31
Dec
Orthodontic treatment that fits your busy schedule and active lifestyle: FAQs about Invisalign® for teens
Orthodontic treatment is most commonly associated with braces and children and pre-teens. We encourage you to rethink your perception of treatments designed to correct crowded, crooked, and unevenly spaced teeth and to address bite imbalances (such as an overbite or underbite). There have never been more options to bring balance to your smile and bite. In fact, Invisalign® at the office of Portland Dental is appropriate for members of the whole family and across a wide spectrum of ages, from children to older teens to adults. Led by Dr. Kaveendra Ranasinghe, our team in Portland, Oregon, is pleased to acquaint you and/or your teen with some of the ways that Invisalign® is an appealing solution for more than just younger pediatric patients.
Why do teens and older patients like Invisalign®?
There are many reasons. First, the custom-fitted aligners are lightweight and designed to be easily taken in and out of your mouth. Unlike braces, these devices are not “fixed” to the teeth. So, you can continue to brush, floss, and eat effortlessly and in a way that promotes your best oral health and nutrition throughout treatment. Second, the aligners are made from transparent and advanced plastic. They are not visible when you smile. This feature is a departure from traditional braces, made from dark-colored metals that can stick out in the smile and make fashion-savvy teens and working adults feel self-conscious.
Will Invisalign® interfere with my life?
Absolutely not! We know how busy you are with school, sports, work, and other activities. All that we ask is that you put the aligners back in your mouth as soon as you are done brushing, flossing, and eating. Compliance with day-to-day wear time is essential. Otherwise, you can disrupt the treatment process and delay the results. To help ensure compliance, Invisalign® Teen features a series of small blue dots or compliance indicators. These indicators fade the longer you wear each aligner. Since treatment requires several aligners worn for one to two weeks, as each appliance is worn, it gradually fades to clear. Then, it’s time to move on to the next aligner in your treatment plan. Otherwise, our only requirement is for you to stop by periodically. So, Dr. Kaveen can check on your progress with treatment.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (503) 221-8123 | Existing Patients: (503) 227-1693
Can I still play instruments?
Due to the unique design of the aligners, you can still participate in all of your favorite sports, school activities, and hobbies. In the event that your aligner is damaged, Invisalign® Teen provides complimentary replacement aligners. We can also advise on ways to safely clean and store your aligners to prevent warping, damage, and staining.
So, my teeth can still be effectively straightened with Invisalign®?
Yes! Invisalign’s effectiveness has been well-demonstrated over its nearly 30-year history. The treatment process is based on the same principles as braces. Like brackets, wires, and bands, the aligners place consistent pressure on the teeth to gradually reposition them. Only these appliances do so without the hassle, discomfort, and hard-to-miss hardware of braces. Also, while it is generally advised that children visit an orthodontist for evaluation at age seven (while their teeth and jaws are still growing), patients can continue effectively repositioning their teeth with orthodontic treatments well into their adult years.
We encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaveen today at Portland Dental. Our team serves the oral health needs of patients of all ages across greater northwestern OR and can be reached at (503) 221-8123.
Share this Article
