The Benefits of Invisalign
There are many benefits associated with Invisalign treatment, which is why it’s a popular choice among patients.
- Invisalign is more comfortable to wear than conventional braces. No brackets and wires rubbing against your gums!
- Aligners are removed for eating and drinking, so you can enjoy all your favorite foods!
- Because Invisalign is nearly invisible, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them.
- The average treatment time is often faster than traditional braces. Most patients achieve their desired results within 6 to 18 months.
- Invisalign is also more convenient than braces because you don’t have to go in for as many appointments. With Invisalign, you simply switch out your aligners every two weeks and visit your orthodontist for occasional check-ups.
The Drawbacks of Invisalign
Invisalign is not for everyone. You should be aware of a few drawbacks before making a decision.
- You must wear your aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day for the treatment to be effective.
- You must clean them regularly to avoid staining and eliminate harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.
- Invisalign is more expensive than traditional braces, with the average treatment costing around $5,000.
- Invisalign aligners can break, so it’s important to be careful with them.
- It’s easy to lose aligners because you have to take them out to eat. Keep them in a safe place when not wearing them.
The Invisalign Process
If you’re considering Invisalign for your teen, the first step is to schedule a consultation. During the initial consultation, the orthodontist or dentist will assess their oral health. They will examine their teeth and bite to see if it is a good option for them. They will also take 3D images and impressions of their teeth, which will be used to create a custom treatment plan.
Once the treatment plan is created, they will receive their plastic aligners. They will need to wear these aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day, only removing them to eat and drink.
They will switch to a new set of aligners every two weeks to help move the teeth closer to their proper position. They will need to visit their orthodontist or dentist every four to six weeks so they can check on their progress. (Note: Forgetting to put them in can create significant delays in your treatment.)
After the treatment is complete, they will wear a retainer to keep the teeth in their new position. The retainer will be worn a few hours a day or overnight.
Is Invisalign Good for Teens and Kids?
Yes, Invisalign is a great treatment option for teens and kids! Invisalign can correct bite problems in both baby teeth and permanent teeth. While it is a great option for kids, it’s important to note that not all children are candidates for clear aligner treatment.
In general, it is best suited for children who can be responsible for taking care of their aligners. Younger children may have problems wearing their aligners as directed, which could prolong treatment.
Children and teens should be disciplined enough to wear them for the recommended time each day. They should also be responsible enough to brush their teeth after every meal before putting the aligners back in. Food and germs can accumulate in the trays and increase the risk of cavities and tooth discoloration.
Your dentist can assess your child’s teeth and bite to determine if Invisalign is right for them. Invisalign can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues in children, such as:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapping
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
- Crossbite
Are Clear Aligners Painful?
No, Invisalign is not painful! Many patients find it to be much more comfortable than traditional braces. If you experience any discomfort, it is usually temporary and will go away within 2-3 days. Eating soft foods during this time can be helpful for your sensitive teeth.
You may experience minor discomfort when you begin your aligner treatment or when switching to a new set. This is normal and should not last long. If you are experiencing persisting pain, contact your dentist. They will be able to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Invisalign Express
Invisalign Express is a new treatment designed to treat mild orthodontic issues in a shorter amount of time. Express aligners are for patients who need straightening before a cosmetic procedure like veneers or bonding. Invisalign Express can usually be completed within six months, which is much faster than traditional treatment. Because it uses fewer aligners, Express is also more affordable.
Some criteria a patient must meet for Invisalign Express are:
- Mild tooth crowding or spacing (2mm)
- Minimal rotation of cuspids
- Less than 1.5mm of expansion in the dental arch
- No serious malocclusion (bite problems)
Invisalign Denver
Your teen deserves a smile they can be proud of, and Invisalign can help get them there. If you are looking for an orthodontist in Denver or Invisalign in Denver, we can help.
We know that dental care can be expensive. We accept Medicaid at all our locations and work with most insurance companies. We also offer flexible spending accounts and have several payment options. Our goal is to make dental care accessible and affordable for all families.
Trust Youth Dental & Orthodontics for your child’s dental needs. We have locations in Denver, Aurora, Hampden and Thornton. To book an appointment at one of our locations, call (303) 953-8801 or complete the online booking form.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean Invisalign trays?
To clean your Invisalign aligners, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also rinse them with cold water, but avoid hot water, which can warp the aligners.
What can Invisalign not fix?
Invisalign can not fix every orthodontic issue. It is best for mild to moderate crowding or spacing. If you have more serious issues, such as a severe overbite or underbite, you may not be a candidate for Invisalign.
How long does Invisalign take?
The length of treatment varies from patient to patient, but it takes about 12 months on average.
Do you take Invisalign out for sports?
To avoid damaging the aligners, its a good idea to take it out when playing sports. Replace the aligner with an athletic mouthguard to protect your teeth.
Does Invisalign cause cavities?
No, Invisalign does not cause cavities. The build up of dental plaque causes cavities. However, poor oral hygiene habits while wearing Invisalign can increase your risk of developing cavities. Remember to brush and floss everyday.
