Invisalign Teen aligners have a blue indicator that keeps track of how many hours the patient wore the trays that day as it can often be difficult to remember. The indicator changes color from blue to clear or white the more often the trays are worn. Traditional Invisalign trays for adults do not come with the blue indicator, as they assume adults will be responsible enough to wear their aligners for the bulk of the day. The indicator helps busy teens keep track of their wear duration so they can be sure to wear them for the required 22 hours a day.
Invisalign Teen also comes with a higher number of replacement aligners. Due to the nature of a teenager’s active lifestyles, they provide more replacement aligners with Invisalign Teen, in the event a set becomes damaged or lost. These replacement trays come included in the treatment plan at no additional cost.
Invisalign’s clear aligners, also known as "trays," fit over the top and bottom teeth. Patients wear a series of aligners that will gradually move their teeth into proper position. Each custom-made tray is worn for a few weeks, allowing the teeth to slightly shift before moving on to the next set of trays. The next set is slightly different and helps the teeth continue to move into their desired position. Over time, the small shifts add up to a big change.
The number of trays a patient will receive and, thus, the duration of treatment depends on the amount of time needed to fix each issue. Some patients may need 20 trays, while others may need as many as 40 trays to correct their teeth. Treatment remains customized to each patient, no matter their age. Your teen must remember to put their Invisalign trays in a safe place upon removal to prevent them from being misplaced or accidentally discarded. In the event your child does misplace the trays, Invisalign Teen comes with replacement aligners that their orthodontist can provide. For cases in which a patient forgets to wear their aligners or replace them as prescribed, refitting and adjusting may be required at their follow-up appointment.
Align Technologies designed Invisalign Teen with teenagers in mind. Invisalign Teen remains a preferred treatment for many teenagers as the invisible trays are removed for eating, drinking, and engaging in activities. For treatment to be as effective as possible, teens will need to wear their aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day. That gives them plenty of time to take them out for eating, cleaning, and engaging in extracurricular activities such as band practice or sports. Designed to be discreet, Invisalign trays can be worn at other times without disrupting a teen’s life or making them feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile.
One of the greatest advantages of Invisalign Teen remains its nearly-invisible trays. Less than one millimeter in thickness, these clear aligners offer teens a far less invasive alternative to traditional metal braces. The clear aligners come computer-manufactured and completely customized to fit the patient’s mouth. It slides comfortably over the surfaces of teeth and can be removed to eat, drink, brush, floss, and engage in activities such as sports and playing musical instruments.
Invisalign Teen is the preferred orthodontic treatment for many teenagers today. Teens feel less self-conscious wearing the aligners because of their nearly invisible design compared to traditional braces that remain difficult to hide. Teens also enjoy the freedom (engage in activities, eat their favorite foods, ect.) that comes with removable trays.
Patients who are concerned about pain may prefer Invisalign Teen as their smooth design provides enhanced comfort compared to bulky metal braces. The trays use slower, more gentle movements than traditional braces so any pain and discomfort is minimal, typically mild and temporary. If particularly sensitive to pain, Invisalign Teen offers an ideal option for teens.