Invisalign for Teens

July 6th, 2009 by Mark Mutschler

More teens can be treated with Invisalign now.  Techniques for treating patients with more complicated orthodontic problems were recently discussed in a lecture near Portland.

Invisalign trays move teeth step by step by wearing a series of slightly different aligner trays that push teeth into new positions.

When Invisalign was first developed, it was directed only at adults.  Now teens can be treated and even be treated for significantly crooked teeth, even for teens whose teeth must be extracted.

The Invisalign aligner trays can be modified and rubberbands worn to move lower teeth forward or upper teeth back.

Advantages of Invisalign treatment:

• clear and transparent
• smooth on the inside of lips
• removable for ease of cleaning teeth
• preprogramed computer accuracy

Disadvantages of Invisalign treatment:

• must be worn 22+ hours daily
• may not move tooth roots fully
• may take longer for certain movements

Using chewy rubbers five minutes in the morning and again in the evening helps seat the plastic aligner trays onto the teeth for more complete engagement and better tooth movement.

Even children can use Invisalign for partial treatment, if it is understood that there may be more treatment required later when all the permanent teeth erupt.

Ask about invisible braces the next time you are in for a checkup.

Tags: Esthestics, orthodontic, teeth

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