Is it Time for Your Teen to Get Invisalign?

Being a teenager is difficult in its own unique way. School and peer pressures are nothing to be ignored, and everyone wants to be accepted and fit in with the rest of the crowd. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for your teen to desire a perfect smile with beautifully aligned teeth. However, the path to such a smile is often ridden with years of braces and metal brackets. Although the stigma around braces has died off immensely in recent years, it can remain an area of insecurity for many. Luckily, there is another option available!

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a special orthodontic treatment that doesn’t involve the use of any metal brackets or wires. Instead, you’ll wear a set of transparent plastic retainers that will slowly reshape your teeth just like traditional braces would. These retainers are practically invisible and are removeable. As your teeth begin to move and settle into their new locations, new sets of retainers will be sent to you. Because the retainers are custom designed to fit your teeth, the discomfort that metal braces and brackets are so famous for is not an issue here.

What are the Benefits of Invisalign?

Invisalign is aptly named, as the retainers may as well be invisible when you’re wearing them. This allows your teen to put them on in the morning and wear them throughout the entire school day without fear of being called out. Furthermore, the retainers are easily removed, providing a high degree of flexibility and comfort. Taking them out for meal time and popping them back in after is a cinch! While having traditional braces on would restrict many food options, Invisalign allows you to enjoy any kind of food you would normally enjoy.

What are the Advantages Over Traditional Braces?

Regular braces do the job just fine, so why bother with Invisalign at all? The main factor comes back to patient comfort. As we know, teenagers are going through a difficult time in their development, and it is very important that they feel safe and accepted by their peers. Invisalign allows one to reap the full benefits of orthodontic treatment without the hassle and discomfort. Perhaps most useful is the ability to remove the retainers when necessary, which has a wide variety of benefits beyond those of convenience at meal times. For example, those who play sports are able to wear a mouthguard without interference. Because you don’t need to brush and floss around metal wires, maintaining oral hygiene also is much easier.

Invisalign is still relatively new and exciting, but has already shown incredible promise and opportunity. Now’s as good of a time as any to start! Centennial Smiles Dental is happy to answer any further questions you and your teen may have. Reach us at  (587) 317-7959 today!