For many teens, braces are a rite of passage. But why is the process of aligning your teeth so tied to the concept of adolescence? Well, because of science! Teen years are often the time when you lose your last baby teeth, making this an optimal time to rectify issues like malocclusion, improper tooth spacing or poor alignment. Depending on your particular case, your orthodontist may recommend one of a variety of treatments, from traditional metal braces to other orthodontic appliances. One such option for teens is the groundbreaking modern technology of Invisalign® Teen!
Invisalign® clear aligners have become an incredibly popular choice for patients of all ages! That’s why Butterfoss Barton Orthodontics is proud to provide Invisalign® Teen, the special system of clear, removable aligners make especially for teens! This system lets you eat what you want, makes it easier to keep up your dental hygiene and is virtually invisible, so you can smile with confidence!
Traditional metal braces are still a great option for any teen, and there are certain situations that metal braces are uniquely qualified to care for, but these aligners are designed specifically with teens in mind, and are a great option for many young adults! For more information about Invisalign®, as well as information about how these aligner treatments work, be sure to check out the Invisalign® tab!
What Sets Invisalign® Teen Apart?
Invisalign® aligners are intended to be worn about 22 hours out of the day, meaning you only really take it off for eating, brushing your teeth or important special occasions. The best thing about Invisalign® Teen is that, even when you are wearing your aligners, it’s pretty hard to tell you’re wearing anything at all!
Being removable doesn’t just help you when it comes to cosmetics, though! Another benefit of aligners over traditional braces is that they make it easier to eat and clean your teeth as you normally would. Having wire braces bonded to your teeth means accepting some new dietary and dental hygiene habits to get the most out of the braces. With removable clear aligners, there is nothing to stop you from brushing and flossing your teeth as normal, and you can enjoy all the same snacks and foods you always have.
Invisalign® also offers relief from some of the common problems that occur with traditional metal braces. The metal wires and brackets in traditional braces can cause irritation and occasionally an uncomfortable poking sensation when wires become misaligned. The soft, flexible plastic material that makes up Invisalign® trays makes this kind of discomfort a rare occurrence!
Why Just for Teens?
Clear aligners for adults have been used for over a decade, but they weren’t recommended for use by teens until recently. Why, you ask? Well, there were two primary reasons for this:
First, it was believed that teens may fail to wear a removable treatment for the recommended 22 hours per day. The removability of Invisalign® aligners is one of its biggest advantages, but it can also turn into its biggest disadvantage if the patient doesn’t have the conviction and responsibility to wear them for the necessary amount of time.
Secondly, many teens still have some permanent teeth erupting, meaning they still have teeth emerging from below the gums. With this movement occurring in tandem with the aligner treatment, the precisely planned movement of the teeth could be disrupted.
So, how did Invisalign® Teen solve this issue? With modern technology, of course! The first problem has been addressed with the addition of “compliance indicators” in the form of colored dots which fade over time as the aligners are worn in the mouth. This lets your orthodontist know if you’ve been following the plan! The second problem comes in the form of “eruption tabs” built into the aligners to hold space for teeth that have not yet fully erupted.
For more information about orthodontic treatment options, explore the rest of our website and call us today to learn if you’re one of the many people ready to start a journey to a beautiful, aligned smile with Invisalign®!
