7 Things Parents Need to Know About Invisalign Teen

An endodontist specializes in treating various dental issues that go beyond minor concerns like plaque buildup or minor chips in teeth.

Many people find Invisalign® to be highly appealing. Why does this matter? It's simple: when your teen enjoys their orthodontic treatment, they're more likely to stay committed to it. Orthodontics isn't a one-time visit; it requires your teen to consistently wear their aligners, attend appointments, and maintain oral hygiene. While the same responsibilities apply to traditional braces, Invisalign® often provides greater satisfaction throughout the treatment process. If you're uncertain whether Invisalign® is right for your teen, schedule a consultation with our office. Because the aligners are fully removable, patients must be vigilant about their placement and maintain good dental hygiene.

Invisalign® uses clear aligners resembling full plastic retainers to straighten teeth. These aligners are entirely removable, allowing patients to take them out for eating and brushing teeth. This flexibility means teens can also remove them for band practice or sports activities, integrating seamlessly into their daily routines. Unlike traditional braces, which are fixed on the teeth, Invisalign® offers the convenience of easy removal, enhancing comfort and lifestyle flexibility.

Inquire About Reduced Rates for Replacement Aligners at Somerset Family Dentistry. One common concern among parents is the potential for their teen to lose an aligner. Should this occur, we offer reduced rates on replacement aligners. We recognize that even the most responsible teens may misplace their aligners occasionally. If this happens, rest assured—simply contact us to inquire about the replacement cost for the specific aligner that needs replacing. This underscores the importance of responsible management during Invisalign® treatment.

Spend Less Time in the Dentist's Chair. Teens are busy, and if you're seeking a convenient solution for straightening teeth in the area, Invisalign Teen® is the answer. Unlike traditional orthodontic treatments that require frequent visits for wire adjustments, Invisalign® reduces the need for office visits. Typically, your teen will only need to return to our Bellflower, California dental office every four to six weeks for a progress check. They can manage their aligners at home, minimizing interruptions to your daily routine.

Our team can demonstrate how to clean the aligners for you and your teen. It's straightforward—simply remove them while brushing and flossing. Clean them using lukewarm water and a soft toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste, as it can be abrasive and leave scratch marks. If needed, we may suggest using the Invisalign Cleaning System for optimal results.

Allowing your child to play sports without braces is crucial. Whether they participate in soccer, basketball, football, lacrosse, or other sports, these activities can be aggressive and may result in mouth injuries, regardless of braces. Brackets on teeth can cause cuts or bloody lips even from minor contact. At Somerset Family Dentistry, we strongly endorse Invisalign Teen® for athletic teens because it offers a safer alternative. Teens can remove the aligners and wear a mouthguard if desired, without the risk of metal brackets increasing the likelihood of injury.

Since your children were young, you've likely emphasized the importance of preventing cavities with the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and regular dental visits. Choosing Invisalign® over braces is the next step in this dental care journey. Braces can increase the risk of decay due to plaque buildup and food trapping, which is minimized with Invisalign® because aligners are removed for eating and brushing. This simplifies their oral hygiene routine—no need for additional tools or extensive planning. As a parent, Invisalign® can make it easier for your children to maintain their dental health and reduce your daily caregiving tasks.