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Metal mouth, brace face—if you were a teen with braces then you probably heard those endearing little names once or twice while you were growing up. Nowadays, many children have a choice when it comes to teeth straightening: the traditional metal with wires and brackets, or the clear plastic alignment trays. Is Invisalign right for your teen?
With the use of 3-D computer imaging, orthodontists map out where the teeth should go to be straightened, and use the technology to move them in small, precise increments. The teen wears the braces all day, but can take them out whenever they wish. A blue dot indicator on the trays signals when it is time to dispose of the current tray, and use a replacement. The orthodontists often send patients away with multiple sets of trays, just in case they are damaged or lost.
If your child is particularly image-conscious, Invisalign might be the right way to go, since they aren’t noticeable and can be taken out whenever a camera is around. They will also spend less time at the orthodontist, since appointments are only needed every four to six weeks.
Those of us who have had braces also know that it can be very uncomfortable, and also limiting on what foods you can eat. With the trays your child can eat popcorn, and not worry about it getting stuck in their metal wires. Some people say that when they had Invisalign it actually helped them curb snacking that they wouldn’t eat snacks or soda just because the food was in front of them.
Invisalign must be set on the teeth all day, with exceptions for eating food, brushing teeth, or other similar activities. If you don’t think your teen will commit to wearing Invisalign for a long duration, it may be best wait until they mature a bit more or stick with metal braces.
