If you have a teenager who is ready to start orthodontic treatment, you have some great options available. While braces are more advanced than ever, it’s understandable that they might want an invisible option like Invisalign. If you’re still wondering whether your teen should get braces or Invisalign, here are some facts to help you out.
Benefits of Braces
When it comes to straightening teeth, braces are still the most effective option for the widest range of cases. The tried-and-true combination of wires, brackets, and ligatures effectively shifts teeth into their correct positions for a straight smile and better oral health. Braces work for even severe cases of crookedness, including rotating teeth to align with the rest of the teeth. Braces are also great for fixing issues like underbites and overbites with the use of interarch elastic bands.
If your teen is worried about the appearance of braces, you can reassure them with the fact that braces are smaller and less noticeable than ever. Plus, your teen can choose from a variety of options, including ceramic braces for lower visibility. They can also have fun with their braces by choosing Mascot Braces with bracket shapes to support their favorite team.
Benefits of Invisalign
If your teen qualifies for Invisalign, choosing this clear orthodontic treatment option could be right for them. While Invisalign can’t treat quite as broad of a range of cases as conventional braces, advancements have made it a viable option for more severe cases. Invisalign is also now available with attachments to connect to interarch bands for correcting underbites and overbites.
The Invisalign Clear Aligner System is hands down the best option for teens who are worried about appearances while they straighten their teeth with orthodontic treatment. The plastic aligners are completely clear, giving the wearer a perfectly clean smile. Another advantage of this treatment system is the aligners are totally removable, so your teen can take them out for meals, playing sports, or other activities. They just need to keep their aligners in for at least 22 hours per day to keep up with their progress.
While the convenience factor of having clear, removable aligners is an advantage, it can also become a disadvantage if your teen doesn’t keep their aligners in long enough. However, that’s why the Invisalign Teen system was developed. This version of Invisalign comes with indicators that hold teens accountable while they are in treatment. Plus, Invisalign Teen comes with several free replacement aligners in case one gets lost or damaged.
Deciding Which Option is Right for Your Teen
The best way to decide what treatment is best for your teen is to consult with an orthodontist. You can bring your teen into Smith Orthodontics for a free consultation to see which option is right for them. We’ll scan their teeth and take an X-ray to see exactly what we’re dealing with and create a treatment plan that works best for your teen.
