For Kids
Invisalign was traditionally recommended for older children, teens, and adults, as it required full eruption of permanent teeth (such as second molars). However, Invisalign has recently released a new product designed specifically for young, growing patients who need help creating space for their adult teeth to come in, called Invisalign First. It is an effective and gentle approach to treating younger patients with the added benefits of more gentle tooth movement, fewer comfort appointments, and the ability to better clean and floss around teeth without appliances or brackets in the way
Encouraging regular wear through consistent reminders, positive reinforcement, and establishing a routine is key. Beyond that, we at Greg Brown Orthodontics take it upon ourselves to communicate, educate, and motivate our patients to help them understand the importance of regular wear and get excited about their treatment. We aim to help alleviate some of the pressure that parents may take on to achieve treatment success for their children.
Not only are Invisalign aligners made from medical-grade, BPA-free plastic and designed without sharp edges, making them safe for children to use, they also carry additional benefits. The nature of smaller, more gradual tooth movements leads to more comfortable treatment for patients, as well as limiting comfort appointments that accompany treatment with traditional braces (such as loose brackets or pokey wires). Another added benefit is that patients do not need to adjust their diet or beverage choices the way they do with traditional braces.
Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing for easier brushing and flossing compared to traditional braces. Good oral hygiene practices are essential to prevent cavities and maintain overall dental health.
For Teens
Invisalign aligners are removable, offering flexibility for teens to continue enjoying sports and musical instruments without interruption. However, consistent wear is essential for effective treatment.
Absolutely! Special Invisalign aligners can be designed for teens with a mix of baby and permanent teeth, guiding the eruption and growth of new teeth throughout treatment.
This is one of the biggest benefits of Invisalign- teens do not have to adjust their diet or beverage choices! Aligners should be removed while eating or drinking anything other than water. This flexibility allows teens to enjoy their favorite foods without dietary restrictions.
The removability of Invisalign aligners facilitates better oral hygiene, as teens can brush and floss normally without brackets and wires obstructing easy access to hard-to-reach places, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and cavities. Invisalign’s clear, smooth aligners also reduce orthodontic comfort concerns, such as loose brackets or pokey wires.
For Adults
This is another benefit of Invisalign- using Invisalign aligners, we are able to isolate specific tooth movements to work around an immobile restoration (such as a bridge or implant) whereas traditional braces encounter limitations in similar situations. It is, however, important to have a consultation to assess individual dental circumstances.
Invisalign's clear aligners are discreet, making them a suitable choice for adults concerned about the appearance of orthodontic appliances in professional or social settings. It is important that we place attachments (tooth-colored bumps) on certain teeth to facilitate tooth movement. However, the ability to remove the aligners themselves in certain social situations allows patients to feel confident in their smile, and is a perk compared to fixed traditional braces.
While adult teeth may move more slowly than those of younger individuals, overall treatment times are often similar, depending on the complexity of the case.
Invisalign can address many complex dental issues in adults, but a thorough evaluation is needed to determine if it's the most suitable treatment option.
