Blog Post

For teens who want straight teeth but don’t want to go through years of a mouth full of metal, Invisalign® presents an appealing alternative. These clear plastic aligners can fix a range of problems like gapped, crooked, and crowded teeth.

However, this alternative to traditional braces isn’t right for every teen. Here at our office in Tustin, California, Sandi E. Silva, DDS, can help you decide if Invisalign is a good choice for your needs. That means evaluating your teen’s mouth and considering a few other factors that come into play. 

Here’s a look at what you should consider determining if Invisalign is a good option for your teen. 

Their orthodontic needs

Invisalign aligners work by gradually moving your teen’s teeth into their ideal positions. We 3D print the first set of aligners to fit over their teeth in their current position. However, they’re shaped to shift tooth positioning over one to two weeks gradually. 

Then, your teen switches to the next set of aligners in their customized series. As your teen moves to each successive aligner, their smile gets straighter and straighter. 

This makes Invisalign highly effective for:

• Gapped teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Mild to moderate bite issues

However, this option isn’t adequate for severe bite problems and other major orthodontic concerns. Dr. Silva evaluates your teen and determines if they’re a candidate for this type of orthodontic treatment. 

Their lifestyle and habits

Your teen’s teeth aren’t the only thing to consider when deciding if Invisalign is right for them. Their habits and daily routines also play a role.

For Invisalign to work, your teen must wear their aligners for at least 20 hours daily. 

The aligners easily pop in and out so they can be removed for eating. Think about your teen’s habits. Are they likely to remember to put the aligners back in after eating? 

Also, consider their daily activities. If they play a wind instrument in the orchestra, for example, an option like Invisalign that they can remove to play might make life easier.  

Athletes often benefit from choosing Invisalign because they can take out their aligners during games. This allows them to put their mouthguard in place. It also reduces the chance that any sports contact could seriously harm their mouth because they won’t have metal brackets or wires to cut them up. 

If your teen is a candidate for Invisalign treatment, and you think they would wear their aligners consistently, this is often an excellent alternative to traditional braces. 

To talk with Dr. Silva about your teen’s orthodontic options, call our office to schedule an appointment today.