You may have heard of Invisalign for adults, but did you know it is also suitable for teenagers? Invisalign introduced the Invisalign Teen system to cater for younger patients, and certain special features set them apart from the primary Invisalign system. In this blog, we’ll be looking at how the two differ and why early orthodontic intervention can be something that benefits your child for life.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Sheffield offering orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign Teen, choose one80 Dental. Our specialist-led service enables us to provide high-quality patient care using some of the most cutting edge technology on the market. Read on to find out more.
Is My Child Suitable for Treatment with Invisalign Teen?
Whilst there isn’t an official age limit for treatment with Invisalign Teen, most of your child’s teeth will need to have come through for them to be eligible. They will also need to be mature enough to stick to the routine of wearing them for 22 hours each day. If your child struggles with being consistent with day-to-day habits and chores, we might suggest a fixed brace, as they won’t have to bear the responsibility of remembering to wear their aligners for the allocated time.
Like the adult version of Invisalign, Invisalign Teen has the versatility to help with multiple concerns:
Crowded teeth: Crowded teeth will worsen over time without treatment, leading to plaque build-up and increased susceptibility to decay and gum disease.
Gapped teeth: unnatural spaces and gaps in your child’s teeth can lead to gum problems such as periodontal pockets and receding gums as they get older.
Deep bite: gum irritation and tooth wear on the lower teeth can be consequences of an untreated, deep bite. It’s not unusual for painful jaw and joint problems to develop also.
Underbite: the development of an underbite can prevent the front teeth and molars from meeting correcting, leading to tooth wear. Jaw pain can also be a symptom of an underbite.
Open bite: painful chewing, speech impediments, and TMJD disorders are all problems that can arise from your child having an open bite.
Crossbite: if your child has a crossbite, they will have one or more upper teeth that bite the inside of their lower teeth.
How Does Invisalign Teen Differ from Invisalign?
There are a couple of features that make Invisalign Teen a little different.
More aligners: Invisalign Teen patients will receive more aligners than adult patients. It’s no secret that teens and young adults are sometimes prone to losing and breaking things! Giving them a few additional aligners means that they can carry on with their treatment as usual without compromising the projected treatment time if they damage or misplace one.
The little blue dots: each Invisalign Teen aligner has a small blue dot on the back, which will change to white depending on how frequently your child is wearing their aligners. This is an excellent way for parents to keep track of how regimental their child is with wearing their aligners.
How Can Invisalign Teen Benefit Your Child?
Invisalign for teenagers can be beneficial in the following ways:
- Time-saving: there are fewer appointments than traditional braces, and these are generally shorter.
- BPA-free: the aligners are made from both BPA and toxin-free plastic.
- Removable: your child will be able to take their aligners out for up to 2 hours a day. This means they’re still able to do the things they enjoy, including playing instruments and sports.
- No dietary drawbacks: your child can take their aligners out over the average 12-18 month treatment period. They can continue to eat the foods they love.
- Discreet: your child’s aligners will be the same discreet aligners that adult patients are given. They’ll be able to wear them around their friends without worrying about their teeth looking different, which can help them stay self-confident and optimistic during their treatment.
Why Should I Have My Child’s Teeth Straightened?
If your child has orthodontic ailments or problems with their bite, braces can be life-changing. Invisalign for teenagers can help improve the appearance of their smile and their dental health, as structural problems with teeth can interfere with functions like chewing, biting, and talking.
We all know that children wish to fit in with their peers, and it can be challenging for them when they look a little different. Orthodontic treatment can help them feel confident around others as they age through their teens.
Finding a Dentist in Sheffield
We have a specialist orthodontist who performs Invisalign for teenagers and adults here at one80 Dental.
Tania Murphy has extensive experience in providing all aspects of orthodontic treatment alone or with restorative dentistry. Tania qualified as a dentist from the University of Sheffield in 1996 and has continued to develop her knowledge with Masters degrees in Oral Surgery and Orthodontics. She has been recognised as a Specialist in Orthodontics by the General Dental Council (GDC) since 2003, after achieving a Membership in Orthodontics from the Royal College of Surgeons.
Tania is happy to take referrals from your child’s general dentist.
Why Seek Treatment from a Specialist in Orthodontics?
As Specialists in orthodontics engage in additional training, they are better equipped to help your child on their way to straighter teeth and a healthier smile. Patients who opt for treatment from a specialist (such as Tania Murphy here at one80 Dental) can expect an exceptional standard of treatment and care.
Contact our friendly reception team to book your child with an orthodontist or dentist in Sheffield, here at one80.