In the past, traditional metal braces were the only way to get a straighter smile. These were and remain somewhat bulky and can be restrictive when eating and keeping your teeth clean. In the late 1990s, we were introduced to a brand new way to correct orthodontic issues with Invisalign® clear braces, expanding available treatment options.
Initially, these clear braces or aligner trays could only address mild crowding and spacing issues. Over the past decade, however, many improvements were made to the original product. Now, it’s common for skilled dentists to achieve success in correcting complex cases.
Invisalign Teen®
Invisalign Teen was developed as a way to help teenaged patients comply with treatment guidelines. While the process remains unchanged from the standard variation, special compliance indicators are featured on these custom-fit trays. This allows parents and dentists to better monitor how often teens wear their clear aligners, contributing to a much higher success rate.
For teens with mild to complex orthodontic issues, Invisalign can usually correct these in a comparable time frame as traditional braces for close to the same cost. The virtually invisible design of these clear braces has more appeal for teenagers who are hesitant to wear conventional braces.
Additionally, Invisalign Teen is an excellent choice for those who have allergies to metal or a rare disorder where tooth enamel deteriorates when it comes in contact with brackets.
Complementary Use
Probably one of the most rewarding, but less understood benefits of Invisalign Teen is their use after traditional orthodontics or phase one intervention. This treatment allows older teens to complete orthodontic correction when they experience relapse as a result of incomplete orthodontic care, or neglecting to wear their retainer. Instead of undergoing a full braces treatment plan, they can resume care comfortably and conveniently.
When younger children require phase one orthodontics, their typically complex issues have been corrected to a point where later on, Invisalign Teen can be used to complete treatment instead of full metal braces.
If your teenager would benefit from a straighter smile without the need to wear bulky metal braces, call today and schedule a consultation for Invisalign Teen treatment in Downtown Manhattan with Dr. Shu Ping Rong.