Invisalign® Offers a Convenient Orthodontic Treatment for Teens
Orthodontist Kellyn Hodges offers teeth straightening treatments that allow patients to improve the appearance of a crooked smile while ensuring that the teeth are spaced correctly, helping patients to avoid a future of oral health problems. Although the benefits of orthodontic treatment are obvious, many patients, especially teens, dread the idea of having to wear metal braces for a year or more. Even with the colorful styles or clear options that are now available, braces can stand out more than some patients would prefer. Fortunately for our Philadelphia patients, Invisalign® Teen offers a more discreet option. Invisalign® Teen is a virtually invisible orthodontic treatment that can effectively align the teeth in roughly the same time frame as traditional metal braces.
Invisalign® Treatment
Invisalign® is the most indistinguishable orthodontic treatments available and has no negative impact on the appearance of the smile while the patient is under treatment. This is because Invisalign® Teen is a teeth straightening treatment that is completely free of brackets, wires, or rubber bands. Instead, patients uses a series of clear, plastic aligners that have been custom-made based on x-rays, molds, and photos of the patient’s teeth. These aligners fit over the teeth and place subtle pressure on the teeth, gradually realigning them to their desired position. While these aligners fit closely to the teeth, they are not attached with any wires, adhesives, or bonding materials. In fact, they are completely removable. Roughly every two weeks, the patient progresses to a new set of aligners. It is through this progression that the teeth are shifted into proper alignment. Although each treatment will differ according to the patient’s specific needs, on average patients will work through a series of 18 to 30 different aligners. Just as with traditional braces, the average length of Invisalign® Teen treatment ranges from 12 to 18 months.
Advantages of Invisalign®
Most teenagers today lead very active lives. Between school, sports, extra-curricular activities, and social lives, they do not want one more thing interfering with their busy schedules. As opposed to braces which require special care and food restrictions, Invisalign® Teen aligners are easy to care for and make the teeth easy to care for as well. Teens simply remove Invisalign® aligners any time, leaving them free to eat the foods they enjoy and maintain oral health care. What more, Invisalign® is basically invisible. While this offers advantages to all patients, it is especially important to teens who may still be gaining confidence. The last thing teens want is a visible difference that will set them apart from their peers. Invisalign® Teen allows patients to achieve a straight and beautiful smile without marring the appearance of their smile during treatment.
Disadvantages of Invisalign®
Invisalign® Teen is an effective treatment with the benefits of superior comfort and convenience. However, it is important to note that, in order for treatment to be effective, the aligners must be worn for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours per day. Because the aligners are removable, it is up to the responsibility of the patient to ensure that adequate treatment time is given. For teens who may not yet be mature enough for this responsibility, the treatment may take longer than it needs to. It is important for teens considering Invisalign® treatment to understand all the details and requirements of treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are in need of orthodontic treatment and are interested in learning more about Invisalign® Teen, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kellyn Hodges at your earliest convenience. We are so confident that you’ll be satisfied with the services that we provide that the first consultation is completely free. We look forward to helping you achieve a straight and beautiful smile!
