Many parents think of traditional metal braces when they’re considering orthodontic treatment for their children. Metal braces have been around for decades, but teenagers may find them unattractive and even painful. At Runnels Orthodontics in Destin, FL, we offer a more advanced option — Invisalign for teens, which is virtually unnoticeable to others.
So, what is Invisalign exactly, and how does it work? Invisalign treatment can correct issues like teeth misalignment, overcrowding, and overbites, just as metal braces can. However, instead of having brackets glued to your teeth and metal bands secured around your back molars, you’ll wear a set of clear Invisalign aligners, which are nearly undetectable to others.
Invisalign aligners fit directly over your teeth. They’re customized for your mouth’s shape and teeth size using a high-tech 3D scanner, which allows us to create aligners meant just for you.
Unlike traditional braces, you won’t need to worry about metal wires that poke the inside of your cheek or the potential for a severe injury if you’re hit in the mouth during a basketball game. This is because Invisalign treatment uses patented SmartTrack material for all its clear aligners, which is a strong type of plastic designed to shift teeth in the right direction. No metal is used at all in Invisalign treatment.
Invisalign treatment offers several advantages over traditional metal braces. Some of the most notable include:
According to a study by Angle Orthodontist, patients using clear aligners rather than metal braces had their orthodontic treatment shortened by an average of 5.5 months. That’s over half of a school year for a teenager. Shorter treatment time means teenagers spend less time in the orthodontist’s chair. They’ll correct their smile and reap the benefits much sooner than they would with traditional braces.
A small, Invisalign-led study of teenagers using Invisalign aligners found them less painful than traditional metal braces. With Invisalign aligners, patients don’t need to worry about metal rubbing up against their gums or the inside of their mouths. That’s a significant benefit of the treatment.
Metal braces can make it impossible to eat certain foods — even healthy ones. For example, taking a bite from an apple risks loosening a bracket or a wire. However, unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable. Teenagers can eat whatever they like as long as they simply take out the aligners first.
Some sports, especially those involving physical contact — like basketball, football, and volleyball — can be disastrous if the player receives a hit on the mouth while wearing metal braces. They may require an emergency room visit, stitches to repair the damage, and orthodontic treatment to replace broken brackets and wires. Since Invisalign aligners are made of sturdy plastic, you won’t need to worry about cuts in your mouth if you’re injured while wearing them.
Some teenagers dislike the look of metal braces, even if their peers are wearing them, too. When metal braces are unappealing, keep in mind that Invisalign can deliver the same results as traditional orthodontic treatment in many cases while being nearly undetectable. Additionally, you can remove them for important events, like a first date or the school prom.
The Invisalign process incorporates the latest 3D technology and materials to deliver results. Our 3D scanning process ensures you receive aligners customized to fit the exact shape of your mouth and correct the issues that need fixing. Clear aligners allow you to make the most of the advanced technology available today.
One of the primary disadvantages of traditional braces is their tendency to wear the teeth down and leave visible stains after their removal. Many patients find white spots or other discolorations on their teeth, which can make further cosmetic dentistry treatment necessary. With Invisalign, you don’t need to worry about teeth discoloration from your orthodontic treatment.
Since Invisalign aligners aren’t glued to your teeth, you can take them out when you brush your teeth and floss. You don’t need to worry about finding the right angle to brush between your brackets or pull out food stuck between your gums and metal wire. You can maintain your regular dental cleaning routine as if you weren’t undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Results with Invisalign clear aligners are similar to what you’d anticipate from traditional metal braces. They can correct crowded teeth, overbites and underbites, crossbites, fap teeth, and open bites. Clear aligners can also fix issues with gap teeth.
While these are all issues that traditional metal braces fix as well, what sets Invisalign dentistry apart from traditional braces is a shorter treatment time. Invisalign dentistry allows you to achieve the results of traditional braces more quickly — with less pain, reduced risk of emergency visits, and the ability to take out the aligners for brushing, eating, and attending important events.
Invisalign aligners can correct many of the same issues that traditional metal braces can and are generally more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing to teens. These aligners could be the best option for your teenager, too.
At Runnels Orthodontics, we use advanced technology to help each of our patients achieve their best smile. We can thoroughly examine your teenager’s mouth and identify whether Invisalign aligners are a suitable treatment for their unique needs.
To learn more about the Invisalign process, schedule an appointment at our office in Destin, FL, today.
Metal braces are the most traditional way to straighten your teeth, but with so many…
Invisalign® is a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear aligners to move maligned teeth…
After completing your orthodontic treatment, you may have been told that you have to wear…
Do you close your mouth when you smile because of crooked teeth? Do you find…
Some people might choose to put up with misaligned teeth instead of going through the…
If you wish you had straighter teeth, we have some good news for you! The…