Is Invisalign a Good Option for My Teenager?

Even the toughest teenagers deal with insecurity. As their bodies and minds grow, managing the changes and fitting in with their peers can be challenging. Most teens want to do what they can to avoid unpleasant attention.

For that reason, metal braces might sound nightmarish to them. Fortunately, we have a solution: nearly invisible teeth aligners made of clear plastic. Invisalign® can help your teen get a straighter smile without metal brackets or wires. That said, this option isn’t a good fit for everyone. 

Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and our team at Riverside Dental can help you decide if Invisalign treatment is right for your teen. Visit us at either of our offices — Yonkers or Thornwood, New York — to find out if your teenager is a good candidate. 

When to consider traditional braces

There are two categories of teens for whom Dr. Master-Patel advises traditional braces: those with serious orthodontic problems and those who struggle to stick with a behavior.

Invisalign aligners can treat a range of orthodontic issues, from gapped and crowded teeth to some bite problems. However, if your teen has a severe bite issue, they might need traditional braces to correct it. 

Dr. Master-Patel can evaluate your teen’s mouth and decide if Invisalign can deliver the realignment they need. In most cases, it can. 

The other category of teens who probably shouldn’t use Invisalign is those who won’t consistently wear the aligners. The aligners are removable, allowing your teen to eat, give a presentation, or play sports without them. 

For the aligners to be effective, though, your teen needs to wear them for at least 20 hours a day. If you know they struggle to consistently implement healthy habits or are prone to stepping out of line when your back is turned, Invisalign might not be a good option. 

Your teen needs to buy into this treatment and be consistent about wearing their aligners as much as possible.

The advantages of Invisalign for teens

If Invisalign can deliver the orthodontic care your teen needs and they’re likely to consistently wear them, these aligners can do a lot. Because they’re custom-printed to your teen’s teeth and even trimmed to match their gumline, they’re nearly invisible. 

Without rough metal brackets and the potential for being poked by the archwire, aligners are also more comfortable. 

Plus, the removability of the aligners gives your teen some flexibility. They can take them out to play in the school orchestra, make room for their sports mouthguard, or give an important presentation in class.

Another benefit that’s a boon to parents: Invisalign doesn’t require any special oral care. Your teen just needs to keep brushing and flossing normally. 

Finally, if you’re worried about what your teen puts into their mouth, you’ll be glad to know that Invisalign aligners are made without latex, parabens, phthalates, glutaraldehyde, PFAS, epoxy or Bisphenol A (BPA).

With all these benefits in play, it’s no surprise that Invisalign has become increasingly popular among teens and their parents. To see if this kind of orthodontic treatment could be right for your teenager, call our Riverside Dental office nearest you or book an appointment online today.