Here at Douglas Knight Orthodontics, we strive to provide Tacoma, WA and surrounding areas with the highest quality, most advanced orthodontic care in a comfortable and safe environment. We want to help our patients to achieve the best smile possible by using the most effective and efficient orthodontic treatments.
Our experienced doctors and team understand that braces might not be the most ideal form of orthodontic treatment for teens. That is why Douglas Knight Orthodontics is proud to offer an alternative to traditional braces, called Invisalign Teen.
What Is Invisalign Teen?
While quite similar to Invisalign, Invisalign Teen is a separate line of customized mechanical applications, called aligners, specifically for young patients. Aligners are designed to fit each patient’s mouth perfectly and guide their teeth into a desired direction. Invisalign Teen is a great alternative to traditional braces and both have the same end goal. Invisalign Teen allows your teeth to straighten without having to use metal wires or brackets. There are many questions about whether or not Invisalign Teen is right for you or not, and we want to provide all of the information possible to help you decide if you’d like to inquire about Invisalign Teen.
What is The Difference between Invisalign Teen and Invisalign?
Both Invisalign Teen and Invisalign for adults use customized aligners to help straighten their patient’s teeth. While they seem extremely similar from afar, there are a few major differences between the two. Invisalign Teen was designed specifically for young adolescents who lead active lifestyles. There are a few unique features that make Invisalign Teen different and a better option for a younger patient. Continue reading to learn more.
- Blue Dot Wear Indicator - Invisalign Teen aligners have a Blue Dot Wear Indicator. Over the 2 week duration of wearing an aligner, the indicator will wear, informing the patient, their parents, and orthodontist that it is time to replace the aligner.
- Replacement Aligners - Unlike adult Invisalign treatments, Invisalign Teens provides 6 replacement or “backup” aligners. Teens are more likely to misplace or damage their aligners with all of their activities. Invisalign Teen removes the stress of the thought of losing an aligner by providing 6 replacements. If you need to replace your aligner, contact your orthodontist immediately.
Invisalign Teen FAQ
- What Are The Benefits of Invisalign Teen? Invisalign Teen is a great and efficient alternative option to braces for the following reasons:
- Extremely easy to remove to brush and floss your teeth
- Taking out aligners is flexible, making your schedule and everyday life easier.
- Aligners are easy to clean and manage
- The aligners are removable, making sports and after school activities a breeze.
- Is Invisalign Teen Just As Effective As Normal Braces? Yes. The duration of treatment for Invisalign Teen and braces often varies between patients. Both Invisalign Teen and braces lead to the same results.
- Will Friends Notice Invisalign Teen In My Mouth? No! Your friends should not be able to tell that you are wearing an aligner at first glance. Invisalign Teen aligners are designed to blend in with the natural color of the patient’s teeth so that the aligners are as discreet as possible.
- How Long Does Treatment Take? Treatments vary per person but typically range from 12-24 months.
- How Long Do I Wear My Aligner? Aligners should be replaced after 2 weeks with another custom-fit aligner.
- Can I Take My Aligner Off? Yes! We recommend that each patient wears their aligners for 21 hours/day. Aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, flossing, sports games, etc.
- What If I Lose My Aligner? If you misplace or lose your aligner, please contact our office for a replacement immediately. Invisalign Teen provides 6 replacement aligners.
- How Much Does Invisalign Teen Cost? Typically, Invisalign Teen costs the same as traditional braces. Contact our office to ask for more information regarding Invisalign Teen costs.
Next Steps
At Douglas Knight Orthodontics you are more than just a patient, you are family! We want to help you decipher if Invisalign Teen is the right orthodontic treatment for you. If you have any questions about Invisalign Teen, please contact our office or schedule an appointment online. We are looking forward to hearing from you!