Few words are more gut-wrenching to a teen than “You need braces.” Fortunately, traditional metal braces aren’t the only or even the best option anymore. Invisalign® aligners offer a safe, fast, and ultra-comfortable path to healthier, straighter teeth — but they’re not for everyone.
Our expert dentists at Lifetime Dental Care in Woodbridge, Virginia, are dedicated to connecting our patients with the best treatments possible, and we carefully evaluate each smile before recommending a course of action.
Here’s a closer look at the factors we consider when deciding whether Invisalign is an option for your teen.
If your teen has a mild smile problem, and you can trust them to stick to their treatment plan, Invisalign is likely an option. Here are some of the key benefits of this revolutionary orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign aligners are made from smooth plastic and don’t require any metal brackets or wires. We custom-make the aligners to fit your teen’s mouth exactly, down to the natural curves of their gumline, ensuring ultimate comfort.
Being a teen is hard enough without walking around with a mouth full of metal all day long. Our teen patients appreciate being able to fix their teeth on the down-low with aligners that are virtually invisible.
With Invisalign, there are no food or activity restrictions. Simply remove the aligners, and your child can eat or drink what they like throughout their treatment. Invisalign also allows your teen to play wind instruments, wear a mouthguard while playing sports, and otherwise not skip a beat during their day.
Gone are the days of nasty food buildup and post-braces stains. Your teen is free to pop out their aligners at the end of the day to brush and floss their teeth as they normally would.
We only need to see your teen once every 6-8 weeks for a quick checkup during their treatment. Bonus: We never need to tighten wires or make other painful adjustments when they come in.
Invisalign isn’t for every teen, and it’s usually their smile problem itself that counts them out. Invisalign can’t correct severe bite and alignment issues. We carefully evaluate your child’s smile and select a course of treatment that’s best for them.
Invisalign also requires compliance and commitment from your teen. If you don’t think they’ll wear them as long as they need to, stick with the treatment plan, or even keep track of them, Invisalign may not be right for them.
The only way to truly know if your teen is a candidate is to see our team for an evaluation. If you and your teen are ready to say goodbye to their smile problems, don’t wait another day. Call our office at 703-499-9779, or use our online booking tool to talk with one of our experts today.