Invisalign Teen® in Andover, MA
Andover Orthodontics provides Invisalign Teen services in Andover, MA. Call 978-475-0450 to learn more and schedule your appointment.
Teenagers can feel especially self-conscious about orthodontic treatment. Invisalign® Teen makes it easy for them to get straighter teeth without announcing it to the world. More and more teens are turning to Invisalign for their orthodontic treatment, and parents will be glad to know that it’s just as effective as traditional metal braces.
Invisalign is an advanced orthodontic system that uses a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually correct bites and straighten teeth. The aligners are custom made to address your teen’s unique needs; when treatment is complete, they’ll have a beautiful smile without all the fuss of metal braces.
Why Choose Invisalign® Teen?
Invisalign Teen aligners have many advantages over traditional metal braces. Patients choose Invisalign because:
They’re Virtually Invisible
Invisalign SmartTrack® material is virtually invisible, so your teen’s friends and classmates won’t even notice they’re wearing them.
They’re Comfortable and Convenient
Invisalign Teen aligners can be removed, so no foods are off-limits. With no brackets and wires, Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than braces and you’ll never need to worry about making emergency visits to our office when a wire bends or a bracket breaks off.
They’re More Effective Than Ever
Invisalign technology has advanced to the point where it can achieve results as fast as, or in some cases even faster than traditional metal braces. A blue compliance indicator on your teen’s aligners lets you make sure they’re wearing them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day. When the aligners are worn as directed, treatment time is typically between 12 and 20 months. Invisalign SmartTrack material and SmartForce® features can treat crossbite, crowding, open-bites, gapped teeth, overbites, and underbites in a more predictable, controlled manner than traditional braces.
Invisalign® Treatment Process
Although every patient’s Invisalign treatment is customized, the overall process is the same. Here’s what your teen can expect:
Scan Your Smile
The first step in the Invisalign process is taking imaging so we can create a 3D model of your teen’s smile. We use an iTero scanner to create digital impressions, which means no messy, uncomfortable impression material is needed.
Create a Treatment Plan
We use Invisalign’s ClinCheck® software to create your teen’s unique treatment plan.
Preview your Smile
Using the 3D model created by our iTero scanner, we can preview how your teen’s teeth will shift throughout their treatment and show you what their smile will look like once treatment is complete.
Create the Aligners
When we’ve finalized the treatment plan, your teen’s custom aligners will be fabricated using a state-of-the-art 3D printing process. Most patients require between 20 and 30 sets.
Wear Your Aligners
In order for treatment to be effective, Invisalign Teen clear aligners must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Use the blue compliance indicator to make sure your teen is wearing their aligners as directed; they should only be removed to eat, brush, and floss. Every few weeks as directed, your teen will switch to a new set of aligners and their teeth will gradually shift into alignment. We will check progress in our office every 6 to 8 weeks to make sure their teeth are moving correctly and their treatment is on the right track.
Maintain Your Results
Once your teen’s Invisalign treatment is complete, they’ll be given a set of retainers for their top and bottom teeth to help maintain their results in the long-term. Most patients will wear their retainers all day in the first few weeks after treatment, and then gradually switch to only wearing them overnight.
Call 978-475-0450 to schedule your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign® Teen
How much does Invisalign Teen cost?
Invisalign Teen and traditional braces are typically used for comprehensive treatment of the teeth and jaws. Treating all the teeth not only gives you a great smile, but positions your bite for optimal function. We charge the same fee for Invisalign Teen as traditional braces, usually between $4000.00 and $6500.00. Fees vary based on the complexity of the case. Fees can be lower if you only want to address a few teeth. We encourage you to come into our office for your free consultation to learn about all your treatment options.
Is there a payment plan for Invisalign Teen?
Just like with traditional braces, there will be a down payment at the start of treatment with monthly payments spread out over the length of treatment. We do not charge interest and are very flexible with payment plans. We will work with your FSA/ HSA plan to maximize your benefits.
Will insurance cover Invisalign Teen?
If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment they will usually cover treatment with Invisalign Teen. Typically people have a lifetime maximum amount that insurance will cover for orthodontics between $1000.00 and $2500.00. The exact amount depends on your specific plan.
Which is better, Invisalign Teen or traditional braces?
Both Invisalign Teen and traditional braces will give you a great smile and bite. Many patients love that Invisalign Teen aligners are almost invisible and are easily removed to eat and clean your teeth. Some patients like that traditional braces are always on their teeth so they don’t have to worry about remembering to wear their aligners, or losing an aligner. Parents should not be too concerned about “if their teen is responsible enough” for aligners. We typically find that if a teen wants treatment with aligners they will be good about wearing them. Rarely, we will see a case that we feel would be better treated with traditional braces, we will review your options when you come in for your free consultation.
Is it difficult to talk with Invisalign Teen?
When a patient first receives their aligners it typically takes 2 to 5 days to get used to how the aligners and attachments feel, and how it affects their speech. Everyone is different, but usually by the end of the first week everything feels fine and there are no problems with speech.
Does Invisalign Teen treatment hurt?
When a patient first places a new aligner the aligner can feel a little “tight”. This typically goes away the first day as the teeth move and the aligner stretches. This is a mild discomfort and most people don’t do anything more than eat softer food if their teeth are sore, but some people will use a little Tylenol that first day for any discomfort.
How long does Invisalign Teen treatment take?
The length of treatment will vary with the severity of the case. Sometimes we need to use the patient’s own growth and development to correct a bite problem which can take a little time. Invisalign Teen treatment will usually take about the same time as traditional braces, 18 to 24 months. If you wear your trays very diligently you can change them more quickly which can shorten your total treatment time.
Can I eat and drink with my Invisalign Teen aligners on?
Yes, you can eat and drink with your aligners in your mouth. Most people remove the aligners for their major meals, but if you are just popping something into your mouth it is fine to have the aligners in. What we want you to be aware of is not allowing food or sugary drinks to stay trapped in the aligner for long periods of time. This can damage your enamel and lead to decalcification and tooth decay. So, don’t take little sips of soda or a sports drink over a long period of time with your aligners in. Just have your drink and as soon as you are able to, go to the bathroom, remove your aligners, and rinse out your mouth and aligners.
