Being a teen is no easy feat, especially in today’s world of photo filters and social media influencers. While we want our teens to be given the best oral health opportunities, we don’t want to impact their social lives or daily functions. Therefore, you may be waffling between which orthodontic treatments are best for your child. Today, we will explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of Invisalign among teenagers compared to traditional braces, highlighting the benefits, trends, and considerations.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Orthodontics
As a brief explanation, let us take a moment to define the difference between Invisalign and traditional teen orthodontics:
Invisalign treatment utilizes a set of clear, removable medical-grade plastic aligners to gently move the teeth into the proper position. Throughout the treatment, the patient moves through a series of aligners about every week until they reach the desired position.
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are carefully attached to the teeth. These appliances move the teeth into position and can be modified with bands or manual adjustment by an orthodontist.
Benefits of Invisalign for Teen Orthodontics
Working in teen orthodontics, we have found that making the treatment process comfortable, easy, and aesthetically pleasing is the most beneficial for teens.
#1: Enhanced Comfort
Traditional braces use metal brackets that can irritate the gums, lips, cheeks, and tongue, making the mouth sore and affecting one’s speech. Invisalign, on the other hand, is made with smooth plastic. This enhanced comfort is an excellent benefit to teens, especially given that frequent talking is a requirement in school life, whether chatting with friends or giving a presentation in class.
#2: Quick Removability
Traditional braces are attached to the teeth and cannot be removed, which can be an obstacle for teens who are trying to eat a meal, clean their teeth, or play sports and musical instruments. Invisalign can be removed from the mouth as needed. This allows teens to enjoy all their favorite foods without restrictions, perform oral hygiene efficiently, and engage in activities like contact sports or musical performances. The ability to remove the aligners causes less of an impact on teen’s lifestyles and improves the likelihood of better oral care.
#3: Improved Aesthetics
As we mentioned above, being a teen isn’t easy. With many teens facing body image issues, adding another layer of discomfort isn’t always the preferred choice. While traditional braces treatments can be personalized with colored bands, Invisalign is a nearly invisible solution. In most cases, people don’t even notice they are there unless it is pointed out. This can improve a teen’s confidence and allow them to continue smiling and talking without being self-conscious.
Innovations in Invisalign Technology
Gone are the days of goopy molds! What you may have experienced as a teen with braces isn’t the same as what we can do today; technology has come far to increase efficiency and comfort.
For example, we now use advanced 3D imaging technology to create a digital model of a patient’s teeth to devise a treatment plan. This allows us to gauge the specific patient’s needs accurately and create a visual demonstration to share with them. Plus, our offices are designed to be receptive to patients of all ages, promoting comfort rather than fear.
Should My Teen Get Invisalign?
When it comes to choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces, it depends on the individual. There is no one-size-fits-all answer because every teen is different, from their oral needs to their personality. As a parent or guardian, you have greater insight into your teen’s abilities, so here is what we advise you and your teen to consider together:
If you have a responsible teen you can trust to follow the necessary wear (18-22 hours per day) and maintenance instructions, we recommend Invisalign. Especially if your teen is an active individual who plays sports or music, or may be self-conscious with traditional braces, Invisalign is the more discreet and functional option.
On the flip side, if your teen is not yet ready for the responsibility of Invisalign or has a more complex dental case that requires stricter oral care, traditional braces provide a foolproof and more durable method for comprehensive treatment.
However, before making any decisions, it is vital to speak with an orthodontist to see your treatment options.
Greg Brown Orthodontics – Your Expert in Teen Orthodontics
The first step to any oral health treatment is an exam and consultation with an orthodontist. At Greg Brown Orthodontics, we specialize in teen orthodontics, providing an exceptional experience for your family while making the treatment easy and comfortable for your child.
We understand that going to the orthodontist’s office is rarely at the top of your or your teen’s preferred to-do list. That is why we spend the time crafting a strong relationship with both the parent and teen so that the treatment journey can be enjoyed.
During your consultation, our experienced providers will discuss the pros and cons of your treatment options. We love questions and are happy to explain each option’s duration, lifestyle impacts, and aesthetic considerations. We will actively listen to you and your teen’s concerns and preferences—we want you and them to feel valued and heard.
Our top-tier service doesn’t end there. Throughout treatment, we will not only focus on the technical aspects of your treatment but continue to be an active supporter in your journey. We will provide education guidance and be available to answer any questions or concerns that pop up along the way.
If you are ready to start your teen’s journey to a healthy and beautiful smile, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with Greg Brown Orthodontics today to find out if Invisalign is the right choice for your teen and start their journey to a beautiful smile!
