If your teen wants to straighten their teeth but doesn’t want the “brace face” look, there’s a new option available: invisible braces. Also called clear aligners, invisible braces are the latest in orthodontic technology and they’ve become a top alternative to the traditional wires and brackets.
In this blog, we’ll cover what you need to know about invisible braces for teens and why thousands are choosing them over metal braces every year.
What Are Invisible Braces?
Invisible braces are durable plastic trays that are used to straighten the teeth. Custom-made for each patient using 3D modeling software, these achieve the same effect that traditional metal braces do, but are much more comfortable and convenient to wear.
Can Teens Use Invisible Braces?
Invisible braces work best on mild to moderate cases of malocclusion including crossbite, overbite, and overcrowding. The beauty of using aligners is that no one will even know you’re wearing them, which means they’re ideal for teens who want to fix crooked smiles or correct bite problems without anybody noticing.
Usually, children who need orthodontic treatment will be advised to get braces or aligners between 9 and 14 years old. However, for best results with invisible braces, teens should get them after dentition is complete, usually at around the age of 14. But even if your child is already past this age, invisible braces can still help them achieve their most beautiful smile.
Why Teens Prefer Invisible Braces
The teenage years are a crucial time for physical, social, and emotional development. As your teen journeys into adulthood, you want them to feel the best that they can—and that means having a smile that’s not only beautiful, but healthy and happy too.
You can help them get there by getting them fitted with clear aligners. Here’s why your teen will love them:
- More confidence – This season of life is incredibly photo-worthy: yearbook portraits, proms, and debuts left and right. And let’s face it: metal braces aren’t the most attractive accessory. Invisible braces are crystal-clear, so they’re great for daily wear. They can also be taken off for important events if needed.
- Better hygiene – Metal-braced teeth are notoriously hard to keep clean and clear of plaque. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are removable, so your teen can keep their teeth squeaky clean with regular brushing and flossing.
- Fewer trips to the dentist – With traditional braces, there’s a chance that pieces will break off while eating or drinking. That means more time spent at the dentist getting them replaced or repaired, as well as the inconvenience of prolonged treatment. With clear aligners, there’s no risk of this happening because trays can (and should) be removed for meals.
- More comfort – If you’ve had metal braces before, you probably know the struggle of only being able to eat soups or smoothies after adjustment appointments. With invisible braces, your teen can eat whatever they want—from carrot sticks to potato chips—without that searing pain. And because they don’t come with pokey wires or brackets, they’re more comfortable all around.
But wait… do you have to wait for wisdom teeth to use invisible braces?
This is a question we get all the time, and the answer is: not always.
Wisdom teeth are the third molars in your mouth, and they’re the last set of teeth to grow in. Generally, they start erupting between the ages of 17 to 21. This can cause major toothaches and facial swelling, and they can affect the alignment of the existing teeth.
But not everyone experiences the same symptoms of wisdom tooth eruption. If your teen would like to start using aligners before their wisdom teeth have come in, book a consult with a dental expert. They will be able to determine whether these teeth will cause problems down the line and design a treatment plan that is appropriate to your child’s needs.
How long do you have to wear invisible braces?
With invisible braces, most patients are able to work through their orthodontic issues anywhere between 10 and 24 months. In mild cases of misalignment, patients can see significant improvement in as little as 10 weeks.
Invisible braces usually come in a series of 20-24 sets, and each set of trays is replaced after three weeks. These trays exert gentle pressure on all sides of the teeth, shifting them into their optimal positions over time.
These trays are removable, so they won’t hinder eating, speech, or oral hygiene in any way. But they need to be worn continuously, at least 22 hours a day, for best results.
Invisible braces treatment is faster and more convenient than traditional braces—but the price of invisible braces can also be a bigger investment, depending on your teen’s condition. For treatment with ALINA invisible braces, you might pay around PHP 180,000, but that depends on the condition of your teen’s teeth. Many parents find that having their children sport clear smiles for their first adulting milestones is worth the investment.
Why ALINA should be your choice for invisible braces
It’s hard to feel confident in your smile when you know the world is judging you for the way your teeth look. With ALINA invisible braces, your child will be able to fully uncover their most beautiful smile.
If you’d like to help your teen make more memories, consider ALINA invisible braces for their orthodontic treatment. It’s only with us that you can get:
Better materials – ALINA aligner trays are made with space-age material that’s perfectly clear, durable, and FDA-approved.
Better technology – Because we use AlinaSmile Ai technology to map out the path to your teen’s perfect smile, you can expect treatment to be quicker, precise, and painless, no matter the condition of their teeth.
Better results – With over 25 years of success in treating teens and adults across the US, UK, and Canada, ALINA has mastered the science of orthodontic technology. We’re happy to help your child achieve the same amazing results!
Find out how ALINA helps uncover smiles by visiting our how ALINA works pages.
