What Parents Need to Know About Invisalign for Teens

Teens can be very self-conscious about their looks. And no matter how many times we try to promote body positivity to our kids, the societal pressures of high school can be too convincing at times.

While it’s important to straighten out their teeth not just for looks but for improved functionality as well, your teens might not see it that way. Kids sadly get bullied for having braces, and your teens might protest against the idea of getting braces for that reason alone. 

Thankfully, there’s an option that would please both parents and teens. Invisalign for teens can help straighten their teeth without the need for metal braces.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system custom-fit for your teeth. Think of them as clear braces. These clear aligners can give teens an invisible way to straighten their teeth. They’re comfortable and removable too. The benefit of using Invisalign versus traditional braces is that it can help your child feel less self-conscious about their teeth and gain confidence in their smile.

What Are Common Invisalign Issues?

As parents, you probably want to know what issues you need to anticipate when your child uses Invisalign. At the start of their use, your child will have to go through an adjustment period. They might have an increase in saliva or find that they’re speaking with a slight lisp.

You must try your best to ensure your teen is wearing their Invisalign during this time. These small hurdles at the start might discourage them, so it’s best to inform them that this is only temporary as they are adjusting. Let them know that things will get better once their mouth gets used to it. 

Invisalign will only work if your teen keeps wearing it. As a parent, it’s your job to monitor this and remind them to keep the Invisalign in their mouth. From time to time, check that they’re wearing it, especially for the first few days.

How Long Should My Teen Wear Their Aligners?

For Invisalign to effectively do its job, your teen must wear it for at least 22 hours each day. They can take it out when eating or for cleaning. But outside of these moments, they need to have them on for the Invisalign to work. 

Invisalign is designed to have minimal disruption in your teen’s life, so they’ll be able to go about their normal activities while wearing their Invisalign. Sports and other extracurricular activities are no problem, and it’s also safe to wear while they sleep.

Is Invisalign Expensive?

Some parents might get discouraged from choosing Invisalign as they might think it is more expensive than traditional braces. But the truth is that today’s Invisalign treatments can cost roughly the same as other treatments. Additionally, many insurance plans also now cover Invisalign. So, you can check if your insurance covers it if the price is a significant factor.

Conclusion

Getting your teeth straightened isn’t just for aesthetics. It can really improve your teeth’ functionality aside from giving you a straighter smile. But teens might get discouraged from getting their teeth fixed due to potential bullying at school. However, you can opt to get an Invisalign for your teen to fix their teeth without affecting their confidence. This clear aligner will give your teen a more comfortable teeth-straightening experience and pave the way for a much brighter smile.

If you’re looking for an Invisalign dentist in Mansfield, you can turn to Ivy Rose Family Dentistry for a comfortable dental experience. We offer exams, cleanings, dental crowns, and Invisalign treatment, among others. Request an appointment now!