Blog Post

The teen years are a prime time to correct any orthodontic issues. But they’re also a particularly unideal time to walk around with a mouth full of highly visible metal.

That’s why, if you think your teen may need braces, we recommend talking to Sandi E. Silva, DDS. Here at our office in Tustin, California, she offers Invisalign®, a highly effective way to straighten teeth using clear plastic aligners. This less noticeable option can address a wide range of issues, including overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, and more. 

If your teen is a candidate for Invisalign, here are a few reasons this might be the right option for them. 

It’s easier to maintain their oral hygiene

The American Association of Orthodontists acknowledges that traditional metal braces can make it harder to clean teeth and maintain good oral hygiene. With braces, your teen would need to use a specialized floss-threading mechanism to floss under the archwire, for example.

Invisalign is different. These aligners mold to their teeth, but can be popped in and out throughout the day. That means your teen can take their aligners out to brush and floss just like they always have. And that makes it easier for them to protect their oral health during treatment. 

It saves you from too many trips to the dentist

Braces have to be manually adjusted over time, which means regularly visiting the orthodontist.

Invisalign, on the other hand, gets created to move your teen seamlessly through their orthodontic journey. Their treatment plan comes with several sets of aligners. They wear the first aligner in their set for one or two weeks (depending on Dr. Silva’s recommendation). Then, they move on to the next aligner. They can keep progressing forward on their own. 

Dr. Silva will schedule periodic check-ins to ensure their teeth are adjusting like we want. Still, though, Invisalign generally means a lot less time in the dentist’s chair for your teen — and less time in the waiting room for you. 

It works with their lifestyle

Teens only need to wear their aligners for 20-22 hours a day. That means they can take them out to play sports, give a presentation in class, or go to a school dance. Invisalign can give them the flexibility they need to do the things they love — and to do them with confidence. 

It’s less embarrassing 

Similarly, Invisalign aligners are designed to be as discreet as possible. They even get trimmed to align with your teen’s gum line. The clear plastic should largely avoid notice. 

Braces, on the other hand, are extremely visible. Beyond that, there’s always the risk that food could get stuck in them, adding to any embarrassment your teen already feels.

In short, if they want a less noticeable way to get the orthodontic treatment they need, Invisalign delivers.

To explore if this option could be right for your teen and your family, schedule a consultation with Dr. Silva. Call our office to get your appointment booked today.