Invisalign has grown in popularity over the years as an alternative to traditional metal braces. It’s a popular choice among teenagers who want teeth straightening without the “mouthful of metal” look they expect with braces. Invisalign offers a version of its clear aligners made to make treatment easier for teenagers called Invisalign Teen.
What is Invisalign Teen? What’s the difference between Invisalign vs. Invisalign Teen? How much does Invisalign Teen cost? We know you have lots of questions about Invisalign Teen. Petrous Orthodontics is here to help.
Invisalign clear aligners were introduced in the 1990s as an alternative to braces. Invisalign is made of a special acrylic material that is custom-molded to each patient’s teeth. The material is clear and virtually invisible, so people may not even notice you’re straightening your teeth when you wear Invisalign.
Patients are given several sets of trays with each visit to their orthodontist. They wear a set of trays (upper and lower) for 1-2 weeks, then change them out for the next set in the sequence. Each set moves the teeth a specific way until the teeth are where they should be and their bite is repaired.
Invisalign trays are removable, so they don’t have the food restrictions of braces. It’s also easy to maintain oral hygiene habits because they can be removed for brushing and flossing. They must be worn at least 22 hours a day to be fully effective. They also must be cleaned regularly.
What’s the difference between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen? There are only a couple of differences, but they’re important to help the treatment succeed for teenagers.
Invisalign Teen is basically like Invisalign. The biggest change is that Invisalign aligners for teens have a blue dot on the back of the clear aligners. As the tray is used, this dot changes from blue to white. If the teenager wears the aligners correctly, the dot should change within 1-2 weeks. Once it’s white, the teenager will know to change that set of aligners out for the next set.
Invisalign Teen also offers more replacement aligners in case a set is broken or lost. We know teenagers often have an active schedule and may not always keep up with their clear aligners. That’s why we have extra sets available through Invisalign Teen.
It’s possible for pre-teenagers to use Invisalign, but only if they have a fully developed set of teeth. In other words, most permanent teeth are in, and the baby teeth are gone. The treatment will work under these circumstances, and the results can last a lifetime.
Invisalign now offers Invisalign Kids for children who need treatment before their teenage years. However, children who need treatment right away may do better with two-phase braces treatment.
Not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign treatment. The most severe cases may be better treated with braces. At Petrous Orthodontics, we provide braces treatment for those who prefer braces or aren’t the right candidate for Invisalign.
No matter what treatment you choose, Petrous Orthodontics works hard to ensure your treatment succeeds.
The cost of Invisalign Teen and Invisalign is about the same, but the cost of treatment varies from patient to patient. Your treatment cost will depend on the number and severity of dental issues that need to be fixed. It also depends on how long your treatment will take.
Invisalign tends to take less time than braces treatment, 9-15 months, compared to 12-24 months. Many people are surprised that the cost of their Invisalign treatment is roughly the same as that of traditional braces.
Petrous Orthodontics wants your child to have great oral healthcare and a smile that will last their lifetime. That’s why we work hard to make treatment affordable to you.
We work with a vast number of PPO insurance plans to help cover your treatment. The advantage is that if you change employers or dental insurance plans, we can work with both to get you the maximum coverage for your treatment.
We also offer flexible down payments and payment plans so that you can find a payment plan that works best for your budget. We also offer extended payment plans, and we even offer discounts for those who pay upfront.
Do you have an HSA, HRA, or FSA? You can also use HRA, FSA, or HSA for Invisalign or braces treatment costs.
Is your teenager ready for orthodontic treatment with Invisalign Teen in Royal Oak, MI? Schedule an appointment with Petrous Orthodontics. We’ll examine your teenager and determine whether they’re a good candidate for Invisalign Teen aligner treatment. Your child could be on the way to a healthy, new smile!