How Invisalign Teen can Transform Your Teenager’s Smile

Teenager with Invisalign teen

It is said that the average teenager takes over 4 selfies every day. This provides many opportunities for them to scrutinise their facial appearance and smile. It is no wonder then that many teens are self conscious about an imperfect smile, caused by crooked, misaligned or gappy teeth. Luckily for these youngsters, there is an orthodontic treatment tailored exactly for their needs - Invisalign Teen.

Based on the adult version of the teeth straightening treatment, Invisalign Teen uses transparent custom moulded clear aligners to gradually move the teeth into a more desirable position.

Let’s look at why your teenager may need braces and how Invisalign Teen can transform their smile.

Why do teenagers need braces?

It’s not just about improving self-confidence, straightening the teeth can solve many dental problems that teens might be experiencing, including:

  • Crowded or unevenly spaced teeth
  • Deep bite - where the front teeth bite deeper than they should and overlap the bottom jaw
  • Overbite - where the upper teeth protrude in front of the lower teeth
  • Underbite - where the lower teeth push out further than the upper teeth
  • Breathing heavily through the mouth
  • Difficulty brushing and flossing due to teeth positioning
  • Biting the cheeks or roof of the mouth

Why wait until the teen years to have braces fitted?

The ideal age for children to start braces treatment is around 12 to 13 years old, when they have most or all of their adult teeth through but their mouth and jaws are still growing. Of course, it is completely possible to have braces treatment before then, but it all depends on the individual’s situation and the severity of the dental issues.

Why choose Invisalign Teen?

There are many different types of braces to correct dental issues, with the most common and cost-effective being metal braces. However, many teenagers, who are already conscious about their smile, may be put off by the ‘train track’ appearance of fixed braces, even though they are continually improving in terms of technology and inconspicuousness.

The best thing about Invisalign aligners is that they are very discreet, so it is not at all obvious to others that you are having teeth straightening treatment. This will be very appealing for teenagers, who don’t want to feel self-conscious in social situations or when taking selfies to share with friends.

Invisalign Teen uses a system of transparent aligners, changed every six to eight weeks to gradually move the teeth into a new position. The aligners are completely removable, allowing your teen to eat and drink without restriction and to clean their teeth effectively.  Handy blue wear indicators allow us to gauge how long your teen has been wearing their aligners, to help make sure they are not taking them out and forgetting to put them back in!

What parents love about Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen has been developed with the lifestyle and development of teenagers in mind, that’s why the aligners can compensate for the eruption of canines and second molars. And because teens are known for misplacing things, we provide six free individual replacement aligners, so that effective treatment can continue even if an aligner gets lost or left out for the dog to chew!

Parents will also love the fact that compared to traditional braces treatments, Invisalign Teen typically requires less orthodontic appointments and less chances of emergency appointments as there are no metal brackets or wires to become damaged.

How long does Invisalign Teen take to work?

As with all braces treatments, the length of time required and the results expected will depend upon the individual's teeth and the nature of the dental issues.

In general, teenagers can expect to wear Invisalign aligners for around 12 to 18 months. Success, will of course also depend upon the teen wearing aligners as directed and continuing to maintain great oral health so as to avoid any complications. It will also be important to wear a retainer for the specified period of time after braces treatment finishes, as this ensures that the teeth do not lapse back into their original position.

Book your teen in for a consultation

We are currently offering free video consultations for children and teen braces, giving you and your teenager the chance to find out more about Invisalign Teen and other braces treatments from the comfort of your own home.

Click here to book your consultation today, or call our practice on 020 8646 6200 for more information.