As a parent, you're always wondering if you're making the right decisions, and it only gets harder as your kids get older. And when their health is in question, the best way forward can be even more obscure.
That's where we come in.
At Lifetime Dental Care, PLLC in Woodbridge, Virginia, we’re dedicated to working with families and want to support caring parents like you as tough choices come up.
In this blog, we dive into all things Invisalign® and answer your most basic questions.
First, let's establish the basics of Invisalign. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear aligners designed to gradually and gently straighten wayward teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and painless — a significant selling point for many people, especially teens.
Invisalign boasts discreet treatment that works faster and doesn't break the bank. We get it if it sounds too good to be true, but if your teen is a candidate, you could reap all those benefits and more.
Here's a closer look at how we help you determine if Invisalign is right for your teen.
The truth is that there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to this question, and it really depends on a few different factors, including your child's age. In general, we recommend Invisalign for anyone who has all of their permanent teeth, which typically occurs between the ages of 12 and 14. That means your teen is more than likely a candidate. However, every child is different; some may be ready for Invisalign earlier or later than others.
Another factor to consider is your child's level of responsibility. This system requires a lot of dedication and commitment. To get the best (or any) results, the aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day and changed out every two weeks. If you don't think your child can keep up with this routine, then Invisalign may not be their best option.
We also take into account the severity of your teen’s orthodontic issues. Invisalign is great for correcting mild to moderate alignment problems and minor gaps, but more significant bite and alignment problems will need traditional braces.
We use advanced diagnostic tools and imaging to carefully evaluate your teen's smile problems and discuss in detail the best way forward.
If we decide that Invisalign can help your child, we get to work creating their custom set of aligners. With the help of 3D imaging, we can show you exactly how the aligners will move your teen's teeth and give you an idea of what to expect from the end result.
We also walk you and your teen through basic care instruction and help them create an oral hygiene routine that's easy to stick to.
If your teen has all of their permanent teeth, is responsible enough to follow the Invisalign routine, and has mild to moderate orthodontic issues, they're likely a good candidate for Invisalign.
Ultimately, it's important to remember that every child is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Our goal is to give your child a healthy, beautiful smile that they can be proud of, and with the help of our advanced treatments, you can achieve just that.
If you'd like to see whether your teen can benefit from Invisalign, don't hesitate to call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to request a consultation.