Is Invisalign® Right for Your Teen? What Every Parent Needs to Know

Over 5.6 million teens have been treated with Invisalign® aligners, which effectively straighten teeth and can improve your teen’s smile. While both teens and adults can benefit from this clear, removable alternative to conventional wire-and-bracket braces, parents need to know about the difference in treatment plans. 

At TLN Family Dental in Houston, Pearland, and Cypress, Texas, our experienced dental team evaluates your teen’s teeth, bite, oral health, and ability to follow the treatment plan before recommending the Invisalign system.

How does Invisalign work for teens?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners. Each aligner applies controlled pressure to specific teeth, gradually moving them toward their pre-planned positions. Your teen can expect to progress through the aligners according to a schedule provided by our team.

Because the aligners are removable, your teen takes them out for meals, brushing, and flossing. Removable aligners require responsibility. Your teen must wear them consistently, typically around 20-22 hours per day.

How is Invisalign different for teens?

Your teen’s jaws and teeth are still growing, and Invisalign for teens is designed to accommodate this growth. 

Supports growing teens

Teens often have canines, premolars or secondary molars growing in, and this guides their treatment plan. If your teen’s teeth are still erupting, their aligner design can include eruption tabs, which allow new teeth to continue growing in without obstruction. 

Special aligners treat class II malocclusions

Class II malocclusions are a common dental issue where the lower jaw is positioned too far back relative to the upper jaw, causing the top teeth to stick out significantly over the bottom teeth (also known as an overjet). 

For teens with an overjet, the Invisalign mandibular advancement system simultaneously guides the jaw forward, while straightening your teen’s teeth. Because teens have natural jaw flexibility, this often allows teeth to move faster while yielding better structural alignment. 

Is your teen a good Invisalign candidate?

Invisalign is a great option for mild-to-moderate alignment issues. The aligner system addresses crowded or crooked teeth, gaps, and certain bite problems. It’s a good option for teens who want to straighten their teeth and prefer a less visible alternative to braces. 

Our team will also evaluate active cavities, gum health, tooth development, and other factors before starting your teen’s Invisalign plan. Addressing untreated dental problems first helps protect your teen’s oral health throughout orthodontic treatment.

What are the benefits of Invisalign for teens?

For teenagers who are good candidates, Invisalign offers several advantages. The clear aligners are much less noticeable than traditional braces, which may help teens feel more confident about their appearance at school, social events, or in photographs.

Removability also means your teen can continue eating their favorite foods without the same dietary restrictions associated with brackets and wires. They simply remove the aligners before eating, and brush and floss normally afterward.

Invisalign also makes oral hygiene more straightforward, because your teen can clean their teeth without working around orthodontic brackets.

Supporting teen compliance

Compliance is a vitally important part of your teen’s Invisalign plan. Because Invisalign aligners come out, your teen controls a significant part of the treatment process. 

Forgetting to wear them, frequently leaving them out after meals or during activities, or losing them can interfere with treatment and extend the timeline. Parents can help by establishing routines for storing, cleaning, and wearing the aligners as directed. 

Start with a personalized Invisalign evaluation

If you’re considering Invisalign for your teenager, contact TLN Family Dental to schedule a consultation with our experts at one of our offices in Houston, Pearland, or Cypress, Texas. 

A personalized evaluation can help you determine whether clear aligners are the right fit for your teen’s smile. Start your teen’s smile journey today.