalign aligners don’t have brackets and wires and the aligners are designed before your teen starts treatment, so there are no adjustments. While teens will still have to come in for regular check-ups so Dr. Scramstad can make sure their treatment is on track, these visits are shorter, saving you time. Additionally, because there is nothing on the aligners that can break, you won’t have to ever deal with emergency repair appointments.
The Aligners are Comfortable
Invisalign Teen aligners slip right over your teenager’s teeth like a really comfy mouthguard. They’re smooth and designed based on 3D scans of your child’s teeth for a great fit. Unlike with braces, the aligners don’t have hardware that can irritate the inside of the mouth, making for a comfortable experience.
No Food Restrictions!
This is another key point when considering Invisalign vs. braces. Invisalign Teen aligners are removable and your teenager will take them out to eat or drink so there are zero food restrictions. Kids can eat whatever they’d like throughout their treatment, including the things their braces-wearing friends can’t like popcorn, nuts and caramel.
Oral Hygiene is Easier with Invisalign Teen
One reason parents often choose Invisalign for kids is because the aligners won’t interfere with their oral hygiene routine. Your teen will take their aligners out before brushing and flossing, whereas braces involve carefully cleaning around brackets and under wires. If your teenager isn’t the best about their oral hygiene, Invisalign Teen might be a better option than conventional braces.
Great for Athletes and Musicians
Invisalign Teen won’t get in the way when your teenager plays sports or an instrument. With braces, getting hit in the face with a ball or an opponent’s elbow can lead to cuts from the brackets and wires. That’s not the case with aligners. Your teen can even take the aligners out to wear a mouthguard during games. They also won’t have to worry about cutting their lip hitting a note on an instrument, meaning there’s minimal interference in their daily activities.
Convenient
The fact that the aligners are removable can be convenient. Teenagers can take them out for class pictures, special occasions, and, as we mentioned for things like wearing a mouthguard, eating, and brushing and flossing their teeth.
Replacement Aligners Included
Any list of Invisalign Teen pros and cons will make mention of the fact that Invisalign Teen aligners can be lost since they’re not bonded to the teeth. While this is true, the good news is, the Invisalign cost for a teenager includes a few free replacement aligners. So, if your teen does lose an aligner, they can get a limited number of new ones without parents incurring charges.
Effective
Invisalign Teen is designed for the unique needs of teenagers. The aligners will fit their mouth and there are even eruption tabs to accommodate erupting teeth. The digital treatment planning process also allows Dr. Scramstad to move each individual tooth in your teeanger’s mouth into place directly on the computer for better accuracy. The treatment is appropriate for a variety of cases.
The Invisalign Teen Process is Pretty Cool
Last but not least, the process of creating Invisalign for kids is fun. We use our iTero scanner to take quick, comfortable scans of your child’s mouth, which are then sent to our computer. We can show your teen a 3D rendering of their dental anatomy and even a simulation of what their new smile will look like before they start treatment with the Invisalign Outcome Simulator. Seeing the end results can be great motivation for teenagers!
Now that you know the benefits of Invisalign Teen, if you’re ready to find out if it’s the right choice for your child’s smile, schedule an in-person or virtual consultation at Straight Smiles today!
