Straighter Teeth Without the Hassle
Traditional metal braces can be very effective for straightening teeth, but they’re not always necessary. While Dr. Grussmark may recommend braces for severe cases, most teens can be treated with Invisalign aligners.
What is Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen is a clear aligner treatment plan developed just for growing teenagers. This innovative clear braces system is designed with the changes growing teens face, including guidance for wisdom teeth and growth of the mouth with maturation.
FAQs About Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen can correct the same problems as traditional metal braces more discreetly and comfortably. Some issues Invisalign can correct include:
- Overbites
- Crossbites
- Underbites
- Teeth gaps
- Crowded teeth
- Open bites
If your teen is struggling with any of these issues, schedule an appointment at our Miami office by calling (305) 441-1200. Dr. Grussmark will be able to assess their situation and determine if Invisalign Teen may be an effective solution.
There are a few differences between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen.
- Blue Dot indicators: Every set of Invisalign Teen aligners comes with a blue dot on the back of the set. The dot isn’t visible while the aligner is being worn and will fade with wear. The purpose of the dot is to give a visual indication of how much the aligner is being worn.
- Number of Aligners: Teens may be more likely to need replacement aligners, so Invisalign provides more aligners in their Invisalign Teen program than for adults. This way, if your teen loses an aligner tray, they’ll be able to get a replacement easier.
- Crafted For a Growing Mouth: Though Invisalign can’t be started until your teen has their adult teeth in (except for wisdom teeth), teens’ oral compositions are still growing and changing. Invisalign Teen treatment accounts for these current and future changes.
To begin treatment with Invisalign Teen, a patient must have all their permanent teeth, with the exception of wisdom teeth. As a result, most patients under the age of 12 years old likely won’t qualify. This means your teen will likely be around 14 years old when they’re eligible for this orthodontic treatment.
To learn if your teen is eligible for this treatment, Dr. Grussmark can perform a thorough evaluation of their teeth and determine if Invisalign Teen will be effective. He’ll also discuss their other treatment options if necessary.
The cost of Invisalign treatment depends on the patients’ individual needs. On average, it costs slightly more than traditional metal braces. The advantages of Invisalign are unmatched, however, and are a worthy investment.
Being able to smile, eat, and play sports without worrying about the appearance or function of braces makes Invisalign Teen well-worth the cost. Middle and high school can be tough for teens, and this treatment can help your teen to succeed academically as well as socially while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
You can visit our financing page to learn more about our payment options. Dr. Grussmark will provide you with a cost estimate of the treatment at your teen’s initial consultation.
Something unique to Invisalign Teen is the blue dot indicator located on the back of the set. If the small blue dot isn’t gone by the end of the day, you’ll know your teen isn’t wearing them for the required 20 to 22 hours per day. Neglecting to wear the aligners for the necessary amount of time each day could lead to a failed treatment.
Unlike traditional metal braces, there are no dietary restrictions with the Invisalign Teen treatment. Your teen should remove their aligners when eating or drinking something other than plain water to avoid damaging them. This way, they can enjoy the foods they love without having to worry about a treatment setback.
Your teen can wear their aligners while playing low-intensity and low-risk sports such as baseball, soccer, and gymnastics. However, high-intensity sports like football, rugby, and hockey may require a mouthguard. As long as your teen wears their aligners for the required 20 to 22 hours, they can remove them to play sports if necessary.
Invisalign Teen Treatment With Dr. Grussmark
The gift of straight teeth without metal braces can make a world of difference for your teen. They’ll be able to hang out with friends, play sports, and succeed without distraction or worry — Invisalign makes straightening teeth easy.
To learn about how Dr. Grussmark and our Coral Gables team can help your teen, contact us by calling (305) 441-1200 or by filling out our online contact form. We’re always happy to answer questions about our services.