Invisalign for Teens Universal City, TX

Refitting Aligners for Teens

Invisalign’s clear aligners, also known as "trays," fit over the top and bottom teeth. Patients wear a series of aligners that will gradually move their teeth into the proper position. Each custom-made tray is worn for a few weeks, allowing the teeth to slightly shift before moving on to the next set of trays. The next set is slightly different and helps the teeth continue to move into their desired position. Over time, the small shifts add up to a big change.

The number of trays a patient will receive and, thus, the duration of treatment depends on the amount of time needed to fix each issue. Some patients may need 20 trays, while others may need as many as 40 trays to correct their teeth. Treatment remains customized to each patient, no matter their age. Upon removal, the teen must remember to put their Invisalign trays in a safe place to avoid misplacing them or accidentally discarding them.

In the event a child does misplace the trays, Invisalign Teen comes with replacement aligners that the orthodontist can provide. For cases in which a patient forgets to wear their aligners or replace them as prescribed, refitting and adjusting may be required at their follow-up appointment.

Designed Just For Teens

Align Technologies designed Invisalign Teen with teenagers in mind. Invisalign Teen remains a preferred treatment for many teenagers as the invisible trays are removed for eating, drinking, and engaging in activities. For treatment to be as effective as possible, teens will need to wear their aligners for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours a day.

That gives them plenty of time to take them out for eating, cleaning, and engaging in extracurricular activities such as band practice or sports. The discreet design allows teens to wear Invisalign trays at other times without disrupting their life or making them feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile. One of the greatest advantages of Invisalign Teen remains its nearly invisible trays.

With less than one millimeter thickness, these clear aligners offer teens a far less invasive alternative to traditional metal braces. The clear aligners come computer-manufactured and completely customized to fit the patient’s mouth. It slides comfortably over the surfaces of teeth and can be removed to eat, drink, brush, floss, and engage in activities such as sports and playing musical instruments.

Materials Made For Teens

Invisalign Teen makes it easier than ever for teenagers to achieve their desired smile and correct dental issues. Each aligner comes with a blue compliance indicator that helps teens ensure they wear the aligners for the prescribed duration each day. The indicator changes from blue to clear to indicate the trays have been worn for a sufficient amount of time each day — 20-22 hours a day.

The aligners are made of SmartTrack material to keep them smooth and comfortable while in the patient’s mouth. SmartForce® Attachments, or small tooth-colored shapes, are often added, allowing the aligners to apply the right amount of force in the right direction. The mandibular advancement feature for patients with complex overbites (common in teens) comes with precision wings that gradually move the lower jaw. These additions and features can be requested or may be recommended by an orthodontist during consultation.

Why Teens Prefer Invisalign

Invisalign Teen is the preferred orthodontic treatment for many teenagers today. Teens feel less self-conscious wearing the aligners because of their nearly invisible design compared to traditional braces that remain difficult to hide. Teens also enjoy the freedom (engage in activities, eat their favorite foods, etc.) that comes with removable trays.

Patients who are concerned about pain may prefer Invisalign Teen as their smooth design provides enhanced comfort compared to bulky metal braces. The trays use slower, more gentle movements than traditional braces, causing minimal and temporary discomfort. If particularly sensitive to pain, Invisalign Teen offers an ideal option for teens.