In recent years, orthodontics as a whole has come along in leaps and bounds, especially where braces are concerned. Traditional metal braces, however, have a reputation that continues to precede them, with many people still thinking of them as unflattering and awkward. If you’re a teen and you’ve recently been told your smile could benefit from orthodontic treatment, you may be worried about how braces could affect your looks and your lifestyle.
Sawgrass Orthodontics wants teen patients to be excited about beginning this journey towards straighter teeth and a healthier mouth, rather than dread it. The good news is, there’s an alternative option to traditional braces that can achieve just that!
Invisalign Teen
Invisalign Teen is an increasingly popular way to straighten teeth without the restrictions that can accompany metal braces. Rather than wires and brackets, the Invisalign system uses a series of clear, custom-made, removable aligners. These aligners are worn over the teeth, and changed out for a new set every week. Over time, your teeth will shift into their new, improved positions, leaving behind nothing but a straight and confident smile.
The near invisibility of Invisalign is one of its biggest benefits, but what else makes it such a good choice for teens like you? Let’s investigate!
Effectiveness
When aligners are worn the recommended 20-22 hours a day, Invisalign Teen can be just as effective as traditional braces at treating some of the most common dental issues. This includes mild to moderate cases of underbite, overbite, overcrowding and gaps between the teeth. Here at Sawgrass, we’re proud to offer free initial consultations to prospective patients, which allows us to determine if you’d be a good fit for this treatment. Although not every teen is a candidate for Invisalign, most will be!
Flexibility
One of the more difficult aspects of traditional braces is the food restrictions that come with them. Anything sticky, chewy, hard, or crunchy needs to be avoided, which means no popcorn, nuts, apples, candy or chips. This can be really hard when so much of your socializing revolves around exactly the kind of food you aren’t supposed to eat!
Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can take them out at mealtimes or when you feel like snacking, so you’re still able to eat just about everything you normally would! It is important, though, to be vigilant about brushing and flossing afterwards so that food and bacteria won’t get the chance to cozy up against your teeth.
Food isn’t the only flexible benefit of Invisalign Teen. Contact sports and electives like band can sometimes be difficult if you’re wearing metal braces, since the brackets and wires can break or come loose while you’re in action, causing irritation or pain. With the Invisalign system, you can remove your aligner before the big game or concert, then pop it back in afterwards. This allows you plenty of freedom for goal-scoring and music-making!
Be confident
Being a teen is tough for a whole laundry list of reasons, and your confidence can take a real knock if you feel self-conscious about crooked teeth or other dental issues. Although traditional metal braces are an excellent long-term solution, they can sometimes make insecurities even worse in the short-term.
Invisalign Teen aligners give you a nearly invisible method for orthodontic treatment, and being removable means you have the freedom to maintain your lifestyle, too. No one even needs to know you’re wearing them! This can remove a very real source of stress for you, increase your self-confidence, and make it easier to focus on the things that really matter.
Less time in the chair
Traditional braces tend to require more frequent orthodontist visits for maintenance and emergencies. With Invisalign Teen, there aren’t any regular adjustments to make, and no broken wires or brackets that will need to be fixed, so you’ll generally require less time in the office. After your initial appointment, you can expect follow-up appointments to be scheduled for roughly every four to eight weeks.
Similar cost
A common concern when discussing any orthodontic treatment is cost, and many patients worry that alternative options like Invisalign Teen may be more expensive than traditional braces. Fortunately, Invisalign costs just about the same as traditional braces! Additionally, many dental insurance policies will actually cover Invisalign Teen orthodontic treatment for patients under eighteen, but if yours doesn’t, we’re happy to offer a wide variety of zero down payment and no-interest payment arrangements. Our team will help you find a comfortable payment plan that works with your family’s budget. We don’t want any patient to miss out on the kind of orthodontic treatment that will make a positive difference in their lives due to finances.
A healthier smile as part of a healthier life
A straighter smile is a beautiful thing, but beyond the cosmetic benefits, did you know there are health benefits to braces as well? A badly aligned bite or crowded teeth can lead to a whole host of other health problems such as headaches, jaw pain, tooth grinding, gum disease, or general inflammation.
As a teen, we know you’re way too busy to be sidelined by these kinds of preventable problems! Invisalign Teen orthodontic treatment with Sawgrass Orthodontics will not only give you a straighter smile and an optimized bite pattern, but will leave them easier to clean efficiently, and better functioning in the way that they’re meant to.
Invisalign Teen by Sawgrass Orthodontics
Invisalign Teen does require dedication on your part, since it’s only effective when worn 20-22 hours per day, and consistently changed out every week. For added accountability and reassurance, each Invisalign Teen aligner has a blue indicator that will fade over time when used as directed, so we’re able to track compliance.
If you’re a teen in the Davie, Weston, Sunrise, or surrounding area, and interested in exploring what Invisalign Teen has to offer you, Sawgrass Orthodontics is here to help! We provide a high-tech office environment, and our skilled staff work hard to create a friendly atmosphere you’ll look forward to visiting. If you’re ready to embrace a straighter smile without all the hassle, get in touch with us today to schedule your free consultation!
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