Although Invisalign has been around for a while, it’s not uncommon to have questions about the procedure. Invisalign is a great treatment, and easily one of the most popular in Orange County, but it is also not right for everyone, and it’s important to stay informed and educated about your options.

This is especially true if you have young people and teens that are interested in Invisalign. Young people often prefer the idea of Invisalign because they want to avoid the look of metal braces. But is it the best option? We explore common Invisalign questions for parents in this article.

Q: What is the Youngest Age For Invisalign?

A: In Orthodontics, it’s not about age as much as it is about dental maturation. Invisalign cannot be completed until all adult teeth has grown into their proper placement. If there are any baby teeth left, or if the mouth is still adjusting, Invisalign is not an ideal treatment.

In addition, the maturity of the child/teen matters. Remember, Invisalign braces need to be worn 23 hour a day, cleaned thoroughly, never misplaced, and always switched every 2 weeks. If your son or daughter is mature enough to handle this responsibility then Invisalign is a great choice. If not, you may want to consider other orthodontic treatments.

Q: Is Invisalign Teen Any Different from Traditional Invisalign?

A: Yes! Invisalign teen comes with FREE aligner replacements, because we know that there is a risk of losing or damaging the tray. Invisalign Teen is also designed in a way that can adapt to growing teeth. There are also stronger ridges, since teen teeth can sometimes be more resistant to movement than adult teeth.

However, perhaps the most interesting feature of Invisalign Teen is that it is equipped with a special blue dot known as a “compliance indicator.” This dot wears away over time if – and only if – the teen is wearing the Invisalign aligner. That gives you an easy way to make sure they are following instructions.

Q: What are the Benefits of Invisalign Teen Over Other Braces?

A: There are several reasons that your children may prefer Invisalign over traditional metal braces. The first is the clarity. Many teens are concerned that they won’t be confident with their smile while wearing braces.

The second is the health of your teen’s teeth. Metal braces are a great option, but without proper care they can damage your teeth over time.

Finally, teens are not very excited about changing their eating habits. With the possible exception of chewing gum, Invisalign doesn’t have any dietary restrictions provided your teen is ready and able to clean the aligners.

Q: Will My Teen’s New Smile Last?

A: Your child may need a retainer to maintain your smile over time, as the teeth do fight to get back to their original position. But this is true of both children and adults. Talk to your Dr. Rashidi of Orange County Invisalign to learn more about what your child may need to do to maintain their smile.

Q: Is Invisalign the Best Choice for My Teen Child?

A: Invisalign is an excellent choice for teens. But every mouth is different. The best way to learn more about treating your child’s crooked teeth is by contacting an Orange County Invisalign Orthodontist. For more information, please call the Mission Viejo office of Dr. Rashidi today at 949-770-8011.