Invisalign treatment is an attractive alternative to traditional braces for patients of many ages. Teens and adults, in particular, are good candidates for this form of orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign for Kids
Dentists often recommend that children have their first orthodontist appointment around age seven. Kids that young aren’t usually ready for full braces, but early treatment could reduce their time in braces down the road. This is usually known as Phase 1 treatment. Invisalign reputable cosmetic dentist in Brooklyn NY sometimes use the Invisalign First approach to Phase 1 orthodontics.
As for full Invisalign treatment, it is best for people who have lost all their baby teeth. Some patients do begin treatment before all of their permanent teeth are in, but they’re usually close to the end of the baby-to-permanent transition. For that reason, young children aren’t typically ready for a full course of Invisalign treatment.
Also, wearing Invisalign aligners requires personal responsibility. To succeed with this orthodontic treatment, patients need to keep track of their aligners, position them properly, and wear them for about 22 hours a day. For the most part, aligners should only come out for snacks and meals. Young children aren’t always ready for that level of responsibility.
Invisalign for Teens
The teen years and braces often go hand in hand. Unfortunately, metal braces can sometimes make teens feel awkward and self-conscious. Plus, metal braces and their poky wires are known to hurt! Invisalign aligners provide a clear alternative to traditional braces for many teens.
The teenage years can be one of the best times to pursue Invisalign treatment. Dentists often recommend beginning between ages 12 to 14. By that time, many patients have lost all their baby teeth, and they’ve developed enough personal responsibility to wear their aligners as needed.
Of course, each teen is different. Some may be ready to care for Invisalign as early as age 11. Others may need to wait until they are 15 or 16 before taking on that responsibility. It’s a good idea for kids, parents and dentists to discuss Invisalign together before beginning treatment. If you can find the best Invisalign dentist, they can help your family determine whether aligners are right for your teen at this time.
If you decide on Invisalign, your family will appreciate the many advantages that this treatment approach has to offer. With removable aligners, teens can keep eating their favorite foods — including popcorn — throughout treatment. Their metal braces won’t be forever memorialized in the school yearbook. Finally, progress updates at every dentist appointment will keep your teenagers encouraged that the treatment is working.
Invisalign for Adults
You’re never too old for Invisalign treatment. Even if you long ago graduated from your teen years, you can still benefit from orthodontic treatment. In fact, Invisalign is an excellent choice for many adults. While metal braces are a common sight among teenagers, fewer adults have metal braces. Even if you could benefit from teeth straightening, you might feel self-conscious about the idea of a mouth full of metal.
Invisalign could be the solution. The clear aligners are nearly invisible in your mouth, so many people may not even notice that you have them. You won’t have to worry about meeting new people or flashing a smile. Aligners can even be removed for photos and other special events.
Plus, getting Invisalign as an adult has several advantages over doing it in your younger years. Adults are often more responsible than teens, so you may be a reliable patient who remembers to wear your aligners all the time. Consistency can improve your results.
While parents are often the ones who pay for teens’ orthodontic treatment, you’ll probably be responsible for a part of the bill as an adult. That can help you be more invested in the process and committed to achieving a stellar outcome.
You may also have a clearer goal in mind. After living many years with uneven or crooked teeth, you might be tired of feeling self-conscious about your smile. At this point in your life, you’re fully committed to doing whatever it takes to get straight, beautiful teeth.
Regardless of your age, Invisalign treatment could be the metal-free way to achieve the smile of your dreams.
