The last thing a teen wants is one more thing to be embarrassed about but sometimes with dental issues there is no choice but to get braces. Here is where Invisalign Teen comes to the rescue. I remember being a kid and worried that I would need braces as a teenager. I thought they looked awful to be quite honest. Even when they got all funky and colorful I was like NO WAY! Not me. Apparently I grew up and it didn’t phase me anymore because I can think of any number of teens and adults who have had them and I don’t think they looked so bad anymore, but then, they weren’t on MY teeth and even at that I would prefer another option…one people won’t notice so much.
Photo courtesy of Invisalign
What Invisalign is-
Invisalign has been approved by the FDA since 1998 and they have treated close to 2 million patients in that time. With Invisalign there are no metal wrapped teeth, bonded wires, or little pieces of metal. They use clear plastic trays (aligners) that are specially designed with 3D computer imaging technology, which is able to take digitally made detailed impressions of the teeth and chart a treatment plan to gradually move the teeth into their proper place by applying gentle pressure on them. With the innovation of Invisalign they have now made Invisalign Teen, offering a solution not just for adults but also for pre-teens and teens. Each aligner is worn for approximately 2 weeks, until the teeth are where they need to be for the next stage in treatment. The patient then switches to the next aligner. Most patients will see their Dr. every 6 weeks to ensure the teeth are moving into place and to receive their next few sets of aligners. There is a noticeable difference in as little as 90 days and average treatment time is about a year.
Invisalign is used for: overbite, underbite, crossbite, crowded and widely spaced teeth. Many people are candidates for Invisalign, including adults, however it does need to be noted that this treatment is not the right answer for everyone. Please check with an Invisalign Dr. near you to see if this process is right for you or your teen.
Benefits of Invisalign-
As a teen the last thing you want is to have something negative stand out about you. Braces scream “Something is wrong with me” in a way that a teen cannot miss every time he/she looks in the mirror. Invisalign makes the “work” of straightening teeth practically invisible. Plus what teen wants to have a list of foods they cannot eat? With Invisalign no foods are off limits. No foods get stuck in them and the trays are easily removed for eating and brushing and flossing teeth. Simply wash them with warm water and a toothbrush.
The benefits for mom and dad include one less thing for their teen to feel frustrated by while Invisalign still safely and effectively straightens their teeth, the fact that Invisalign will replace lost trays up to 6 times for free, and the little blue dot on the tray tells whether your teen is wearing their aligner as often as they are suppose to. Another great benefit is that if your teen plays sports, the risk of his/her mouth being seriously cut by braces if he/she is hit in the face, is taken away by the use of these thin plastic trays. Invisalign Teen aligners are also designed specifically for teens, utilizing Eruption Tabs that ensure your teens molars still have the space they need to grow during treatment.
Cost of Invisalign-
The average cost of Invisalign is $5,000. This is dependent on the area you live in and how much your insurance pays. (Yes, most dental insurance will cover Invisalign.) Financing is usually available if you need it. The best part is no matter how many aligners your teen needs in the process of treatment it is all covered under one fee.
Did you have braces as a teen? Love them? Hate them? What do you like about Invisalign?
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*This post has been sponsored by Invisalign. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About Heather McCurdy
Heather McCurdy writes at Real: The Kitchen and Beyond where she shows families how to slow down and savor life on any budget with tasty homemade recipes and family travel.
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