Invisalign has become a household name, almost as synonymous to clear aligners as Band-Aid is to adhesive bandages. This recognition is because they have created a stellar reputation as the leading clear aligner provider and innovator. And now they’ve created Invisalign for Teens, a similar treatment program for younger patients. To help your children get the most out of their Invisalign experience, Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics has put together the following tips to create your teen’s guide to Invisalign.
Why Invisalign For Teens?
Understanding your teenager’s needs can be challenging, especially when it comes to their dental health and confidence. Fortunately, Invisalign created a modern solution for teens to straighten their teeth. Unlike traditional braces with noticeable metal brackets and wires, Invisalign offers a nearly invisible method using clear, custom-made aligners. These aligners are discreet and removable, allowing your teen to eat their favorite foods without restriction, easily maintain impeccable oral hygiene, and have the confidence of an almost undetectable treatment method.
How To Get The Most Of Invisalign Treatment
Though the removability of Invisalign clear aligners does provide your teen with freedom and flexibility, it can also cause some problems if they’re not careful. Here are a few ways your teen can take advantage of the benefits without jeopardizing their treatment.
Wear the trays
Orthodontic technology has come so far in recent years, but unfortunately, the aligners don’t work from a distance. Your teen does have to wear the aligners for twenty to twenty-two hours a day to straighten their teeth and jaw. It takes as little as one day to see noticeable regression, and the more days they miss, the more likely the trays will not fit when they try to wear them again! It’s also worth noting that Invisalign for Teens trays have a Compliance Dot that will tell on them if they’re not wearing them!
Stay on schedule
Invisalign treatment involves a series of trays, each worn for one to two weeks before advancing to the next. Sometimes, patients may be inclined to speed the process by moving to the next one in the set early or skipping a tray entirely in hopes of fast-forwarding their treatment. While we are just as excited as you and your teen are to see their bite aligned, we strongly discourage these and similar alterations to the treatment program.
Attempts to speed up treatment risk negatively impacting the final treatment outcome and will likely extend overall treatment time. Following the schedule created by our team is the safest, quickest, and most effective way for your teen to finish their orthodontic journey.
Clean the aligners
Invisalign trays can have the same bacteria and plaque that cause decay, bad breath, and infection as the teeth and gums! If your teen cleans their mouth but not their aligners, they could develop oral health issues. Luckily, cleaning clear aligners takes only a few minutes a day. As long as they carefully follow the cleaning instructions provided by their orthodontist at Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics, your child can preserve their health and the transparency of the trays.
Protect the aligners
Your teen should always put clear aligners in their protective case when they’re not in use! Due to their size and color, Invisalign cases are much easier to keep up with than thin, clear, loose trays. They also shield against germs and physical danger. Damaged, broken, or lost trays could result in prolonged treatment.
Bonus Tip: Encourage teens to keep their previous trays when they advance to the next in the set. If anything happens, they can wear those aligners to keep their teeth from back-shifting too much while waiting on replacements.
Use orthodontic wax
This removable, single-use product is for when the aligner irritates the cheek or gums. Discomfort is more likely to occur as your child adjusts to a new aligner or if their aligner is damaged. Whatever the reason, easy-to-apply orthodontic wax can keep them comfortable and promote continued wear despite agitation.
Invisalign School Survival Kit
Navigating the bustling hallways, juggling classes, social life, and hobbies can be a whirlwind. And if your teen is starting or continuing on their Invisalign journey through all this, packing the following items in their bag as a “clear aligner survival kit” can make it smooth sailing for everyone.
- Travel toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash
- Floss & interproximal toothbrushes
- A reusable water bottle
- Over-the-counter pain medication (check with your child’s school if a parental release to have medicines on campus is needed) and orthodontic wax
- An aligner case
- A small bag that fits in the backpack to store the survival kit
Get More Invisalign For Teens Information From The Experts At Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics!
As a Diamond+ Invisalign provider, you can be sure you and your child are receiving the best Invisalign care possible. Schedule a free consultation with us at one of our convenient locations today to discover if you or your teen qualify for clear aligner treatment!