Straightening Solutions for Your Child
At Somerset Family Dentistry, we provide Invisalign Teen® as an option for straightening teeth. Parents often contact our dental office seeking information on whether Invisalign® can effectively straighten their child's teeth. While traditional orthodontics is well-established and effective, Invisalign® offers a newer solution that many parents may not be familiar with. To explore your child's treatment options, please call +15629253735 to schedule an appointment at our Bellflower location. We're here to address any questions you may have.
Here are some questions we are frequently asked:
Can Invisalign Teen® Effectively Straighten Teeth?
Yes, it absolutely can. Teeth are moved using consistent pressure. While braces use metal brackets and wires to apply this pressure, Invisalign® uses a series of clear aligners that fit over the teeth like retainers. These aligners are just as effective as braces in addressing mild to severe cases of crooked teeth and alignment issues. The key is to ensure that your child receives treatment from a dentist trained in administering Invisalign®.
Are They Old Enough?
For your teen to wear Invisalign®, they need to have all their permanent teeth. At Somerset Family Dentistry, we can examine your child and determine if it's the right time to start treatment. Typically, we recommend beginning Invisalign® during high school.
Is My Teen Responsible Enough?
Using orthodontics to straighten teeth requires a certain level of responsibility to ensure the process goes smoothly. Most teenage patients are quite responsible, with statistics showing that most teens wear their aligners for 21 hours a day. However, some teens may struggle with this responsibility, leading to issues if they don't wear their aligners as required. If your child is more forgetful, traditional braces might be a better option since they are permanently secured to the teeth, requiring only regular brushing and flossing.
Invisalign Teen® offers significant conveniences, particularly because the aligners are removable. Teens appreciate this flexibility as it allows them to maintain their normal activities, appearance, and diet. At Somerset Family Dentistry, we recommend this solution for our teenage and adult patients. However, the responsibility of remembering to put the aligners back in after removal is crucial. If an aligner is lost, it can be replaced, but the treatment won't be effective if they simply forget to wear it.
It's essential to assess your child's level of responsibility and overall personality to determine if they are ready for Invisalign Teen®. If you live in the Bellflower area, bring them in for a consultation. We can discuss the treatment, explain the commitment required, and help them understand the benefits. They might surprise you with their dedication once they see Invisalign® as an alternative to traditional braces.
I've been told that Invisalign® will not work for my teen. Should I get a second opinion?
Absolutely. At Somerset Family Dentistry, we can evaluate and examine your teen to determine if they are a good candidate for Invisalign®. When consulting with a dentist, it's important to consider their level of training with this particular product. While your general dentist may excel in preventative care and restorations, they might have limited experience with Invisalign®. Therefore, it’s advisable to seek a second opinion if you're told that you or your child cannot pursue a specific treatment you're interested in.
How Do I Begin with Invisalign®?
Begin by calling +15629253735 to schedule an appointment at our dental office. During this visit, we will examine your teen's teeth to determine if they are ready for Invisalign® now or in the near future. We'll discuss the entire process with both you and your teen, ensuring everyone understands what to expect. There will be some paperwork to complete, and our office manager will discuss financial considerations. If you need assistance with financing, please inform us so we can help find a suitable solution.
Next, we'll schedule a visit to take digital images and measurements of your teen's mouth. These will be uploaded into a computer to create a detailed treatment plan. This plan maps out how the teeth will gradually move into their desired positions. This step is crucial for ensuring a precise and steady alignment process. The information will then be sent to the Invisalign® lab, where customized aligners will be produced. Each aligner is designed to shift your teen's teeth slightly, progressively moving them towards optimal alignment.
Once all aligners are ready, they will be delivered in a series for your teen to wear and switch out at home. Typically, each aligner is worn for about two weeks until it becomes loose, indicating it's time to switch to the next in the series. By following our instructions diligently and attending scheduled appointments, your teen can achieve a beautiful smile efficiently and effectively.
