The American Association of Orthodontists reported in 2016 that nearly 4.3 million patients 17 years old and younger were treated for straighter teeth. That’s a 66% increase since 1989. Orthodontists now offer cutting-edge technology in the pursuit of straighter, healthier teeth. One option is Invisalign.
While wire braces used to be the default solution for a bright and healthy smile, Invisalign technology is now considered an easier and more user-friendly way to go. But can teenagers and kids use Invisalign? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear set of aligners for teeth. Instead of your child or teenager going through years of painful and unsightly orthodontic care, Invisalign works quickly and discreetly to straighten and brighten teeth as they grow. Transparent, molded, and flexible, this innovative aligner solution is one that’ll bring a smile to your teen’s face in no time.
Invisalign aligners are laser-trimmed to fit your child’s mouth and gums. As they are clear, they can be worn on the teeth without anybody noticing and can be removed for special occasions, eating, or brushing teeth. They are designed to cater to the complex movements of the teeth and mouth, with enough flexibility that your child won’t be in pain when they talk or eat. Additionally, unlike traditional braces, Invisalign doesn’t cause as much discomfort. It is designed to grow as your child does. The result? A bright and healthy smile ready for adulthood.
Can Teenagers and Kids Use Invisalign?
The answer to this is yes. Invisalign is available to adults, teenagers, and children. Not only that, it’s actually becoming a highly popular choice and costs about the same as a traditional wire brace.
The maker of the Invisalign brand, Align Technology, reported that between 2013 and 2017, Invisalign solutions were used by almost a quarter of a million adolescents. That’s double the previous few years. Since 2017, their popularity has skyrocketed so much that they’ve overtaken the adult market. And it’s not just adolescents and teens who can use Invisalign, children who still have a few baby teeth can also benefit from this technology. It all depends on the individual child and their orthodontic needs.
Is Invisalign Safe for Teens?
In many ways, Invisalign can be viewed as even safer than traditional wire braces. Here are some of the main reasons Invisalign is safe and easy to use.
Easier To Clean
When you have wire braces, you must take care to clean behind the wire. Otherwise, the plaque will build up and you can be left with rotting teeth and unsightly stains. Invisalign is different because it can be removed entirely while brushing your teeth. This way, the teeth remain clean just as they would without a brace. Also, the aligners can be kept clean because they are easy to remove and can be washed with soap and water in the sink. Again, this promotes better oral hygiene.
Quick and Effective
Traditional wire braces are only removed once teeth have been moved into their designated straight shape. Invisalign not only has an excellent success rate, but does the job quicker than wire braces. While there is no set time that Invisalign should be worn, a big difference can usually be seen in as little as 6 months. The speed at which your child’s smile will improve will make all the difference to their mental and physical well-being. With straighter teeth, they can practice better oral hygiene, enjoy improved confidence, and have fewer reasons to visit the dentist in the future.
No Wires = Fewer Accidents
Wired braces run the risk of coming loose or poking your child in the mouth. A bump to the face can cause some nasty consequences. Invisalign is made from much less harsh material and doesn’t have any pokey wires at risk of damaging your child’s gums during an accident. Since it is removable, it can theoretically be taken out for any contact sports.
Cost of Invisalign
It’s a common misconception that wire braces are cheaper than Invisalign. Initially, in its infancy, this was the case. However, times have changed dramatically since then. Today, Invisalign costs about the same as traditional braces. Your dentist will be able to give you an exact cost, but you can be reassured the difference between these and wire braces are negligible. Yet, the benefits of Invisalign are much greater than the wire alternatives.
The Right Choice for Your Teen or Child
Now, that you know teenagers and kids can use Invisalign, book an appointment to discover the cost and whether or not this is going to be the best solution for your child or teen.
Click here to be redirected to the contact page. Simply fill out your information and one of our friendly staff will get back to you in no time.
Leave a Reply