Dental professionals often recommend orthodontic treatment for young adult patients because their permanent teeth have grown into place but their smiles have not yet completely fused into place. Teeth straightening and jaw alignment can be completed more easily in teenagers.
Teens tend to prefer discreet Invisalign treatment over traditional braces, but is this always the most appropriate option? Dr. Wayne Sankey, an orthodontist in Flower Mound, TX, outlines questions that you should consider before pursuing Invisalign treatment for your teen.
Will My Teen Use Invisalign as Directed?
Invisalign is a tooth straightening treatment that features clear plastic aligners custom-made to fit and align a patient’s unique smile. The orthodontist will provide the aligners that the patient will need, as they will be swapped out approximately every two weeks over the course of 12 to 18 months.
Though the aligners are removable and should be taken out of the mouth while eating and completing one’s oral hygiene routine, Invisalign needs to be in place for 22 hours a day in order to be effective. Many teens will not mind wearing Invisalign, as its clear color and secure fit will not disrupt their smile.
But some young patients will struggle to adhere to their orthodontic treatment plan and will therefore have difficulty achieving optimal results. You should discuss how Invisalign works with your teen before choosing this treatment in order to ensure they are ready to commit to this process.
Is Removable Treatment the Best Choice for My Teen?
Removable orthodontic treatment with Invisalign has many advantages, especially for young patients. Teens appreciate that they will not have dietary restrictions with Invisalign because they can take out the fixtures when eating and drinking, unlike with braces.
However, teens often lead an active and hectic lifestyle. They may remove Invisalign while eating in the school cafeteria or playing a sport and then misplace the aligners. Replacing the aligners can be stressful and expensive. So you should check that your teen is ready for this responsibility before choosing Invisalign.
Learn More About Invisalign for Teen Patients in Flower Mound, TX
Flower Mound Orthodontics offers Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments to adult and teen patients in Flower Mound, TX. If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, schedule an exam with an expert orthodontist today. To request an appointment with Dr. Sankey, contact our staff online or reach us by phone at 972.833.8212.