In our last blog, we talked about treating misalignment for young children. But what about treatments for teens? For the second phase of treatment, we could often correct smiles with Invisalign® In today’s blog, your Fort Worth, TX, orthodontist talks about how we use clear and comfortable plastic aligners to address uneven smiles.
Starting Phase Two Orthodontics
If your child started treatment at a young age, then they have probably worn phase one orthodontics such as retainers or teeth spacers, which guide the growth of the smile and limit the severity of misalignment. Once the permanent teeth have all erupted and properly calcified, then we can move forward with the second phase, which completes the process and offers a more even and beautiful smile. For more severe cases, we could use braces, employing ceramic brackets to make them less visible and more cosmetic in nature. However, when possible, we can offer treatment with a completely clear solution, Invisalign® aligners.
Creating Invisalign® Aligners
With Invisalign®, we correct smiles with a series of plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. To create them, we will take detailed images of your teen’s smile from multiple angles with a digital camera at the end of a thin wand. The resulting images can then be combined to create a 3D computer impression, one far more accurate and precise than a physical one made with a mold and sticky materials. We then use these images to design and craft a series of aligners from a BPA-free plastic material.
Correcting Smiles
Once the aligners are ready, your teen can start treatment! This means wearing a set for two weeks, approximately 20 to 22 hours a day. After two weeks, the next set in the series is worn and the process continues for about one year to 18 months, depending on how severe overall misalignment is. The aligners can also be removed before meals, so no concerns about food being stuck in orthodontics, and no need to avoid certain foods either. Being removable also makes brushing and flossing much easier, protecting overall oral health.
If you have any questions about treating teen smiles with our clear and cozy plastic appliances, then contact our team today to schedule a consultation to see if Invisalign® is right for your child. We want to help patients of all ages enjoy even and beautiful smiles!
Do You Have Questions About Cosmetic Orthodontics?
Our team wants to take good care of your child’s smile and shift misalignment. If you have any questions about shifting teeth and improving alignment in the teenage years, or if you would like to schedule an appointment soon, please call Lake Country Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX at (817) 236-7846. Our office proudly serves patients who live in Azle, Saginaw, and all surrounding communities.
