Invisalign® Teen: Invisible Orthodontics Specifically for Teenagers By Stephen Dowell, DDS on January 16, 2018

At Dowell Dental Group, we want to make sure patients have a lot to smile about. Thanks to advances in orthodontic treatment, there is an alternative to traditional braces that does not involve unsightly brackets and wires. This new treatment is known as Invisalign®.

The team at our Carrollton, OH dental care center would like to take a moment to consider a new type of Invisalign® known as Invisalign® Teen. It’s perfect for young adults who have problems with crooked teeth and tooth misalignment.

About Invisalign® Teen

Invisalign® Teen is a type of Invisalign® with the teenage patient in mind. The basics of Invisalign® Teen are exactly the same: patients wear clear plastic aligner trays instead of braces in order to improve the alignment of the teeth; new aligners are worn every two weeks to help alter the position of the teeth. Overall, patients wear Invisalign® Teen aligners for 20-22 hours each day, with overall treatment times taking about a year to two years.

Developed with Teenagers in Mind

A team of orthodontists developed Invisalign® Teen with the needs of teenagers specifically in mind. That means considerations about convenience as well as a teen’s developing sense of self were taken into account when developing this variation on Invisalign®.
Because of these special concerns, Invisalign® Teen comes with features that makes things more convenient and generally more ideal. These features are:

• The blue dot indicator
• Eruption tabs
• Replacement trays if needed

Let’s explore each of these in more detail below.

Blue Dot Indicator

Invisalign® aligners need to be discarded and replaced every two weeks. As a reminder, Invisalign® Teen includes a blue dot indicator. This small blue dot on Invisalign® Teen aligners will fade away harmlessly over the course of two weeks. When the blue dot is gone, it’s time too move on to the next aligner in sequence. It’s as simple as that.

Eruption Tabs for Incoming Teeth

Not all teenagers have their permanent teeth in place when Invisalign® treatment begins. Because of this, Invisalign® Teen includes special eruption tabs for emerging teeth. This helps move the teeth into proper position as they come into place. The tabs also prevent the incoming teeth from settling in a non-optimal position.

Replacement Aligners (Just in Case)

Accidents can happen. You might misplace an aligner or lose one simply because you’ve got so much going on in your life. With Invisalign® Teen, your dentist has you covered. A limited number of replacement aligners can be ordered free of charge so you can continue treatment without interruption.

Is Invisalign® Teen Right for Me?

The best way to learn if you are eligible to undergo Invisalign® Teen is to visit your dentist for a consultation. During your visit to the practice, your dentist can assess your dental alignment and determine the ideal orthodontic procedure to enhance your smile. We’ll be more than happy to answer your questions and address your concerns as they arise.

Learn More About Invisalign® Teen

For more information about Invisalign® Teen and how it can help you have a healthy smile, be sure to contact our team of cosmetic and restorative dentists. The team at Dowell Dental Group will be more than happy to answer your questions and address your concerns.