Is Invisalign® right for my teen?
Are you considering Invisalign® clear aligners for your teenager? Invisalign is quickly becoming a common treatment method for children and adults of all ages! Read below for answers to the most common questions about Invisalign for teens.
Hodges Othodontics
Dr. Ryan Hodges — Orthodontic Specialist in Moorpark and Newbury Park, California
How do Invisalign clear aligners work?
Aligners fit comfortably over the teeth and slowly guide them into new positions. Every week, your teen will switch to a new set of aligners that will move the teeth into different positions until they are straight!
What if an aligner is lost?
Most parents are worried about their teenagers losing aligners and are hesitant to begin Invisalign treatment. There is no need to fear! Because aligners are changed every week, if one happens to get lost, your teen can usually progress to the next aligner in the series. As a backup, we also keep measurements on file for each set of aligners and can quickly make replacements as needed.
Doesn’t Invisalign take longer than braces?
In the majority of cases, Invisalign is actually more efficient than traditional braces. Most treatment can be completed in 12-18 months with Invisalign.
Can my teen play sports while wearing the aligners?
Yes! The aligners are totally safe to wear when playing sports. However, please note that they are not mouth guards. If your teen needs to wear a mouth guard for a sport, take the aligners out and wear the mouth guard instead.
What foods should be avoided while wearing the aligners?
Unlike with metal braces, teens can still eat all of their favorite foods after removing the aligners!
Will the aligners make my teen talk funny?
Most teens adjust to their new aligners in just a couple of days. In fact, most can talk and even give presentations in class normally while wearing the aligners.
How many hours a day should the aligners be worn?
For the best results, aligners should be worn at least 22 hours every day, even while sleeping. They should only be taken out when eating, brushing and flossing, and wearing a mouth guard when playing a high-contact sport.
What if my teenager wants to switch to braces after trying Invisalign?
With our Invisalign Teen Promise, your child can switch to braces at any time within 90 days of beginning Invisalign treatment at no additional charge.
Invisalign is an efficient, gentle and effective way to help your teenager get the smile they want while not compromising their lifestyle! Hodges Orthodontics is the leading Invisalign provider for teens and adults in Moorpark and Newbury Park. Call or text our office today for a free consultation to see if Invisalign is right your teenager!
