For many teenagers, the prospect of orthodontic treatment can be very concerning because of the fact that traditional metal braces will have such a prominent effect on their appearance. The good news is, options such as Invisalign® Teen can address a number of common orthodontic issues in a way that doesn’t draw unwanted attention to their smiles. Our San Diego cosmetic dentist, Dr. Jimmy Wu, is a Preferred Invisalign® Provider who can help teens and adolescents attain straighter teeth and a more beautiful smile with customized treatment designed to meet their unique needs.
- What Is Invisalign® Teen?
- Invisalign® Teen Benefits
- Invisalign® Teen vs. Braces
- Invisalign® Teen Treatment Process
- Invisalign® Teen Cost
What Is Invisalign® Teen?
Invisalign® Teen involves a customized series of clear, plastic teeth aligners designed to correct a variety of mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. This treatment utilizes the same technology as Invisalign® for adults; however, it is formulated based on the unique developmental needs of teenage and adolescents patients.
What Are the Advantages of Invisalign® Teen?
Invisalign® Teen can help teenagers close gaps and spaces between their teeth, address areas of crowded teeth, correct misalignment, and improve many types of bite issues. Other benefits of Invisalign® Teen include:
- The Invisalign® Teen aligners are made of clear plastic and are virtually undetectable on the teeth.
- The aligners contain no metal wires or brackets.
- The aligners are removable for eating, drinking, and daily oral hygiene routines.
- The treatment is typically more comfortable when compared to other orthodontic techniques.
- There is often less of a need for follow-up “maintenance” visits to the office.
- For many patients, optimal results from Invisalign® Teen can be achieved in only 9 to 15 months.
Invisalign® Teen vs. Braces
While traditional braces have served as a standard and effective orthodontic treatment for adolescents over the last several decades, advances such as Invisalign® Teen have made it possible for teenagers to avoid some of the most common drawbacks of braces. The chief difference between Invisalign® Teen and braces is the fact that Invisalign® Teen does not involve noticeable brackets and wires to bring the teeth into a more desirable position. The brackets and wires that are necessary for braces treatment have been known to cause discomfort in some patients, and often require numerous follow-up office visits for maintenance. With Invisalign® Teen, the removable appliances involve no metal parts whatsoever, which can not only enhance comfort, but also yield a much more discreet appearance on the teeth. This can be very advantageous for teens and adolescents who are worried about undergoing noticeable orthodontic treatment while having their pictures taken or attending social and school functions.
With these distinctions in mind, it is important to note that orthodontic treatment should be customized for an individual patient’s unique needs and goals. In more severe cases of teeth misalignment or bite irregularities, braces or another orthodontic procedure may be the preferable option in order to achieve the most optimal results. During the initial consultation, Dr. Wu will be able to determine the most ideal treatment for your needs.
What Does the Invisalign® Teen Treatment Process Involve?
When you meet with Dr. Wu for your initial consultation and oral evaluation, he will talk with you about your options and decide whether Invisalign® Teen is right for you. If so, he will create a digital impression of your teeth and send it to Invisalign®’s laboratory. The experts at Invisalign® will design a comprehensive series of clear teeth aligners and send them back to our office, where we will give them to you to take home. Each of these aligners is slightly different from the other – once you’ve worn one set for about two weeks, you will discard it for the next set of aligners in the series. This technique allows for a very gradual movement of the teeth into the desired position. Dr. Wu advises patients to be sure to keep the aligners in place for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours each day so that the best results can be achieved. A retainer will be necessary once treatment is complete to ensure the results maintain stability.
How Much Does Invisalign® Teen Cost?
The cost of Invisalign® Teen typically averages in the $5000 range.* However, the total cost often varies depending on the complexity of the concerns being addressed, the number of aligners that will be necessary for the best results, and other factors. In most cases, Invisalign® Teen offers a price comparable to that of traditional braces, and many dental insurance policies offer at least partial coverage for the treatment. Once your treatment plan is developed during the initial consultation, a member of our team will produce a price estimate of Invisalign® Teen and go over the many acceptable payment methods here at Sutra Dental Spa, and answer any questions you may have about insurance coverage. We can also talk with you about dental financing options that offer qualified applicants convenient ways to pay for treatment over time.
*According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry
For more information on Invisalign® Teen, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wu, please contact us today.
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