When you were growing up, braces were a right of passage. All of your friends and people at school seemed to have metal braces at the same time. “Brace face” was an everyday name to be honored. But the times have changed. With technological advances, orthodontists can now offer Invisalign.
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners that gradually move your child’s teeth into their desired position. Invisalign is becoming a popular orthodontic treatment choice among many teens because patients find it more comfortable and discrete than other orthodontic treatments. Invisalign is less noticeable and more enjoyable to wear than the traditional metal braces that you grew up wearing.
Orthodontists like Dr. Bart Weis and Dr. Neepa Patel from Charlottesville Orthodontics are using Invisalign Teen more often in their practices and have received many questions from parents about Invisalign. Here are four questions and answers that every parent has about Invisalign for their teen.
#1: How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign Teen treatment is created using industry-leading technology and is fully customized to fit your teen’s orthodontic treatment needs. The clear aligners will gradually and gently move your teen’s teeth into their ideal position. About every two weeks, your teen will receive a new set of clear aligners, and each time the aligners will be closer to their new, perfect smile. This way, your teen can see their progress and teeth shift right before their eyes at every stage of the process.
#2: How long does my teen need to wear their Invisalign?
Your Charlottesville children’s orthodontists say that in order for Invisalign to work its magic, the clear aligners need to be worn for 22 hours every day. Your teen needs to remove their aligners only to eat and drink anything other than water. But besides that, your teen should be wearing their Invisalign at all other times of the day.
#3: What if my teen loses one of their aligners?
With removing the clear aligners at mealtime or for snacking, it can be easy for your teen to lose their Invisalign. Dr. Weis and Dr. Taylor have heard of many of their patients accidentally throwing away their aligners in a napkin or misplacing them. If this happens to you, don’t fret. Give your orthodontist a call and they will either get you a replacement or, depending on how far along you are, they may just give your teen the next step in the treatment process.
#4: Will my teen have diet restrictions?
Since your teens Invisalign will be removed for eating, there are no dietary restrictions. Unlike with traditional metal braces, your teen is free to eat whatever they are craving. But, it is really important for your teen to brush their teeth before putting their clear aligners back onto their teeth.
Call Charlottesville Orthodontics today!
If you’re looking for the best orthodontic care for your teen, look no further than Charlottesville Orthodontics. Charlottesville Orthodontics offers quality care for your teen with Invisalign Teen and early orthodontic treatment. Contact the children’s orthodontists in Charlottesville and Zion Crossroads or request a free consultation with us today!