Invisalign® Teen is one of the most popular treatment options at Weeks Orthodontics in Winter Springs and Oviedo, FL. For teenagers who want straighter teeth without the look of metal braces, clear aligners offer a comfortable and discreet alternative. Dr. Travis A. Weeks and Dr. Shadiya Hasan have treated hundreds of teen patients with Invisalign® and understand the unique challenges that come with orthodontic treatment during the teenage years — school, sports, social life, and the self-consciousness that comes with being a teenager.
Is My Teen Ready for Invisalign®?
Invisalign® Teen is designed for patients whose permanent teeth have fully erupted or are close to full eruption. Most teenagers are candidates starting around age 12 to 14, depending on their dental development. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7, but Invisalign® treatment usually starts once the majority of adult teeth are in place.
The most important factor in Invisalign® success for teens is compliance — wearing the aligners 20 to 22 hours per day. Invisalign® Teen aligners include built-in compliance indicators: small blue dots on the aligner that fade from blue to clear as they are worn. This gives parents and our orthodontists a way to check whether the aligners are being worn enough. If your teen is responsible enough to remember to wear their aligners after eating and sleeping, they are ready for Invisalign®.
Invisalign® and School Life
One of the biggest concerns parents have is how Invisalign® will affect their teen’s school day. The aligners are nearly invisible — classmates and teachers are unlikely to notice them. There are no food restrictions during lunch, and there are no bracket emergencies that need an urgent trip to the orthodontist during school hours. Teens simply remove the aligners to eat, brush their teeth, and put the aligners back in.
For teens who play musical instruments, Invisalign® is a lot more comfortable than traditional braces. Brass and woodwind players in particular report that braces interfere with their embouchure — the way their lips and mouth form around the mouthpiece. Invisalign® aligners are smooth and do not cut or irritate the lips and cheeks the way metal brackets can.
Sports and Invisalign®
Teens who play contact sports can wear their Invisalign® aligners during practice with a sports mouthguard over the top, or they can remove the aligners and wear a standard mouthguard during games. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a mouthguard for any contact sport regardless of orthodontic treatment. Unlike braces, there is no risk of a bracket breaking or a wire poking the inside of the mouth during a game.
Many of our teen patients at Weeks Orthodontics Oviedo participate in football, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and martial arts while wearing Invisalign® without any issues. We provide guidance on mouthguard options at your consultation.
Treatment Time for Teens
Invisalign® treatment for teens at Weeks Orthodontics usually takes 12 to 18 months, though some milder cases can be completed in as little as 6 months. Teens often see faster results than adults because their jawbones are still developing, which allows teeth to move more efficiently. New aligners are provided every one to two weeks, and office visits are scheduled every 6 to 10 weeks — less time out of school compared to traditional braces appointments.
What Happens If an Aligner Is Lost or Damaged?
It happens — teens lose things. Invisalign® Teen includes up to six free replacement aligners during treatment, which is a feature not available with standard adult Invisalign®. If your teen loses or damages a tray, call us at (407) 327-7737 and we will get a replacement ordered. In the meantime, we usually advise wearing the previous tray until the new one arrives to prevent teeth from shifting back.
Cost and Insurance for Teen Invisalign®
Invisalign® Teen at Weeks Orthodontics is priced comparably to traditional braces. Most orthodontic insurance plans cover Invisalign® the same way they cover braces. We accept most major insurance providers and offer flexible payment plans to make treatment affordable. Your free consultation includes a personalized treatment plan with a detailed cost estimate.
Schedule a Free Teen Invisalign® Consultation
If your teen is interested in Invisalign®, schedule a free consultation at Weeks Orthodontics. We have two locations in Winter Springs and Oviedo, FL. Dr. Weeks and Dr. Hasan will examine your teen’s teeth, take digital scans, and let you know whether Invisalign® Teen is the right option. Call (407) 327-7737 or book online.