How Is Invisalign® for Teens Different Than Invisalign® for Adults?

Invisalign® for teens is a discreet treatment that corrects mild and moderate orthodontic issues. Clear braces are an aesthetic upgrade to the metallic look of traditional braces. This quality is the same reason that adults choose Invisalign to straighten their teeth. Like image-conscious teens, adults who would otherwise forego orthodontic treatment can improve their smile without drawing attention to their teeth.

There are several more similarities between the type of Invisalign that teenagers use and the type that adults do. Keep reading for a comparison.

Comparing Invisalign for teens and Invisalign for adults

Orthodontic treatments like clear aligners work by applying constant, gentle pressure to reposition the teeth and the structures that anchor them. This holds for all variations of Invisalign.

The process of Invisalign treatment is similar for teens and adults alike. Here is a brief explainer on what to expect from the treatment:

• A dentist will perform a thorough exam of the patient’s mouth
• They will take intraoral scans and X-rays, which they will use to map out the current position of the teeth
• The dentist will feed the images into software that assembles the scans and X-rays to make a 3D model of the patient’s mouth
• Finally, the dentist will use the software to make small, incremental changes to individual teeth in the model

Each set of changes constitute the blueprint for a custom dental tray whose job is to apply gentle pressure to specific teeth. The dentist will design a series of these blueprints, with each new set building on the previous one. In the end, the dentist will have a series of approximately eight sets of clear aligners. This holds for all types of Invisalign. With so much in common, is there any difference between Invisalign for teens and Invisalign for adults?

Invisalign for teens have indicators that show how long the teen wears them

Teenagers will have to take off their aligners for sports, meals, or snacks. They may forget to wear them afterward. This is where an indicator light comes in.

Ideally, clear aligners need to remain for the teeth for 22 hours if they are to straighten the teeth on schedule. Now, the indicator will display different colors depending on how long they stay in the wearer’s mouth:

• A white light means that the teen is wearing their aligners for around 22 hours a day
• A blue light indicates that the teen needs to do better

The light is a visual aid that helps the teen track their discipline and progress. It is a simple hack that helps to keep the teen’s attention on their orthodontic treatment. With time, the teen can form a habit of following the instructions of their dentist. Adult Invisalign does not come with lights.

Invisalign for teens have more aligners in a series

Teenagers are more likely to lose or break their aligners. A dentist anticipates this possibility by adding a few extra aligners to the treatment plans of their young patient. The dentist will implement smaller changes from one set of Invisalign trays to another. Adults typically need fewer sets of Invisalign trays than teenagers.

Take a hassle-free journey to a new smile

Clear aligners like Invisalign for teens can give you a smile without using metal braces. Contact us to find out how to upgrade your smile in a fast and convenient way.

Request an appointment here: https://madison.engelsmiles.com or call Engel Orthodontics at (601) 790-3493 for an appointment in our Madison office.

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