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There’s a reason Invisalign is growing in popularity yearly among teens at Seabreeze Orthodontics. In fact, there are quite a few of them! Dr. Juan and the team love answering your questions, and many of you have asked us for a how-to for your teen to make their treatment a little easier. So let’s learn about Invisalign, and consider this your teen’s guide to Invisalign.
Understanding Invisalign
Invisalign is a remarkable advancement in orthodontic treatment. It offers top-notch care for your teeth without the need for braces. Instead, you’ll receive a custom-molded set of clear aligning trays. These trays gently apply pressure to guide your teeth into their ideal alignment.
How Invisalign Works
The Invisalign process involves a series of clear aligners that gradually shift your teen’s teeth. Each aligner makes specific adjustments, and they’re replaced approximately every two weeks. This continuous process ensures that your teen’s teeth move progressively toward their desired position.
Benefits of Invisalign
Beyond the convenience of clear aligners, Invisalign offers several advantages, including:
- Discreet appearance, making them nearly invisible.
- Removability for eating, brushing, and flossing.
- Minimal interference with your daily life compared to traditional braces.
- Enhanced comfort due to the absence of metal brackets and wires.
- Fewer orthodontic appointments.
Benefits Of Active Lifestyles
Invisalign is an excellent choice for active teens who engage in sports, enjoy crunchy foods, or play wind instruments. You can remove the trays when necessary, ensuring they won’t interfere with your favorite activities. Whether it’s sports, dining, or playing music, Invisalign adapts to your lifestyle.
Sports and Invisalign
Invisalign’s flexibility is especially valuable for athletes. You can wear a custom mouthguard without the interference of traditional braces. Plus, the aligners offer added protection against accidental mouth injuries during sports.
Food Freedom with Invisalign
Invisalign allows you to continue enjoying your favorite foods without restrictions. Unlike braces, there are no concerns about food getting stuck in brackets or wires. Simply remove the aligners before meals and savor your favorite dishes.
Cost-Effective Orthodontic Care
Contrary to common belief, Invisalign is an affordable option for teens. We are committed to providing customized financial solutions, and the cost is generally comparable to traditional braces. Most insurance plans also cover Invisalign, ensuring accessibility to high-quality orthodontic care.
Ideal for Parents On-the-Go
Invisalign for Teens is a perfect choice for busy parents. It reduces the need for emergency visits and minimizes chair time since you receive sets of aligners in advance. The only increased responsibility is ensuring your teen’s compliance with wearing the trays for 22 hours a day. Aside from that, transitioning to Invisalign means less hassle for busy parents.
Tips for Teens: Caring for Your Invisalign
Properly caring for your Invisalign aligners is essential to ensure a successful orthodontic journey. Here are some condensed tips to help you maintain your aligners and make the most of your treatment.
Consistent wear is crucial. Your orthodontist recommends wearing your Invisalign aligners for at least 22 hours a day. This consistency is key to achieving the desired results within the estimated timeframe. When you’re not wearing your aligners, always store them in their designated case. Avoid exposing or wrapping them in tissue, as this can lead to loss or damage.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is equally important. Before reinserting your aligners after eating or drinking, ensure your teeth are clean. Brushing and flossing will prevent food particles from getting trapped inside the aligners. Additionally, clean your aligners daily using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can distort the aligners, and never use toothpaste, as it can scratch them and create a breeding ground for bacteria.
Handling aligner changes requires care. When transitioning to a new set of aligners, gently remove the old ones and insert the new set using your fingertips. Avoid using excessive force to prevent damage. It’s normal to experience some discomfort or pressure when you start a new set of aligners. This is a sign that your teeth are moving as planned. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate any discomfort.
To avoid staining, remove your aligners before consuming any colored or heavily pigmented foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, or tomato sauce. After eating, rinse your aligners and mouth with water before putting them back in. This helps remove food particles and reduces the risk of stains.
In case you lose or damage an aligner, it’s crucial to contact your orthodontist immediately. Delaying replacement can prolong your treatment duration. While waiting for a replacement aligner, continue wearing the most recent one if possible, and your orthodontist will provide guidance on the best course of action.
Maintaining regular check-ups is a fundamental aspect of your Invisalign journey. Stick to your appointment schedule with your orthodontist, which is typically every eight weeks. These visits are crucial for monitoring your progress and ensuring your treatment remains on track.
By following these streamlined tips and consistently caring for your Invisalign aligners, you’ll enhance your treatment experience and increase the likelihood of achieving your desired smile. Remember that your orthodontist and their team are here to support you throughout your Invisalign journey, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Ready For Invisalign? Give Us a Call!
We hope you’ve had a chance to learn a little more about Invisalign, how it works, and maybe some helpful tips for your teen to thrive during treatment. All that’s left is taking advantage of Dr. Juan’s policy of 100% free-of-charge consultations and finding out if it’s right for you! We’re conveniently located just minutes from anywhere in Myrtle Beach, and we love seeing you smile!