5 THINGS PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INVISALIGN TEEN®

5 THINGS PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INVISALIGN TEEN®

Many parents in our area know about Invisalign®, the virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without metal braces. But as a leading Invisalign provider in the White Plains area, I’m often asked for more information about Invisalign® Teen.

Keeping it simple, rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign® Teen uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth. These are a result of precise images I take with the sophisticated iTero Element Scanner. Your teen simply wears these aligners over their teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners periodically—typically every two weeks. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place.

Here are the answers to the top five questions I’m asked about Invisalign Teen. I hope you find them helpful!

1. INVISALIGN TEEN CAN BE AS EFFECTIVE AS TRADITIONAL BRACES.

When worn according to the customized plan I set in place, Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional braces. In fact, the chances are very high your teen will be a candidate for Invisalign since it can treat many of the common issues we see. Click here to set up an appointment to find out for sure.

2. THERE ARE PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF INVISALIGN TEEN OVER TRADITIONAL BRACES.

With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so your teen can play sports, musical instruments and eat their favorite foods without the worry that braces will get in the way. Plus, it’s much easier to brush and floss normally to maintain proper oral hygiene.

3. THIS  INVISIBLE SOLUTION CAN BOOST CONFIDENCE.

Research shows that parents underestimate the extent to which teens feel self-conscious about their smile—and their appearance in general. Wearing braces can often make this lack of confidence even worse. Invisalign Teen removes a potential source of anxiety, giving them more confidence during what can be a challenging time in their lives.

In fact, a recent study* found that only 22% of teens feel that wearing braces does/will boost their self-esteem; whereas, nearly half of teens report wearing Invisalign does/will boost their self-esteem (47%). Likewise, 40% of Teens reported that wearing braces would/does negatively impact their self-confidence during treatment; whereas, only 8% of Teens reported the same about wearing their Invisalign aligners. (After conversations with our Adult patients, we think the findings would be similar there as well.)

4. YOUR TEEN DOES HAVE TO WEAR THE ALIGNERS MOST OF THE DAY.

Invisalign Teen is most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and when the alighers are changed out approximately every two weeks. In fact, Invisalign Teen aligners have blue indicators that fade over time when used as directed. This helps me track compliance.

5. YOU’LL SPEND LESS TIME AT MY OFFICE THAN WITH TRADITIONAL BRACES.

Invisalign Teen often requires less time with your orthodontist than traditional braces do. There are no adjustments to make, no brackets to re-glue and no broken wires to fix. That means less emergency visits; and after the initial appointment, follow-up appointments are usually scheduled every four to six weeks.

At my practice, Michael Sokoloff Orthodontics, I treat every patient like family. We offer customized financial plans and participate in most  insurance plans. If you think Invisalign Teen might be right for you or your child, please click below to schedule a complimentary consultation. I look forward to meeting you!

*Invisalign Teen Confidence Survey