Invisalign is the ultimate choice for orthodontic treatment, offering a popular and effective solution for all ages. Whether you are an adult or a teenager, Invisalign can be the ideal option for you or your teen. We have many teen patients who have successfully transformed their smiles with Invisalign.
Keep in mind that we offer a FREE ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION. You schedule this this by calling 773-481-2200, or schedule online here.
While many teenagers can benefit from Invisalign aligners, here are some recommendations and considerations to keep in mind when it comes to kids and Invisalign:
- Age and Maturity: Invisalign treatment is typically recommended for older teenagers with all their permanent teeth and can wear and take care of the aligners responsibly. Most Invisalign dentists and orthodontists recommend waiting until your child is mid-teens before considering Invisalign treatment.*
- Compliance: Invisalign treatment requires wearing the aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day to be effective, making compliance crucial. Kids who need help with responsibility or may need help remembering to wear their aligners consistently may not be suitable candidates for Invisalign.
- Orthodontic Needs: Invisalign can treat mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite alignment problems. However, if your teen has a more severe or complex case, they may require traditional braces for optimal results. An orthodontic evaluation will determine if Invisalign is the right choice for your child’s needs.
- Maturity Level: Besides age, it’s essential to consider your teen’s maturity level and ability to follow instructions. Kids who are responsible, disciplined, and motivated to achieve straighter teeth may be good candidates for Invisalign.
- Lifestyle Factors: It’s essential to consider your child’s lifestyle and activities when deciding on orthodontic treatment. Invisalign aligners are removable, making them ideal for kids who participate in sports or musical instruments that may be challenging with traditional braces. However, kids must commit to wearing their aligners as directed to ensure the success of treatment.
- Dental Hygiene: Proper dental hygiene is crucial during Invisalign treatment to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Kids must brush and floss their teeth after every meal before reinserting their aligners to prevent food particles and plaque buildup.
- Regular Check-ups: As with any orthodontic treatment, it is essential that your child have regular check-ups with your dentist and orthodontist. These check-ups help to monitor the progress of your treatment and allow for any necessary adjustments to be made to your treatment plan. If you are a parent, please ensure your child attends all scheduled appointments and follows any recommendations from the orthodontist.
When considering Invisalign treatment for your child, it’s essential to seek advice from an experienced orthodontist or Invisalign-certified dentist who can evaluate your child’s orthodontic requirements and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Invisalign can be an excellent option for children and teenagers to straighten their teeth discreetly and effectively if proper care and compliance are maintained.
We’ve written about the importance of using a board-certified orthodontist if you want metal braces. With Invisalign, however, both dentists and orthodontists can successfully offer treatment. Again, we recommend selecting an Invisalign-certified practitioner with specialized training and experience with Invisalign. We have both such practitioners and offer both metal braces and Invisalign.
Both dentists and orthodontists can provide Invisalign treatment.
However, there are some differences in their qualifications and expertise.
Dentists: Our general dentists offer Invisalign treatment as part of their practice. They have undergone training and certification to become Invisalign providers. Our very own Dr. Nada Zayzafoon has been successfully using Invisalign for nearly a decade.
Dentists who provide Invisalign treatment typically handle cases involving mild to moderate orthodontic issues. They may refer more complex cases to orthodontists for evaluation and treatment.
Orthodontists: Orthodontists are dental specialists who receive additional education and training beyond dental school to specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating malocclusions (improper bites) and other orthodontic problems. They have extensive experience and expertise using various orthodontic appliances, including braces and Invisalign. They are often preferred for more complex orthodontic cases, such as severe crowding, spacing, or bite issues.
While dentists and orthodontists can provide Invisalign treatment, it’s essential to consider the complexity of your orthodontic needs and the provider’s level of experience and expertise. A dentist trained and certified in Invisalign may be suitable for straightforward cases. However, it may be advisable to seek treatment from an experienced orthodontist specializing in orthodontic care for more complex or challenging cases.
ABC Dental has both Invisalign-certified dentists and a board-certified orthodontist so that we can handle cases from the simple to the most complex. Schedule a consultation with our very own Board-Certified Orthodontist, Dr. Hao or our Invisalign-Certified Dr. Nada Zayzafoon. You can do this by calling 773-481-2200, or schedule online here.
*If your child is 6-10, we offer Invisalign First. Please call our office to learn more.