*I have joined the Invisalign Treatment Mom’s Panel. My daughter’s treatment has been provided in trade for our honest review. This is our story. Is Invisalign treatment right for your tween or teen?
Orrrr if your tween is a good candidate for Invisalign treatment?
It is highly possible it could be a great fit… even probable, but you need to consult with an Invisalign provider.
You may have a lot of questions about it all. I know I did! What is the cost? What kind of care needs to be taken? Do they hurt? What type of issues can Invisalign treatment correct?
Since we are 5 months into my daughter’s treatment, I figure I have some insight into those questions!
Is Invisalign treatment right for your tween or teen?
COST
It’s possible that the expense is the first thing you consider the topic of orthodontics.
And let me just lay it out for you up front: I can’t tell you how much it will cost for your own child’s treatment. I wish I could! Each case is so specific… Invisalign treatment plans (cost AND program) can vary greatly according to each individual’s need.
But I can tell you that as a family of 5 (with 4 of us either recently having treatment or currently in orthodontia) cost is DEFINITELY a consideration.
I have had people ask me if the Invisalign system is expensive. Well, we’ve had two undergo Invisalign treatment, and two (including me) go the traditional braces route. Both are a financial investment! The Invisalign system is comparable to braces, and just like braces… many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatment.
CARE
Both Invisalign treatment and traditional braces require care.
(styles picture of aligners and toothbrush here)
Personal preference plays a part. With traditional braces one must (or I did when I had traditional braces) keep wax and plastic picks at the ready… and definitely avoid things like gum, hard candy, popcorn, nuts, pretzels, caramel, ice… even apples and corn on the cob. Oh, aaaaand sugary drinks.
But we all should avoid those!
With Invisalign treatment you can enjoy all the foods you love, brush your teeth without interference, and just live your life, while straightening your teeth.
Aaaaaand there’s none of that wire stabbing the insides of your mouth.
Man, that was awful.
With Invisalign clear aligners, the wearer does need to be a bit conscientious…
- Since the aligners are to be worn 20-22 hours a day the wearer cannot snack all day long (not that anyone should be snacking all day long anyway, duh!).
- An Invisalign clear aligner wearer should be cautious about drinks such as coffee and colored, sugary drinks that can potentially stain clear aligners.
- Keep track of aligners when removed. I have discovered it is best to keep them in their container v. napkins.
As I watch my husband and daughter navigate this process… I really wish I had gone the Invisalign route. I spent SO much time picking dumb salad out of my braces. I would have loved to have had the flexibility of removing the clear aligners for meal time. Orrrrr not to have had to carry around wax as the metal braces cut into my cheeks!
Is Invisalign treatment right for your tween or teen?
PAIN
I had traditional braces as an adult. It was painful, especially after tightening. There was an overall ache and oh the sores as teeth shifted! The braces wore at the skin in my mouth. That was the worst part for me, and is currently a big complaint of my son, who wears traditional braces.
Invisalign treatment is not pain-free, but it seems to be far less than the alternative. According to my daughter, there is some discomfort as her mouth adjusts to new aligners, but other than that… easy peasy!
Invisalign Treatment for your teen or tween and their CORRECTIVE NEEDS
I cannot say whether or not Invisalign treatment is a good fit for your tween’s corrective needs. Your orthodontist knows best.
It is likely your needs can be met using the Invisalign treatment. It is absolutely worth looking into and worth a good conversation with your orthodontist. And if you don’t believe your orthodontist – get a second opinion! A variety of cases can be treated with Invisalign clear aligners, including teeth with gaps, overbites, under bites, open bites, cross bites and crowding.
Lucy really, REALLY wanted Invisalign aligners (her brother is in traditional braces now, and her dad is going through his own Invisalign treatment now). As for me, I was concerned Invisalign treatment might not be able to correct her overbite. It was hard to imagine how this system could do that.
I don’t know why I thought Invisalign clear aligners wouldn’t be an option, but I was totally wrong. On the contrary, our orthodontist felt as long as Lucy was truly willing to do her part (wearing the aligners 22 hours a day), she was an ideal candidate!
Lucy has hit her 5 month mark and she is right on track… even with a few forgetful moments! It really has been a great fit for her. We are both so pleased. so far!
Are you curious about treatment for you or someone in your family? You can locate a doctor near you by using this hand-dandy Doctor Finder here! And you can take the Smile Assessment here!
