Invisalign is a popular solution in dental services for teens and adults of families in Little Rock, Arkansas. Barely noticeable, the clear teeth-aligning retainers provide a terrific alternative to traditional metal braces.
Having straight teeth isn’t just for cosmetic desire. There are many reasons why it’s important for oral health to have correctly aligned teeth. Crooked teeth can cause:
- Difficulties cleaning teeth correctly, which can lead to decay, cavities, dental caries, and gum disease
- Problems with speech
- Difficulties with chewing food
- Jaw pain and muscle tension
- Broken teeth and uneven wear on teeth
- Issues with self-confidence and self-esteem
Several signs suggest an individual may benefit from teeth-straightening solutions, including:
- Misaligned teeth, causing an underbite, overbite, crossbite, or open bite
- Visibly crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
It’s vital that people consult a dental professional if they think they would benefit from teeth straightening. Trying to do it alone or turning to DIY measures is often harmful.
Traditional Teeth Straightening Techniques
In general, common methods of achieving straighter teeth, particularly in the past, include fixed braces, both metal, and ceramic. In contrast, ceramic braces use clear brackets for less visibility than metal braces or can be provided in various colors to suit personal tastes. Unfortunately, both ceramic and metal braces have noticeable wires across the front of teeth. Since both are immovable, they can cause difficulties cleaning properly and discoloration of teeth.
Significantly, Invisalign can provide a better way to straighten the teeth.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is the most progressive system of clear tooth aligners across the globe. The system uses see-through orthodontic devices known as retainers to straighten the teeth. The retainers are also sometimes referred to as trays, clear braces, invisible braces, clear aligners, and invisible aligners.
Made from clinical-grade flexible plastic, Invisalign retainers apply gentle pressure to gradually shift the teeth.
Fitting & Monitoring of Invisalign for Teens
After a thorough consultation, your dentist will use high-tech 3D imaging to assess your teeth. More accurate than traditional dental molding processes, this provides your dentist with a clear image of your mouth.
Your dentist will then order Invisalign retainers specifically fitted and made for your mouth. After being created with precision in a laboratory, your personal made-to-measure aligners are returned to your dental clinic. Your dentist will explain how to use the aligners correctly for the best results, and schedule a follow-up appointment.
In essence, your dentist uses advanced software to digitally map changes in your mouth, with new custom-made aligners ordered every 1 to 2 weeks as necessary. Each new device puts the right amount of pressure in the right place to move your teeth gently, efficiently, and effectively.
How Long Should I Wear My Invisalign Retainer?
Ideally, people should wear their Invisalign devices for at least 20 hours each day. The only time you should not be wearing the aligners is when you are eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth.
If you are considering Invisalign for your teen, you need to make sure they are committed to being compliant with their aligners so that they get the desired results. If you believe they wouldn’t be responsible for keeping track of their aligners, traditional braces may be a better option for them.
Depending on individual circumstances, you should notice results within a few weeks. Many people complete their Invisalign treatment in around 6 months.
Can Invisalign for Teens Fix an Overbite or Underbite?
The Invisalign system can correct various dental issues, including:
- Overbite, where the upper teeth extend farther than the bottom teeth
- Underbite, where the lower teeth protrude more than the upper teeth
- Crossbite, where teeth don’t correctly align when you close your mouth
- Open bite, where teeth don’t meet when the mouth is fully closed
- Crowded teeth, where there’s not enough space in your mouth for all your teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Benefits of Invisalign for Teens
Uniquely, Invisalign offers many benefits for people of all ages. Invisalign for teens has however particular advantages. Compared with adults, teens may deal with greater confidence issues, feel enhanced peer pressure, may be confused at life changes, and can experience a whole other range of age-related problems.
Comfort
Invisalign is typically more comfortable to use, particularly at the start of treatment, than traditional braces. With less pain, teens may be more open to dental treatment.
Invisalign can be removed to eat and drink, thus placing no potential limitations on a teen’s favorite meals. The device is removable for more comfortable and thorough cleaning and flossing.
Confidence
Notably, teens may already be self-conscious about their appearance. For this reason, using a clear orthodontic device can prevent possible issues with self-confidence. It can also reduce the unfortunate possibility of teens experiencing bullying based on their appearance.
As teeth become straighter, Invisalign can actually help boost a teen’s self-esteem and confidence in their appearance. Looking at Invisalign before and after pictures, the difference in some people’s outward displays of confidence is incredible.
While not recommended regularly, if a teen attends a special event, for example, prom or an award evening, they can remove their retainer if it makes them feel better.
Time
Naturally, with less time needed in the dentist’s chair and short scheduled appointments, Invisalign users don’t experience much disruption to their daily routines. For adults, this can mean less time off work and fewer challenges related to childcare. In addition, Invisalign for teens and children can mean less missed time from their studies and extracurricular activities.
Ease and Convenience
Because Invisalign is easy to use, the user simply fits it over their teeth and continues with life as usual. Cleaning the teeth is easy, thanks to the device’s removability.
Moreover, if retainers are lost or have damage, it’s relatively quick and easy to obtain replacement devices.
Safety
The non-invasive scanning procedures are safe. The retainers are made from specially patented medical-grade plastic that doesn’t irritate the mouth, and the aligners are trimmed to not damage the gums.
With a better ability to clean the teeth, Invisalign can be better for oral health, leading to a lower chance of gum disease and associated health problems.
Compared to traditional braces, there are much fewer dental emergencies associated with the use of Invisalign.
Where to Source Invisalign for Teens in Little Rock
For Invisalign treatments and a full range of professional dental services for families in Little Rock, contact Arkansas Family Dental.
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