Teenagers are the biggest age group going through orthodontic treatment worldwide. With the increasing popularity of Invisalign, the question arises as to whether it is also a suitable treatment method for teens. Traditionally, braces are the go-to choice to straighten teeth for teens and Invisalign options tend to be reserved for adults, however, with the increasing demand for aesthetic options amongst teens means they are also interested in the Invisalign option.
This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of Invisalign for teens.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign For Teens
What Are The Pros?
Invisalign aligners are transparent and removable. Patients remove the aligners to eat, drink and clean their teeth. This means there are almost no restrictions on what they can eat, as opposed to braces, where they need to be careful about the hard foods which can break braces. It also means that it is easier for teenagers to adopt a strong oral routine that keeps their teeth and gums clean from debris and bacteria. Being transparent means that it is very esthetic and not very noticeable to the public. Patient’s peers will not be able to notice that they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. This will help with self-esteem, especially in cases where crooked teeth are the main source of low self-confidence. Invisalign is also easier to get used to compared to traditional braces, being quite smooth and comfortable to wear. An added bonus is that there is almost no emergency with Invisalign, and patients can visit the orthodontist at longer intervals such as every 10-12weeks. It suits patients that live far away or need to travel interstate/internationally on a regular basis.
What Are The Cons?
Compliance is the biggest key factor for Invisalign to work. Patients need to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours every day for them to work efficiently. This is the most challenging part for teenagers, who have many other things to worry about.
Looking after the aligners is also an important part of the treatment. Aligners need to be removed prior to eating and drinking anything other than cold water. And prior to putting the aligner back into the mouth, the teeth should be ideally brushed or at least rinsed with water to prevent food from getting trapped between the aligners and the teeth. This can be challenging in the school environment. Lastly, there are limitations to Invisalign treatment. Certain cases are better treated with braces that have better control over the teeth. It is best to consult your orthodontist to see whether Invisalign is a good option for your teeth.
Naturally, newly fitted aligners can cause sensitivity. Read here to learn how you can reduce it.
If you have any questions about your teenager needing orthodontic treatment, please give us a call at Marvel Orthodontics today! Simply click here to get in touch.