Braces are clunky, uncomfortable and not exactly considered attractive at times. That's where Invisalign for teens comes in. If your teen is self-conscious about their appearance, these clear aligners are an alternative to a chunky metal look. Okay, so the appearance issue is a major reason why many teens choose Invisalign. But, why else should you consider this option for you child? Check out the other major advantages of using clear aligners to get a straighter smile.
Brushing and Flossing
Teens aren't exactly known as the best brushers. Proper brushing takes time—at least two minutes twice a day. And then there's flossing. If your teen is slacking when it comes to their dental care, making it more difficult probably won't help the situation. Invisalign makes brushing and flossing easier than it would be with traditional metal bracket and wire braces. Instead of having to weave in and around the wires, your teen can just take her aligners out and brush (or floss) like she normally would.
Sports Situations
If your child is all about athletics, traditional braces may cause problems. Your child may need to wear a mouth guard to protect those braces or have to worry about keeping the mouth area extra-safe. Invisalign for teens makes playing sports the same as it would be without braces. Even though your child can't go without the trays for long periods of time, they can remove them when needed. Your teen athlete can simply pop out the aligners, play their game and then put the trays back in again.
Easy Eating
That big bowl of popcorn your teen is about to eat with friends doesn't looking as appealing when braces are involved. Your teen likes to eat, and doesn't want anything to get in the way of it. Traditional metal braces often limit what the wearer can eat. Anything that's chewy, sticky or could get stuck in between the braces and the teeth aren't advisable. With Invisalign your teen can take out the aligners and eat whatever they want—of course, within reason.
Added Comfort
Those metal brackets that traditional braces have can irritate your child's mouth, causing pain and discomfort. Clear aligners are smooth and not as likely to irritate your child's mouth. This may result in less complaining and less fuss over orthodontic care.
Long gone are the days when there was only one orthodontic option—braces. Even though you may have had to go through years of treatments with metal brackets and wires, your child doesn't have to. Talk to the orthodontist to find out if your teen is a candidate for Invisalign. Only a pro can evaluate your teen's individual situation.