Invisalign has emerged as a game-changer in orthodontics and indeed finds a lot of support among teens. Gone are the days when metal braces were the only instrument to align those big, beautiful teeth. With Invisalign, kids can now smile bright and free without any mishap of burdensome wires and brackets. But what exactly is this treatment, and how does it work? In this post, we walk you through all you want to know about Invisalign treatment for teens – so that you can make the best decision for your teen’s smile.
What is Invisalign for Teens?
Invisalign, a clear aligner system, utilizes an almost invisible series of customized plastic aligners to straighten teeth in a gradual manner. These are comfortable, removable, and most importantly—discreet. This is what makes Invisalign often a great choice for kids who wish to have their teeth straightened in a very discreet way.
For younger patients, there’s a version created especially for kids called Invisalign Teen. This version has some special features, keeping in mind the particular needs of growing mouths, namely:
Blue dot wear indicators. These little dots fade as the aligners are worn, so your teen can easily track how long they’ve been wearing them.
Eruption tabs: These are built into the aligners to help guide the eruption of teeth that are still coming in; a very common issue for kids.
Durable and comfortable: Invisalign Teen aligners are produced from smooth, flexible plastic, so they could be gentle and not prone to irritating the inside of the mouth.
How Does Invisalign Treatment Work?
Invisalign treatment is easy to follow, efficient, and consists of a few easy steps:
1. Consultation with the Orthodontist
Book an appointment with an orthodontist for the patient. During this appointment, the orthodontist will examine the patient’s teeth, take digital scans or X-rays, and discuss their specific orthodontic needs. From here, they’ll decide whether Invisalign is a viable treatment option.
2. Creating the Treatment Plan
From here, the orthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan, and they will use
high-tech 3D imaging to essentially trace exactly how the teen’s teeth will move throughout the course of treatment. The result is a digital blueprint or map that outlines how their teen’s smile may look before ever beginning treatment.
3. Creating the Aligners
A series of custom aligners will be prepared according to the treatment plan. An aligner is designed to gently move each tooth into place. Your teen will wear each set for approximately 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next in the series.
4. Wearing the Aligners
The process simply requires Invisalign to be worn 20-22 hours a day by your teen. He or she would remove this only during meals, hydration beyond water, and brushing and flossing the teeth. With each set of aligners, the teeth are gradually moved into place.
5. Ongoing Monitoring
During the course of treatment, your teen will be required to visit the orthodontist every 6-8 weeks. These check-ups help track the progress of treatment, possibly adjust the treatment plan if required, and ensure that everything is moving as it should be.
6. Finishing Treatment
Once the treatment is done and your teen’s teeth have been put in the desired position, some may need to wear a retainer to keep their smile in place. This step is essential before their teeth start drifting back to their original positions.
Advantages of Invisalign for kids
There is a reason why Invisalign has become so popular with kids-and it is not just the aesthetic appeal. Here are a few of its most significant advantages:
1. Almost Invisible
The biggest attraction for most kids is that Invisalign aligners are clear, meaning they are almost invisible. No more showing off metal brackets and wires while smiling. It is one of the least intrusive means for straightening teeth.
2. More Comfortable
Invisalign’s aligners are made of smooth plastic. This means there are no sharp wires or brackets that will cut into the inside of the mouth. Generally, traditional braces cause discomfort, particularly after having the bands adjusted. Invisalign is quite gentler on the gums and cheeks.
3. Removable
Invisalign aligners are removable, so your teenager can get them out to eat and drink whatever they want. This is a huge advantage over traditional braces, where certain foods, like popcorn or gum, are off-limits because they can damage the brackets.
4. Easier to Clean
Because Invisalign aligners may be removed for brushing and flossing, it’s much easier to keep up good oral hygiene throughout the course of the treatment. As a result, food will not lodge between the brackets as with traditional metal braces. Your teen can brush and floss as they normally would.
5. Less Chance of Emergencies
Traditional braces can sometimes lead to broken wires or loose brackets, requiring urgent trips to the orthodontist for repairs. Since Invisalign aligners are free of metal components, there’s much less of a chance of those kinds of emergency visits.
6. Builds Self-Esteem
Many kids are sensitive to their appearance, especially about braces. The clear design of Invisalign enables your teen to straighten their teeth without the added stress of visible metal, helping to boost his or her confidence throughout the treatment process.
How Long Does Invisalign Treatment Take?
The duration of treatment can differ based on the complexity of your teen’s dental problems. In general, it takes around 12 to 18 months for Invisalign treatment for teens. However, some cases may take less time, and some others may require a bit longer, depending on the amount of movement necessitated. More specifically, in relation to your teen’s needs, their orthodontist will be more capable of giving a more specific estimate.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
The cost of Invisalign treatment for kids could be between ₹1,50,000 to ₹3,50,000, depending on so many factors such as the complexity of the case, duration of treatment, and also the location of the orthodontist. The cost of Invisalign often tends to charge the same price as traditional braces in most cases.
Insurance Coverage
Good news: many dental insurance plans cover the treatment of Invisalign like they would traditional orthodontic braces. Always check with your insurance provider to see what specifically is covered and what you might have out-of-pocket.
