Addressing misalignment in our childhood and teenage years offers a number of benefits, and we recommend correcting poor alignment as soon as possible. However, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist understands that teenagers often have concerns about how orthodontics will change their appearance. Fortunately, we have a clear option with the Invisalign® system!
Addressing Misalignment in the Teen Years
While teens are nearing adulthood, their smiles are still growing and developing, which makes this an ideal time to begin (or complete, if they started treatment at a younger age) orthodontic care. Treatment repositions the teeth and moves them into optimal positions. Correcting misalignment not only improves smile beauty, but lowers the risk of developing serious complications, such as a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease, or the onset of TMJ disorder and bruxism (persistent teeth grinding).
Designing Custom Aligners
The Invisalign® treatment involves wearing a set of clear acrylic aligners each day for 20 to 22 hours. After about two weeks, patients begin wearing the next in the series. Depending on the cause and extent of misalignment, treatment time for teens could take about a year to 18 months. Each set is custom-made for the patient, which ensures a proper fit and treatment with accuracy and precision. We start by taking detailed digital scans of the teeth using the iTero® system. These images will create a 3D computer model, which we use instead of old school impressions.
The Benefits Invisalign® Offers
When worn, they will be barely visible, making this an optimal choice for image conscious teen patients. In addition, they can be taken out prior to meals, so no worries about food becoming trapped in orthodontics, and no need to avoid certain foods altogether. You also have a much easier time brushing and flossing your teeth each day, which lowers the risk of complications like tooth decay, gum disease, or teeth stains during the treatment process. Overall treatment time tends to be much shorter than one would need if wearing metal braces, and patients will need fewer office visits. If you have any questions about Invisalign® or treatment for teen patients, then please contact our team today.
Does Your Child Need Treatment?
Our team offers clear and comfortable options for repositioning the teeth and improving smile beauty. If your child does need braces, then we also have ceramic brackets to significantly reduce the appearance of orthodontics. To learn more about our cosmetic treatment options, including aligners and braces, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Springtown, Rome, and all surrounding communities. We want to help you obtain straighter teeth and better overall oral health!
