How is Invisalign® different for adults vs teens

The process for straightening teeth is fairly similar. When asking how Invisalign® is different for adults vs. teens, the answer is simple – it is not. Invisalign® straightens teeth by using a series of clear plastic aligners. These aligners look like a clear retainer and are nearly invisible so that no one will know that your teen is wearing them. Every two weeks or so, your teen switches out the aligners with a new one in the series. Each time your teen does so, the teeth move that much closer to becoming straight. The first step is to ask questions about what the patient desires for a perfect smile. This is not small talk, but an important conversation. If for example, you teen plays a wind instrument in a band, wearing traditional metal braces may be extremely uncomfortable. With Invisalign®, this is not an issue. Dr. Athanasiou understands your teen’s needs and is equipped to make the right treatment recommendation.

At Belmont Smiles, we treat teens and adults, using Invisalign® to transform smiles. Perhaps the biggest difference between treating adults and teens is that teenagers have a lot more going on. While adults are busy with work and family obligations, there is little involvement in extracurricular activities similar to what teens participate in. Teens are usually busy running around and hanging out with friends. With this in mind, the aligner is removable and can be taken out. Both teens and adults do not have to let the aligner slow them down. However, the more the aligner is removed, the greater chance of a delay in treatment time slightly. Regardless of this factor, Invalign® will make it possible to have fun without worrying about your teen’s teeth.

Advantages of Invisalign® compared to traditional braces

As an Invisalign® Orthodontist in Belmont, Massachusetts we understand that there are many advantages to Invisalign® compared to traditional braces. The main similarity between Invisalign® and metal braces is that both products straighten your teen’s teeth. While there is nothing wrong with metal braces, alternative options can make life easier. When your teen wears braces, everyone can tell that your teen is straightening his or her teeth. Metal braces can also make it difficult to eat, brush teeth, play sports and play an instrument without feeling uncomfortable. Many teens are embarrassed to eat foods like hamburgers for fear that the food will become stuck in braces and make them look funny. This is a legitimate fear, but with Invisalign® for teens your teen does not have to worry about it. Your teen can take the aligners out when eating, to limit the risk of food becoming stuck and the chance of becoming embarrassed.

Dr. Athanasiou also recommends that patients take out their aligner when playing sports. This precaution allows teens to play without worrying about the aligner coming loose or feeling a need to protect his or her teeth. At Belmont Smiles, we also suggest that patients take out their aligner when playing an instrument, singing in the choir or other activities where it could cause discomfort.

The advantage of Invisalign®, compared to traditional braces, is that your teen does not have to slow down. Your teen can straighten his or her teeth and still hang out with friends, smile boldly in pictures and eat all of his or her favorite foods. When your teen wears traditional braces, he or she has to think about the teeth constantly. With Invisalign®, your teen has the freedom to enjoy life and live it without restriction.