Is Invisalign for Teens an Alternative to Braces?

Invisalign® for Teens is a viable option for some dental patients but not all. Your child's dentist will consider certain factors, such as how crooked the child's teeth are. If your teenager is a candidate for Invisalign, you can weigh the pros and cons of aligners and traditional braces to decide which works with your kid's lifestyle.

Invisalign

Invisalign for Teens corrects crooked teeth using the application of pressure to the teeth. Clear aligners sit over teeth to create the force that ultimately straightens the patient's teeth. In addition, this alternative to classic braces is more discreet because of the clear color.

How do they work?

Each week, patients visit their dentist for a new set of aligners. With every set, your teen will be one step closer to the smile of their dreams. The straightening devices can be removed to allow the wearer to eat and care for their mouths as normal but should remain in place for at least 22 hours of the day. If your child fails to wear Invisalign as prescribed, it could result in a longer timeframe for the device to work as intended.

What are the benefits?

  • Minimal pain
  • Extractable
  • Simpler to care for teeth
  • Barely noticeable
  • No damaged brackets or wires

What are the drawbacks?

  • Effectiveness varies based on individual dental issues
  • Costly
  • Necessitates willpower to keep them in the mouth
  • Easily misplaced

Traditional Braces

Classic braces consist of brackets bonded to the patient's teeth utilizing dental adhesive. The brackets are connected using wires that lace through them. This shifts your child's teeth into a straighter position. If your teen has a misaligned bite, this option is likely the teeth-straightening method your dentist will suggest.

How do they work?

Traditional braces must be placed at an oral health care provider's office. The placement of brackets and wires requires several hours. The process entails adhering the brackets to the front teeth while metal rings are positioned around molars. The braces work to move teeth using the wires and elastics to shift the teen's teeth and bite. Patients typically see their dental professional to have their braces adjusted twice each month. The adjustments take about 30 minutes.

What are the benefits?

  • Effective
  • Reasonably priced
  • Multiple color options for brackets and band colors available
  • Works well for bite issues and extremely crooked teeth

What are the drawbacks?

  • Requires exceptional oral care
  • Brackets sometimes fall off of teeth
  • Certain foods must be given up
  • Brackets can aggravate the inside of the mouth

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign for Teens in Miami, FL

Conclusion

Deciding whether to use Invisalign for Teens or classic braces entails contemplating your child's dental needs and preferences. For example, if your teenager has very crooked teeth or a misaligned bite, they will probably need traditional braces to correct the dental issues. On the other hand, if the patient has only slightly crooked teeth, your child can likely select Invisalign. Speak with your teenager and dentist to decide which option makes sense.

Request an appointment or call Miami Implant & Family Dentists at 305-230-4040 for an appointment in our Miami office.

Recent Posts

Commonly Asked Questions About Invisalign For Teens

It is easy to understand why Invisalign® for teens is such a popular teeth-straightening treatment. It removes the need for traditional braces that can be cumbersome, conspicuous, and sometimes painful. Parents and teens alike should find out all they can about Invisalign® treatment before making the decision to proceed.If you are not sure what to…

Invisalign For Teens: FAQs About The Procedure

Invisalign® has been around for a little more than two decades and, in that time, has corrected millions of smiles. As a result, dentists feel confident recommending Invisalign® for teens, which is precisely what it sounds like — a clear aligner system designed specifically for teens’ smiles. As a parent, you may have several concerns…

Invisalign For Teens: What Foods To Avoid

Many families with adolescents in need of straighter smiles are opting for Invisalign® for teens over traditional braces. Braces use wires and frequent adjustments to straighten each tooth individually. Invisalign clear aligners straighten all the teeth at once and are swapped out for new ones about every two weeks during the process. These aligners are…

Miami Implant & Family Dentists

Share
Published by
Miami Implant & Family Dentists

Recent Posts

5 Benefits of Teeth Whitening from a Cosmetic Dentist

Professional teeth whitening offers a fast and effective way to enhance the appearance of the…

1 day ago

Dental Veneers 101: What Cosmetic Dentists Want Patients to Know

A cosmetic dentist often recommends dental veneers to enhance the appearance of teeth affected by…

2 days ago

Professional Teeth Whitening from a Cosmetic Dentist vs. In-Store Options

A cosmetic dentist offers a range of specialized services, including professional teeth whitening. Teeth whitening…

1 week ago

Proper Care Tips from an Invisalign® Dentist

Seeing an Invisalign® dentist is a popular way to straighten teeth without using metal braces.

1 week ago

How to Maintain Results After Cosmetic Dental Treatments

A cosmetic dentist can transform the appearance and function of your smile, restoring confidence and…

1 week ago

Smile Goals: When to See a Cosmetic Dentist vs. an Orthodontist

A cosmetic dentist can be any dentist who helps improve the look of the smile…

2 weeks ago