We’ve recently talked about the care we offer for children. But what about teens? Teenage patients may not be eager to wear braces, but we have clear aligners that are practically invisible. In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist talks about using Invisalign® clear braces to help teenagers enjoy straighter smiles.
Addressing Misalignment in the Teenage Years
If we provided treatment in the childhood years, using retainers or teeth spacers, then your child will need less time to see optimal results in the teen years, as the orthodontics systems we provide will have less severe misalignment to correct. If your child is starting treatment for the first time in their teenage years, this could mean the misalignment is a little more severe, and could impact the options we provide. The system we use to correct alignment will depend on the cause and severity of the misalignment. We will carefully examine the smile with advanced digital imaging technology as part of the diagnostic process, creating a personalized treatment plan with precision and accuracy.
Creating Customized Aligners
If we find that the Invisalign® system is right for your child, then our team will start by taking detailed digital images with the iTero® scanning system. Using a digital camera at the end of a thin wand, we gather these images quickly and comfortably. We them combine them into a 3D model, which is used in a special lab to design and craft the aligners. Each set is customized for your child, ensuring a proper fit and treatment with precision. They also fit comfortably, and are completely clear to make the orthodontics less visible than braces or retainers!
Treating Your Uneven Teeth
Your teen will need to wear a set of aligners for between 20 and 23 hours a day. Each set is worn over a period of about two weeks. With each set, the teeth will be moved gradually and carefully into their new positions. The total treatment time depends on the extent of the misalignment, but usually falls between a year and 18 months. The aligners can be removed before meals or prior to brushing and flossing, which makes mealtime and oral hygiene maintenance much easier. If you have any questions about the Invisalign® system, or if you would like to schedule a visit for your teen, then please contact our team today. We’re ready to help them enjoy their best smile with quality orthodontic care.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TEEN ORTHODONTICS?
We want to help your kids enjoy optimal oral health with a custom set of aligners. To learn correcting uneven smiles, then please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Haslet, Azle, and all surrounding communities.
