Day: August 18, 2023

One of the greatest gifts that we can give our teenagers is straight teeth and a healthy smile. To accomplish this goal, it is important that our teens “buy” into the process and fully comply in order to achieve the best possible outcome. Teenagers want to have a say in their treatment and recent surveys indicate that teens strongly prefer clear aligners to braces.

Not only is a semi-permanent solution like braces daunting, but also it is a choice that, once made, can’t be reversed until the treatment is completed. With hyper-awareness of appearance and pressure from social media, braces can be one more challenge for a teen’s self-confidence during their crucial developmental years

The great benefit of Invisalign is that it provides an aesthetic, more flexible way to give teenagers the confidence of a great smile. Invisalign aligners are comfortable, removable, and nearly invisible, which means teenagers can carry on enjoying life without the restrictions, irritation, and self-consciousness often associated with metal brackets and wires.

• Because Invisalign aligners can be removed, this allows teens to continue their normal brushing and flossing regimen. Consequently, there is less chance of plaque, decay and gum disease, and a healthier smile for your teen. Invisalign is made of a smooth, comfortable BPA free plastic that is custom molded to the teeth for a highly accurate fit and optimal comfort.
• There are no limitations on what can be eaten during orthodontic treatment. The aligners are removed prior to meals / snacking and no foods are off-limits. Best of all nothing sticks to the teeth, unlike what a patient with braces experiences after eating.
• There are no wires to poke or brackets to break, which means there are no orthodontic emergencies. The average orthodontic patient in braces has at least three additional emergency appointments throughout the duration of treatment – many times these problems arise late in the evening, on weekends, or when out of town.
• Invisalign aligners can act as a mouth guard for active teens. Many middle school and high school sports do not require mouth guards to participate but injuries to the teeth and mouth still occur from trauma. Invisalign reduces the risk of injury while the teeth are being moved into an ideal position.
• Teens are under tremendous stress. This can result in clenching and grinding during the day and even more so while sleeping. Invisalign aligners protect the teeth from abnormal wear or stress fractures from these para-functional habits. In addition, wear can be detected on the aligners (during treatment) from these habits. A recommendation will then prescribe for a night guard in the retention phase of care.
• Treatment time with Invisalign Teen is shorter than traditional braces by 6 to 9 months. This means fewer visits to the office, quicker results, and less time out of you and your teen’s busy schedule. Best of all, the average case cost is the same or less than traditional braces for the latest technology in teeth straightening.
• There are no additional costs associated with Invisalign Teen. If an aligner is lost or broken, Align Technology (the manufacturer of Invisalign) will supply up to six free individual aligners.
• Worn as directed, Invisalign aligners will achieve results that match or exceed those seen with traditional braces. Over 9 million patients have been successfully treated with Invisalign aligners; the product is backed by years of research and product development. Invisalign continues to grow in market share and will someday be the leading treatment option for orthodontic tooth movement.

Give your teen the gift of self-confidence and good oral health! It’s a gift that lasts a lifetime! If you have questions about the benefits of Invisalign treatment, please call us at 505-670-6145 or visit our contact page to schedule a complimentary consultation with me, Dr. Tanner, your Santa Fe Invisalign specialist.