Invisalign has been proven to fix all sorts of problems for teens. Overbites, underbites, and overcrowding are just a few smile issues we at Advanced Orthodontics have treated in teenagers with Invisalign. Teens often ask about clear appliances for obvious reasons: they want an invisible way to fix their teeth. The first question they ask is if Invisalign is available for kids their age. The answer is yes.
The next question is always a little different and sometimes surprising. So we talked to Dr. Matthew Stout and compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions by teens about Invisalign treatment. If we don’t answer your teen’s question below, email us, call the office at (206) 246-1300 or hit us up on Facebook. That’s right, we’re pretty social.
Teens Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I accidentally lose the aligner?
Part of growing up is learning responsibility. But we get it. Things can happen. You’re in lunch and you put your clear aligner in a napkin while you’re eating. Next thing you know the bell rings, you’re rushing to get to class, and you accidentally throw out your Invisalign appliance. YIKES! Don’t panic. We can fix this. Your measurements are kept in our office for safekeeping in case this very thing happens. Have your parents call the office and we will have a new aligner created for you. (No promises you won’t get grounded for a day by Mom or Dad though!)
Can I play sports with aligners in?
Yes. Whether you’re on the mat, court, or field (or the bowling alley) your clear aligners are totally safe to wear while playing sports. And, you can wear them without worrying about irritating the inside of your mouth or gums.
One important thing to remember: Invisalign appliances are NOT mouthguards. If your sport requires a mouthguard then take out the aligner and put in your regular mouthguard while playing. A mouthguard will provide protection from impact to your mouth, Invisalign will not. Just remember to put your clear aligners in a safe place so you don’t lose them. (See above.)
What can I eat with Invisalign treatment?
This is the cool part, you can eat anything with Invisalign. Unlike traditional metal braces, your Invisalign aligners can be removed to eat so you don’t have any restrictions on the food you can chew while undergoing treatment. Of course, we wouldn’t be good doctors if we didn’t encourage you to eat healthy, stay away from sugary foods, and brush after every meal. Other than that: go for it!
Should I wear them while giving a speech in class? Will they make me talk funny?
Yes, wear them! And, guess what, no one will know because they’re invisible! You should especially wear them if you’re giving a speech about how much you love Dr. Stout 😉
And, no, they will not make you talk funny. You can trust us because we did our homework on this one. A recent report shows more than 90% of people who got Invisalign said that they were so comfortable in their aligners that they had no problem speaking with them on. We make no guarantees that your teacher will give you an A on your speech, but we can guarantee that your classmates will hear you loud and clear.
How many hours a day do I have to wear them?
This is an important question. You should wear your aligners 22 hours a day at a minimum.
There are times we recommend you take out your clear aligners: during sports that require a mouthguard and while eating. Keep track of the time your aligners are out of your mouth, it adds up quickly. Other than that, Invisalign can be worn all day and night. Remember that the more you wear your appliance the better your treatment will go according to plan we lay out for you.
Are you interested in Invisalign for yourself or your teen child? Click below to book a complimentary consultation. At our practice, Dr. Stout and our team strive to provide the highest quality orthodontic treatment but also ensure incredible customer service to make you feel like you’re at home while you’re visiting us. We’re the friendliest, most fun orthodontic office around and our doctors are both experts in their field. Come by and meet Dr. Stout, and the entire team to see what we mean.
Click below to make an appointment. We can’t wait to meet you!
