Orthodontic treatment is about more than just improving appearance. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, function more effectively, and reduce the risk of future dental issues—all while enhancing confidence.
While traditional braces are a common choice for addressing bite concerns, they can be uncomfortable and highly noticeable, which may affect a teenager’s confidence. However, Invisalign offers a nearly invisible way to straighten teeth, making it an excellent option for mild to moderate alignment needs.
It’s important to remember that in order to get the most out of an Invisalign treatment, your teen must be compliant to the expected wear time (20-22 hours a day). If not, braces may be the best option for treatment.
What Is Malocclusion?
Malocclusion refers to the misalignment of teeth or the jaw that causes an uneven bite. Common examples include:
- Excessive spacing between teeth
- Overcrowding of teeth
- Excessive overbite or overjet (upper teeth overlap too much over the lower teeth from a vertical or horizontal aspect)
- Underbite (lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth)
What Happens If Teeth Misalignment Is Left Untreated?
Untreated misalignment can make it harder to clean teeth effectively, which may harm your teen’s oral health, leading to:
- Gum disease and receding gums
- Tooth decay
Misalignment can also cause bite-related problems that affect the ability to speak or chew comfortably. Over time, an uneven bite may place excessive stress on the teeth and jaw, increasing the risk of chronic jaw pain or temporomandibular disorders (TMD).
Orthodontic Treatment Options
During a professional assessment, your dentist can evaluate your dental health and identify any malocclusion. Based on their findings, they may recommend:
- Traditional metal braces: Braces are a common and effective treatment for complex alignment problems and if there are compliance issues wearing aligners. They use metal brackets and archwires to gradually shift teeth into their correct positions. If treatment is complex or more severe, traditional metal braces are the method of choice. However, many teenagers can feel self-conscious about their appearance during the treatment and find it difficult to clean.
- Invisalign: This treatment uses custom-made clear aligners to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. They are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning, making them a popular alternative to metal braces if it is a mild to moderate condition.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to correct teeth misalignment. It is an ideal solution for mild to moderate malocclusion, offering a discreet and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. However, your dentist may recommend a different treatment approach for more severe cases to best meet your teenager’s needs.
Invisalign vs. Braces
Invisalign offers a more flexible approach to orthodontic treatment than traditional braces. The clear, removable aligners allow your teenager to eat what they like eating and keep up their oral hygiene routines without restrictions, making it a convenient choice for many patients. Unlike metal braces, which are fixed in place, Invisalign aligners are easy to take out when needed, providing a level of comfort and convenience that traditional braces cannot match.
The Invisalign Process
The primary goal of Invisalign treatment is to help your teen achieve a straighter smile and a healthier bite. The length of treatment depends on the specific goals and dental issues. The success of your child’s treatment is also closely tied to their commitment—Invisalign aligners should be worn for 22 hours a day for optimal results.
1. Initial Consultation
The Invisalign journey begins with a thorough consultation, where your dentist will assess your teenager’s oral health and specific dental concerns. After taking digital photographs of their teeth, your dentist will explain which areas need attention.
A specialized digital scanner will then create a 3D map of their teeth to help develop an accurate, personalized treatment plan.
2. A Customized Plan
Based on the initial evaluation, your dentist will design a customized treatment plan, outlining the timeline and addressing your teenager’s specific needs.
If necessary, your dentist may recommend additional dental work, such as fillings, to ensure all aspects of your child’s dental health are properly managed throughout the treatment.
3. Creating Your Aligners
A series of custom aligners will be created to precise specifications using your teenager’s 3D scans and treatment plan. Each aligner is designed to apply gentle, consistent pressure. Typically, your teen will receive 3 or 4 aligners at a time and will need to switch them out every 1 to 2 weeks to stay on track with their treatment schedule.
4. Follow-Up Appointments
Routine check-ups will be scheduled throughout the treatment to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments. At these appointments, your teenager will also receive their next set of aligners.
5. Using Retainers
After completing Invisalign treatment, your dentist will give your teen a custom-made retainer to wear at night, which will help maintain the new alignment.
In some cases, a discreet wire may be placed along the inside of their teeth for additional support.
What Is the Best Age to Start Orthodontic Treatment?
There is no “perfect” age to begin Invisalign treatment, but teenagers often see the best results because they have all their permanent teeth and their jaws are still flexible. However, adults can also benefit from Invisalign treatment.
Even minor alignment problems can put unnecessary stress on the jaw and affect overall dental health. Starting treatment early helps address malocclusion before it leads to more serious issues. Your dentist will work closely with you and your teenager to create a plan that promotes a healthier, more confident smile.
Transform Your Smile with Invisalign
Dr. Cooper is a Gold Invisalign Provider and brings extensive experience to guide each patient through their treatment.
Contact our team at Cooper Dental to book an appointment for a personalized dental plan. Invisalign treatment requires collaboration between you, your teenager, and your dentist, and we are dedicated to helping achieve the smile you have always dreamed of.
