If your teenager is dissatisfied or embarrassed about how their teeth look, they might be thinking about getting braces to achieve a smile they are proud of. A well aligned set of teeth are also much healthier, as they’re easier for your child to take care of when they brush and floss.

 

Here at one80 Dental, we offer Invisalign for teenagers, also known as Invisalign Teen. This world-class treatment was designed and engineered with teenagers in mind. Read on to discover the many benefits of Invisalign for teenagers.

Why should teenagers have their teeth straightened?

 

The two principal reasons your child’s teenage years are the ideal time for teeth straightening are:

 

Their bones are still growing

 

When your child reaches the age of 12 or 13, they should have most of their adult teeth. However, their facial structure and jawbone will still be developing, making it an optimal time to adjust how their tooth roots sit, rather than addressing it when they are an adult.

 

With that said, it’s still absolutely possible to have successful Invisalign treatment as an adult. We treat hundreds of adults with Invisalign each year at one80 Dental, and the popularity of this treatment continues to grow year after year.

 

What is Invisalign?

 

Invisalign is a discreet alternative to braces that uses custom-made transparent aligners to move teeth into a healthier and more visually appealing position. With Invisalign, it’s possible to correct moderate (and some more severe) problems with teeth, and patients don’t have to put up with metal in their mouths.

 

Invisalign is very versatile. It’s suitable for a range of different orthodontic problems, though in some cases where there is evidence of severe bite problems, we might suggest fixed braces as the most effective treatment option.

 

It’s a fantastic investment into their oral health

 

Crooked teeth can be difficult to clean, as the surface of each tooth is not fully exposed and therefore does not come into contact with a toothbrush. Unnatural gaps can also pose a challenge when your teen begins to floss, with food particles becoming stuck and difficult to remove. Plaque is then allowed to build up between these misaligned teeth, putting your teen’s teeth at risk of gum disease and decay, potentially leading to avoidable dental work.

 

Once your teen’s teeth are straight, they will be less at risk of these problems, and their oral hygiene routine will become more efficient.

 

Why is Invisalign such a great treatment for teenagers?

 

Invisalign clear aligners are a great alternative to fixed braces for teens who might be unwilling to wear a conspicuous brace and want as much freedom during treatment as possible.

 

Some of the benefits of Invisalign for teenagers are:

 

They’re barely noticeable

 

We’ve all been teenagers, and we all understand the desire to be like the rest of our peers. A noticeable metal brace can make it difficult for teens to fit in. However, as Invisalign aligners are transparent and therefore barely noticeable, children in their teenage years can feel more confident wearing them in public. Having a discreet alternative to braces can make your teen’s teeth-straightening experience something they feel confident, relaxed and happy about.

 

They’re specifically geared towards teens

 

Invisalign Teen encompasses a special design that allows for the eruption of new adult teeth. The aligners also come with blue wear indicators, which fade from blue to clear, allowing parents and orthodontists to gauge how much wear time the aligners have had. This means we can keep an eye on whether or not your child is sticking to the 22-hour a day wear time and allows us to step in and offer positive reinforcement and guidance should we find they’re neglecting to wear them.

 

They give your child freedom to eat what they like

 

Fixed braces limit the type of foods your child can enjoy. Sticky and chewy foods can easily become stuck in their brace, compromising oral health. Invisalign Teen patients can remove their aligners for up to 2 hours a day to eat normally and enjoy the foods they actually want to eat.

 

The Invisalign system makes brushing easy

 

One of the things that can make wearing fixed braces unappealing to teens is how hard it is to brush their teeth with them in. Few teenagers enjoy brushing their teeth at the best of times. As Invisalign aligners are made from plastic and have no wires or brackets, they can be easily removed for tooth brushing.

 

Time-saving treatment

 

There are fewer appointments than traditional braces, and these are generally shorter. This means your child can spend more time doing the things they love the most, especially activities that are hindered by braces.

 

Tania Murphy: Specialist in Orthodontics at one80 Dental

 

We’re incredibly fortunate to have the talents, experience and skills of our Specialist in Orthodontics, Tania Murphy. She is highly adept at working with teenagers and loves to help and support them on their way to a great smile. Tania qualified as a dentist in 1996 from the University of Sheffield and has since developed her career with a combination of both NHS and private practice.

 

She is a recognised Specialist in Orthodontics in the eyes of the General Dental Council (GDC), meaning she can offer an exceptional level of treatment to both adults and teens who would like to correct their teeth.

 

Tania undertakes all aspects of orthodontic work and is superb at encouraging and inspiring teens to be consistent with their aligner-wearing and helping them understand the importance of a healthy smile and bite.

 

Read more about Tania Murphy here.

 

Invisalign treatment in Sheffield

 

If you’re based in Sheffield and looking for a reputable dental practice to treat your teenage child’s teeth, choose one80 Dental for outstanding Specialist orthodontic care.