Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth without braces. If you are a teenager or a parent of one and are wondering about Teen Invisalign in New Jersey, you have come to the right place! In this blog post, we will discuss whether or not Invisalign Teen is appropriate for 14-year-olds, and how to get started with Invisalign Teen Treatment in New Jersey.
When Can a Patient Get Invisalign?
The Invisalign system can be used to treat a wide variety of dental problems in patients of all ages. In general, Invisalign is appropriate for patients who have all their permanent teeth and whose bones are growing. For most people, this means that Invisalign treatment is appropriate starting at age 13 or 14.
In some cases, Invisalign can be used to treat patients who are younger than 13 or 14. For example, Invisalign might be appropriate for a 12-year-old patient who has all their permanent teeth and whose bones are still growing, but who has a very simple dental problem that can be easily treated with.
However, Invisalign is not appropriate for every patient. Invisalign might not be the best option for patients who have very complex dental problems, or for patients who are missing one or more permanent teeth. In these cases, traditional braces might be a better option.
Benefits of Invisalign for Teens
Braces are the most popular orthodontic treatments for teens. However, Invisalign offers a number of advantages over braces that teenage patients can highly appreciate.
#1 – Aligners are transparent.
This is the most obvious advantage of Invisalign over braces. Because Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic, they are practically invisible when worn. This means that your teen can straighten their teeth without anyone knowing they are undergoing treatment!
Braces, on the other hand, are very visible. While there are now clear braces available, they are still not as inconspicuous as Invisalign aligners.
#2 – Invisalign can be removed.
Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 20 hours per day in order to be effective. However, they can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This means that your teen can still eat their favorite foods and brush and floss their teeth properly.
With braces, however, certain foods must be avoided to prevent damage to the braces. In addition, brushing and flossing can be difficult with braces, and special care must be taken to avoid damaging them.
#3 – Aligners are comfortable.
Because Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic, they are much more comfortable to wear than braces. In addition, Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teen’s teeth, so they should not cause any irritation.
Braces, on the other hand, are often uncomfortable, especially when they first go on. In addition, the brackets and wires of braces can sometimes rub against the inside of the mouth, causing irritation.
Who Is a Candidate for Invisalign?
In order to be a candidate for Invisalign, your teen must:
- Be at least 13 years old (or have all their permanent teeth and be experiencing bone growth)
- Not be missing any permanent teeth
- Not having any complex dental problems (Invisalign might not be the best option for patients who have very complex dental problems, or for patients who are missing one or more permanent teeth. In these cases, traditional braces might be a better option.)
The Special Invisalign Teen System
Invisalign designed a special system, particularly for teenage patients, called Invisalign Teen. Invisalign Teen aligners are made from the same clear plastic material as regular Invisalign aligners. However, Invisalign Teen aligners are designed to accommodate the unique needs of teenage patients.
- Eruption Tabs: Invisalign Teen aligners come with special “eruption tabs” to accommodate the movement of newly erupted teeth.
- Replacement Aligners: Invisalign Teen also comes with up to six replacement aligners, in case your teen loses or damages an aligner.
- Wear Indicators: Invisalign Teen aligners also come with “wear indicators” that fade from blue to clear when worn too much. This helps ensure that your teen is wearing their aligners for the recommended 20 hours per day.
Best Provider of Teen Invisalign New Jersey
If you live in New Jersey and your teen is interested in Invisalign, there are a few things you need to do to get started.
First, you will need to find an Invisalign-certified orthodontist in your area. Dr. Matthew Milestone is passionate about creating beautiful smiles with Invisalign for both adult and teen patients (ages 11-19). He is currently one of the top Invisalign providers in New Jersey and has treated thousands of patients with Invisalign.
Once you have found an Invisalign-certified orthodontist, you will need to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, Dr. Milestone will examine your teen’s teeth and bite to determine if Invisalign is the best treatment option. If Invisalign is not right for your teen, don’t worry! Our team will develop a customized treatment plan that meets your teen’s unique needs.
To learn more about Invisalign for teens, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Milestone, contact our office today! Our offices are located in Paramus and West Orange, NJ.
