Quick Summary
Invisalign uses clear plastic trays instead of the wires and brackets of metal braces, so a teenager's straightening is far less obvious. The process begins with impressions and x-rays, and the mould taken from the impressions is the reference for the custom trays. A series of trays gradually moves the teeth. Trays come out before eating, so there are no food restrictions.
Being a teenager can be difficult, and being a teen whose smile could use some improvement can be even more difficult. If your teen suffers from gapped, crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth, you may be looking into Invisalign with your teen’s orthodontist as a smile solution.
In the past, metal braces were the standard for teens, leading to “metal mouth” smiles and the worry that food is caught there during lunch or after snacks. Metal braces can lead to even more self-consciousness for your teen. Using Invisalign will lead to the same results as traditional metal braces. While metal braces use wires and brackets to straighten teeth, Invisalign uses clear plastic trays, allowing your teen’s process of tooth straightening to be less obvious.
The Invisalign process begins with impressions and x-rays, providing valuable information regarding the current condition of your teen’s teeth. The mold made from the impressions serves as the reference for creating the custom-made Invisalign trays. A series of trays are used, gradually altering the teeth, leading to a more comfortable straightening process.
Invisalign trays are removed before eating, eliminating the trepidation associated with eating in public with traditional metal braces. Because there is no hardware to dislodge, there are no food restrictions, and your teen may continue to enjoy whatever foods desired.
Your teen will need to have good oral hygiene habits. Flossing once a day and brushing after mealtimes or at least twice a day is best. Invisalign trays are removed prior to these activities, allowing for an ease of oral care not provided by traditional braces.
Be sure your teen wears the Invisalign trays as recommend by his or her orthodontist. In order to maximize Invisalign effectiveness, your teen must wear the trays at all times, except during mealtimes or when brushing or flossing.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Billerica dental office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Invisalign process start for a teen?
It begins with impressions and x-rays, which provide information about the current condition of your teen's teeth. The mould made from the impressions serves as the reference for creating the custom-made Invisalign trays.
Can my teen still eat normally?
Yes. Invisalign trays are removed before eating, so there is no hardware to dislodge and no food restrictions. Your teen can continue to eat whatever they like, and the trays also come out for brushing and flossing.
What does my teen need to do for this to work?
Your teen must wear the trays as recommended by their orthodontist, at all times except during mealtimes or when brushing or flossing. Good oral hygiene habits matter too: flossing once a day and brushing after meals, or at least twice a day.
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