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Home | Orthodontic Treatment | Invisalign® | Invisalign® Teen

Invisalign® Teen

Invisalign® Teen offers younger patients an innovative solution for improving a wide range of mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Forget about metal braces and wires—Invisalign® Teen uses clear, plastic aligner trays designed to fit comfortably while discreetly straightening the teeth and correcting alignment, crowding, and bite issues. This customizable treatment can assist orthodontic development during this sensitive and impressionable age, so teenagers may continue to enjoy school and social activities without feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable.

Our board-certified orthodontist, Ben Chan, DMD, and the team at Cumberland Dental Specialists are committed to providing exceptional, personalized care with Invisalign® Teen and other dental services to help your child smile brighter again.

What Is the Appropriate Age for Invisalign® Teen?

Invisalign® Teen can be an appropriate treatment for a variety of ages during adolescence; however, candidates are typically identified based on the condition of the child’s teeth rather than a specific age. In general, all of the permanent teeth should be fully present, and the mouth should be healthy without any signs of tooth decay, cavities, or gum disease. During an evaluation with Dr. Chan, he will perform a complete examination to determine whether Invisalign® Teen or an alternative option will be the best course of treatment.

Invisalign® Teen vs. Braces

Although traditional braces and Invisalign® Teen share many of the same goals, there are several distinctions between the two treatments. Overall, Invisalign® Teen can provide orthodontic corrections using clear, removable sets of teeth aligners that can be taken out while eating, drinking, and cleaning. Not only are the trays virtually invisible to others, but they are also generally considered to be a bit more comfortable than the brackets and wires utilized for braces and usually require less frequent visits to the office for adjustments during treatment. With that said, braces may be necessary for more severe orthodontic concerns. Fortunately, advances in orthodontics have made it possible to provide patients with several new options when it comes to braces, including clear and ceramic brackets for a certain amount of discretion.

Invisalign® Teen vs. Invisalign®

Created with the same orthodontic system in mind, Invisalign® Teen and Invisalign® perform very similarly using the comfort of soft, flexible, and clear aligners to gradually reposition teeth and adjust alignment. However, Invisalign® Teen may have slight variations in design to benefit the needs of younger patients. For example, the length of treatment and spacing of the aligners may be different to account for continued developments in the dental structures.

What Does the Invisalign® Teen Treatment Process Involve?

After proper candidacy is established, Dr. Chan will develop a treatment plan for your teen to progress through a series of custom aligner trays that will reposition the teeth over time. Each set of trays is worn for about one to two weeks, then swapped out for the next tray in the series until the teeth are adjusted to the final position. In order to be effective, the Invisalign® Teen trays should be worn for at least 22 hours every day, essentially only removing them to eat, drink, brush, and floss the teeth. When worn correctly, the system should improve mild to moderate cases of crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, as well as bite irregularities such as overbite, underbite, and crossbite.

Dr. Chan will follow the progress of treatment with scheduled check-in appointments about every six weeks. Many of our younger patients find Invisalign® Teen to be an ideal solution for their orthodontic needs as they are easy to clean, comfortable to wear, not as noticeable to others, and less intrusive while playing sports and enjoying daily activities.

How Long Does Invisalign® Teen Take?

On average, most adolescent patients complete their Invisalign® Teen treatment within 9 to 15 months. It’s important to keep in mind that each case is different, and the full length of treatment depends on the unique needs and orthodontic complexities of each individual. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Chan will be able to provide a better estimate of how long the process will take, based on the patient carefully following all of the treatment instructions.

How Much Does Invisalign® Teen Cost?

Total costs for the Invisalign® Teen program vary by individual based on several factors, including the level of orthodontic concerns, goals of treatment, estimated length of treatment, and the number of aligners needed to achieve optimal results. Dr. Chan and the team at Cumberland Dental Specialists will discuss all of the necessary information and review any questions so your family can make a well-informed decision about treatment. In many cases, Invisalign® Teen is covered, at least partially, by dental insurance plans that offer coverage for orthodontics. We can help you navigate your insurance benefits to determine whether coverage for this treatment is available.

To find out if Invisalign® Teen is right for your child, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chan, please contact us today.