Dr. Wayne L. Sankey is a premier Diamond Invisalign provider in Flower Mound, TX. He offers a full range of orthodontic solutions for patients of all ages, including Invisalign Teen®. Invisalign Teen clear aligners are a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that allows teens to straighten their smiles without sacrificing their appearance. Clear aligners are an orthodontic service that Dr. Sankey provides to his patients. Since they are removable, you can eat what you want without restriction.
In addition, Invisalign Teen offers these benefits:
- Virtually invisible
- You can remove your aligners to eat and perform your daily oral hygiene routine
- Complete comfort: no metal brackets or wires
- Your treatment plan is completely customized to meet your needs
How Does Invisalign Teen Work?
Invisalign Teen is a system that uses clear aligners designed specifically for teens. As one of the leading orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages, Invisalign is one of the most convenient and effective solutions to straighten crooked teeth. By using clear, removable aligners, your teen can achieve a straighter smile in no time.
Traditional metal braces rely on brackets, wires, and bands to shift the teeth, while Invisalign uses a simple, removable aligner. While undergoing Invisalign treatment, your teen will receive multiple aligners custom-designed to fit comfortably over their teeth.
Each set of aligners will create localized pressure on the teeth, causing them to shift into proper alignment. The aligners are worn for at least 22 hours daily and are changed weekly throughout your teen’s Invisalign treatment. While there may be minimal discomfort when switching out new aligners, Invisalign is generally an effective and comfortable way to straighten your smile.
Invisalign Teen Vs. Invisalign for Adults
There are a couple of differences the Invisalign Teen system has compared to the typical adult Invisalign system. Teens can be forgetful and not as disciplined as adults. Because of this, Invisalign Teen has a tiny blue dot on the back of the aligners. This dot changes colors depending on how often they’re wearing the aligners. You can monitor the color on the dot and ensure that they’re wearing the aligners as often as they need to for the proper results.
Teens also get more replacement aligners than adults do. Teens are always very active and, again, a bit less responsible than adults are. More frequent replacement aligners ensure that treatment progresses as it should, even if they misplace a set of aligners.
Custom Invisalign Treatment
Invisalign Teen offers different attachments for certain cases to ensure patients get the necessary treatment. SmartForce attachments apply some extra pressure to specific teeth to help guide them into place. They’re little tooth-colored shapes that are subtle and attach to your teeth. They’re gentle but help the aligners provide the correct force in the right direction. SmartForce attachments allow the aligners to make more complex tooth movements without metal braces.
Precision wings are our solution to more complex mandible positioning. They’re designed to help patients who have an overbite. With the wings, there’s just enough force to help push your jaw forward into the correct positioning. Precision wings help treat class II malocclusion in teenage patients.
A Clear Alternative To Metal Braces
Many people dislike the look and feel of metal braces; this is especially true among younger patients. They often look for an alternative to traditional metal braces. In those cases, Invisalign Teen may be the solution they’ve been searching for. With Invisalign Teen, patients can straighten their teeth without sacrificing the appearance of their smile. Invisalign Teen offers these key benefits for patients who are seeking an alternative to metal braces:
- Clear aligners
- Aligners can be removed to eat, brush, and floss
- Fewer dental appointments
- Nearly invisible when worn
- A comfortable solution for many common orthodontic problems
- Treatment plans are customized to meet your individual goals and dental needs
- Fewer diet restrictions
- Easier to keep your teeth clean
Is Invisalign Teen Right For Me?
Invisalign aligners are specifically made to shift the teeth into their proper position. The Invisalign process is customizable to meet the needs of the patients. Our team works with our patients individually to assess their orthodontic needs and create a customized Invisalign treatment.
While traditional braces may be a more viable option for many patients, Invisalign Teen offers comparable results. We invite you to visit our Flower Mound Orthodontics office to learn about Invisalign treatment. Dr. Sankey is a trusted orthodontist committed to helping patients achieve a straighter smile.
Will Invisalign Teen be noticeable to others?
Invisalign is usually hard to detect on a person. However, people may still see that you have them. People may be able to see the aligners when you talk or smile. Overall, Invisalign is a discreet and comfortable treatment option for people looking to straighten their teeth.
Can I play sports and participate in other activities while wearing Invisalign aligners?
You can generally participate in sports and other activities while wearing Invisalign aligners. However, if you participate in contact sports or other activities with a risk of getting hit in the mouth, you should remove your aligners. You should remove your aligners when participating in sports such as American football, hockey, soccer, wrestling, and most martial arts. Cycling, basketball, baseball, and tennis are sports that may allow you to keep your Invisalign aligners on.
Can I eat and drink with Invisalign aligners, or should I remove them?
You should remove your Invisalign aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. You can damage or discolor your aligners by exposing them to certain foods or beverages. They also may not fit properly if they become dirty or contaminated.
Will insurance cover Invisalign Teen treatment?
Whether or not your insurance will cover Invisalign Teen treatment depends on the specific terms of your insurance policy. Some insurance plans may cover some of the cost of Invisalign Teen treatment, while others may not. To find out if your insurance plan covers Invisalign, you will need to check with your insurance provider. Some insurance companies may also have a website or customer service hotline that you can use to get more information about your coverage.
How long does Invisalign take for teens?
The length of Invisalign treatment for teens can vary depending on the severity of their orthodontic issues and their individual treatment plan. In general, Invisalign treatment for teens takes an average of about 12 to 18 months to complete, although it can take longer or shorter depending on the specific needs of the patient.
Schedule A Consultation
Are you wondering if Invisalign Teen is right for your teen?
Visit the trusted team of professionals at Flower Mound Orthodontics. Our office offers an extensive selection of orthodontic treatments to address many orthodontic concerns. Our team will assess your teen’s orthodontic needs and determine which treatment best suits them. To schedule a consultation, please call 972.833.8212 or request a consultation online.