If you have a teenage kid invisible braces, you might most likely be concerned about their teeth alignment. A teenager who wants straight teeth always wants to find a way to do it without metal braces to keep it discreet. This is where invisible braces come in. Invisible aligners are like metal braces, but transparent, offering an aesthetic appeal.
They are made of a plastic-like material and straighten your teeth in a very discreet manner. The following article offers a complete guide to what a parent should keep in mind before considering teeth straightening options for their teen. From advantages and limitations to what to expect during a treatment, everything will be discussed in the following article.
What are invisible braces?
Invisible braces are a set of aligners used for teeth straightening. Invisible braces are very different from the traditional metal braces. While metal braces are attached to the teeth with wires and brackets, invisible aligners are made of a plastic like material that cannot be seen when worn. They push your teeth to their proper position in a very discreet manner.One of the many good things about invisible aligners is that they can be taken off and on anytime of the day without a dentist’s help.
Furthermore, even with a success rate of 80-90%, invisible aligners are not a good option for everyone. Invisible aligners, in many cases are not good for people who are going through a periodontal disease treatment. However, in the case of a healthy teenager, if periodontal disease is caught early and is under control, invisible aligners may be used after proper consultation.
Advantages of invisible braces for teens
By the year 2023, 4 million teens had been treated with invisible braces, making them a huge game changer in the lives of teenagers. Here are a few benefits of using invisible braces for teeth straightening as a teenager:
- Enhanced confidence: WIth invisible braces in your teeth, you can laugh, smile and speak in public without having to worry about metal wires and brackets emerging out all of a sudden. Since they are invisible and cannot be noticed, you will never have to feel self-conscious again.
- Comfortable and easy to use: One of the many good things about these is that they are very comfortable to use and wear. Neither will it irritate your gums, nor will it cause pain.
- No dietary restrictions: Good news for teens! Now you don;t have to worry about cleaning your braces every time you eat something. In case of invisible aligners, you can take them off and on anytime you want.
You may take them off before you start eating and put them back on after you’re done eating. However, some dentists do recommend avoiding sticky substances to be eaten when you have braces on.
- Easy to remove stains: If you ever get stains on your aligners, you can easily remove stains from them using different bleaching techniques.
- Customized to teeth: They are customized as per your oral cavity to fit perfectly to your teeth. They will be made using digital scans.
Limitations of invisible braces for teens
Even with a lot of advantages, invisible braces offer a few limitations:
- Time: you have to comply with the treatment time. You must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. This can be difficult particularly for teenagers who want to keep them off for a few hours or so.
- Limited to a few cases: Invisible braces are not the right choice for people who have severe orthodontic issues. In such cases, metal braces with brackets and wires work perfectly for proper alignment.
- Costly: Invisible braces are costly, most probably because of their appealing aesthetics. But, many dental insurance companies and clinics offer plans that allow you to get invisible braces.
Furthermore, it is important to note that every patient is different and responds differently to teeth straightening using aligners. Some may take up to 18 months for proper alignment whereas some may get straight teeth within a year.
What to expect during the teeth straightening treatment?
Here is a complete guide to the procedure of the teeth straightening treatment. You will find everything you can expect during the treatment.
- Consultation: the first step is consulting an orthodontist for your teen’s treatment. During the initial consultation, the dental professional will take a look at and evaluate your teen’s oral condition while taking impressions of the structure of his/her mouth.
- Scans and customizing: The orthodontist will take scans to help customize invisible braces for your teen’s mouth. The braces will be made in such a way that they will fit perfectly to your teen’s mouth.
- Receiving invisible braces: three weeks after your consultation, your teen will receive his/her first set of aligners. These braces are suggested to be worn for 22 hours a day and only to be taken off when you need to eat or drink something
- Follow-up checkups: The orthodontist may want to stay up to date regarding your child’s teeth straightening treatment and suggest some routine checkups every few weeks. The dentist may also provide a new set of invisible braces upon every checkup.
- Aftercare: taking good care of your braces is what you need to do till your treatment ends. Make sure to take off your aligners when waiting or drinking something that may stain them. Retainers will be provided by your doctor after the braces to keep your teeth in their position.
Conclusion
In coming to an end, it is best for you to consider consulting a good orthodontist for your child if he/she wants a teeth straightening treatment. Make sure to consider the advantages and limitations of the procedure before making a decision.
If your teen also needs a teeth straightening treatment, visit Lycian Dental Clinic where we offer 24/7 consultation and the best orthodontist in town. Getting invisible braces is a big decision, so make sure to contact our doctor regarding your insurance as well as the treatment.
