You may know about the removable, clear ortho aligners by Invisalign, for teens and adults. But Invisalign also has a first-phase option for kids ages 6-10. In Dallas, dentists Dr. Shaun SIgurdson and Dr. Mihir Patel offer all Invisalign options, so you and your loved ones can enjoy straight, gorgeous smiles without wearing braces!
In today’s blog, we’ll cover:
- Invisalign (classic, for adults)
- Invisalign Teen (Ages 12+)
- Invisalign First (ages 6-10)
First, though, here are some facts about Invisalign:
- Invisalign is a system of clear acrylic (transparent) orthodontic aligners
- Each aligner is custom-made
- Wear an aligner for two weeks, then move to the next in your series
- Remove aligners to eat a meal, clean your teeth, or for special occasions
- Works in less time than traditional braces
- Comfortable: no wires or bands
- Aligners are easy to care for
- 15 million people have had Invisalign treatment
Invisalign for Adults
Most adult patients qualify for Invisalign because the aligners can correct bite (occlusion), as well as the alignment of teeth. Highly complex cases may not be eligible. Invisalign cannot correct twisted teeth or those that need to be pulled further from the jaw to make them taller. To find out if you can enjoy the benefits of Invisalign for your own orthodontic therapy, schedule a consultation with Dr. Sigurdson or Patel.
Invisalign Corrects:
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Widely and unevenly spaced teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded, overlapping teeth
In most cases, treatment lasts 6 to 18 months if patients wear their aligners as intended: 22 hours a day, minimum. Check-in visits are necessary every six weeks or so.
Invisalign Teen
Teenagers, like many adults, want to portray a sophisticated, polished appearance. Metal orthodontist braces are bulky and obvious, and treatment often takes two years. Invisalign Teen is much like Invisaign for adults, but with a few awesome bonuses to help teens comply with treatment.
Invisalign Teen comes with Blue Dot technology, which reveals to parents and the dentist whether the patient has worn aligners as instructed. The dot disappears over time if ailgners are worn.
In addition, Invisalign offers six no-cost replacement aligners. Teenagers are known for misplacing items. Retainers are often discarded on lunch trays. Some patients harm aligners by removing, then chewing on them. With Invisalign Teen, your teenager will have six chances to damage or lose aligners, without a fee for replacing them.
And here’s a bonus: Invisalign also acts as a mouthguard, protecting teeth during sports.
Invisalign First
Kids ages 6-10 are eligible for Invisalign First as a replacement for traditional first-phase orthodontics. This technology is amazing! The patient won’t need traditional expanders and keys. Instead, the Invisalign First aligners expand the upper jaw to make adequate space for permanent teeth that will develop over the next decade or so.
And here’s the same bonus teens get: Invisalign also acts as a mouthguard, protecting little teeth during sports.
With Invisalign First, aligners are changed weekly, not bi-weekly. If an aligner is lost, just move to the next in the series so that there is no gap in treatment.
After completing Invisalign First, the patient can usually move into Invisalign Teen at age 12 for second-phase treatment.
For parents who like to research, here’s a study you may like: Advantages of Invisalign First for Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment.
Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation in Dallas Now!
Whether you want straighter teeth and a more attractive smile or your children are ready for orthodontic therapy, Drs. Sigurdson and Patel want to help. Call our Dallas dental office now at 214-827-1885 to schedule appointments. We look forward to answering all of your questions and helping you decide whether Invisalign is right for you and your kids.
*Before and after images courtesy of Invisalign.com.
