Dillehay Orthodontics Is Your Wichita Invisalign Teen Provider
Today’s teens are a lot more visible than any generation before them. With most having more than one social media account, and selfies now a rite of passage, the constant sharing can sometimes be a little overwhelming if a teen feels their smile is less than perfect. We encourage all our patients to embrace their unique beauty, both inner and outer, but we know how good it can feel to have a beautifully aligned, fully functional smile. Invisalign Teen is one way our team here at Dillehay Orthodontics can achieve that kind of smile!
What is Invisalign Teen?
The Invisalign Teen system gives eligible teen patients a nearly invisible way to straighten teeth, without any of the restrictions that can accompany traditional metal braces. Rather than relying on wires and brackets to straighten teeth, Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners. These removable aligners are worn over the teeth and are changed out every week for the next in the system. The teeth shift into their new and improved positions gradually over time, leaving behind a confident smile teens want to share with the world!
Orthodontic treatment has many benefits that go far beyond a teen’s cosmetic appearance. Badly aligned bite and misaligned jaws can lead to a whole host of other problems such as headaches, jaw pain, grinding the teeth, gum disease, or general inflammation. Invisalign Teen treatment will result in a straighter, more aligned smile, and an optimized bite pattern as well. This makes the teeth more attractive, and also makes it easier for teens to clean them more efficiently, giving them lasting results they can be proud of.
When it comes to the treatment benefits and underlying technology, Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are the same. However, Invisalign Teen was developed with leading orthodontists with teens in mind. There are features specific to the Invisalign Teen system that meet the unique needs of teenage patients, including:
Compliance indicators
Patient compliance is a critical component to success with Invisalign. The aligners must be worn as directed by Dr. Dillehay or Dr. J.K. in order for them to work properly. If the aligners are not worn the 20-22 hours per day as recommended, the treatment will not be effective. The compliance indicators incorporated into the Invisalign Teen aligners fades from blue to clear, providing parents and orthodontists with a visual approximation of wear. This lets them know if the patient is holding up their end of the treatment bargain.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
We know that life just happens sometimes! It is not uncommon for our teen patients to lose or break an aligner. Although teens should always treat their aligners with care, there is no need to worry if this occurs. Invisalign Teen will provide up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case!
Wondering what else makes Invisalign such a great choice for teens? Let us take a look at some of the many benefits it offers.
Treats as successfully as traditional braces
The Invisalign system is at its most efficient when treating mild to moderate cases of underbite, overbite, overcrowding, and gaps between the teeth. When teens are compliant in wearing their aligners the recommended 20-22 hours a day, Invisalign Teen can be just as successful as traditional braces at treating many of the most common dental issues.
Offers teens flexibility
Traditional braces take some getting used to, and one of the steepest learning curves can be the food restrictions. Patients need to avoid anything that is hard or chewy and may find that navigating school and social life takes a little extra planning during the orthodontic process. Invisalign aligners are removable and designed to be taken out at mealtimes, so teens are able to eat just about anything they normally would, as long as they maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine as well. Even with a removable orthodontic appliance like the Invisalign Teen aligners, patients should be vigilant about brushing and flossing after eating to prevent bacteria from being trapped against the teeth.
Boosts self-esteem and self-confidence
Adults can sometimes forget the pressures of being a teenager. When you are years beyond that time in life, it can be easy to underestimate how self-conscious a teen may be about crooked teeth or other dental issues affecting their smile. Traditional braces are an excellent long-term solution for malocclusions, but for teens already concerned about their appearance, it has the potential to make insecurities worse in the short-term. Because Invisalign Teen aligners are virtually invisible, they remove what can be a very real source of stress: the idea that braces will make a teen “stand out” until their treatment is complete. They can also be removed for those all-important occasions when a teen only wants their natural smile to shine through, such as homecoming, prom, and senior pictures.
Less time in the chair, more time to do the things they love
Today’s families are busier than ever before, and it can be chaotic trying to schedule work, school, sports, and other extracurriculars, let alone orthodontist appointments! When compared to traditional braces, patients wearing Invisalign Teen will generally tend to require less frequent visits for maintenance, since there are not any adjustments to make or broken wires and brackets that need attending to. After the initial appointment, patients can expect follow-up appointments about every eight to twelve weeks.
Invisalign Teen is the clear winner with Dillehay Orthodontics
Invisalign Teen is designed for patients who have lost all baby teeth, and whose second molars are at least partially erupted. Do you have a teen who may benefit from this kind of orthodontic treatment? Why not get in touch today to schedule a free consultation for them? Our talented team is committed to working with your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding orthodontic experience from the first time you walk through our door. With offices in Derby, East Wichita, and West Wichita, and satellite offices in Arkansas City and Pratt, we are bound to have a location close to your work or your teen’s school, making it even more convenient to come see us. Discover your teen’s very best smile with Dillehay Orthodontics today!