Is Your Teen Responsible Enough For Invisalign?

As a parent, there are countless important decisions that need to be made for your child throughout their life. Many of these important decisions involve your child’s dental and overall health. Your child’s oral health is imperative and having a healthy smile is something that should definitely be prioritized. 

One of the most common questions we get from parents is whether or not their teen is responsible enough for Invisalign. Many teens prefer Invisalign as opposed to traditional metal braces, as they are more discreet. However, it is important to know that there are a lot of responsibilities that come with Invisalign. In this blog, we will discuss some key indicators of whether or not your teen may be ready for such a big responsibility.

Benefits of Invisalign

Invisalign has countless benefits and is a highly effective alternative to traditional braces. Here are some benefits of Invisalign:

• Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible, making them a discreet orthodontic option.
• Because Invisalign aligners are removable, there are no food restrictions, unlike traditional braces.
• Oral hygiene is easier, as you are able to floss and brush your teeth like normal because the aligners are removable. 
• There is less maintenance involved.
• Invisalign is a highly effective alternative to traditional braces in many cases.
• The aligners are removable. 

What to Know About Invisalign

Questioning whether or not your teen is responsible enough for Invisalign is a completely fair question. Without orthodontic treatment, your child’s oral health can be at risk, which means that there is a heightened risk of cavities, tooth decay, and other dental problems.

Just like with any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign requires a certain level of commitment and responsibility. This is because the aligners must be worn for at least 20-22 hours a day in order to achieve the desired outcome. Even though the aligners can be removed before eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, your teen must remember to floss and brush efficiently, as well as clean their aligners before putting the aligners back in. 

If your teen is not willing to wear the aligners for the majority of the day (even when they sleep) or you believe that they may forget to put them back in, then perhaps a different orthodontic treatment is ideal for your teen.

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