7 Things Parents Need to Know About Invisalign Teen La Mesa, CA
Invisalign® Teen is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces. In many cases, it is just as effective as conventional braces in straightening the teeth and correcting the bite. Invisalign Teen also has the added benefit of being less visually obtrusive than metal braces, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option.
Invisalign Teen is available at Maycer Dental in La Mesa and the surrounding area. We can give your teenager a good reason to smile. Call us today at (619) 490-4197 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Invisalign Offers Discreet, Flexible Orthodontic Care
During adolescence, many teens are self-conscious. If a dentist recommends orthodontic care, teens typically balk at getting braces. Teenage patients tend to worry that braces will spoil their appearance.
Invisalign offers a discreet way to correct misaligned teeth. The clear removable aligners are difficult to spot once they are in place. Friends and family often have no idea that a teen is undergoing Invisalign treatment. Teens can also remove their aligners for photos and special occasions.
“Invisalign offers a discreet way to correct misaligned teeth.”
Invisalign Treatments Usually Take Less Than Two Years
Invisalign corrects most orthodontic problems within 12-18 months. Many patients notice significant improvement within the first six months of treatment. However, treatment plans can vary. Severe dental issues may take longer to resolve.
Consistent use of the aligners is essential. Patients should keep their aligners in place at least 22 hours per day. Aligners can be removed during meals, oral hygiene, and special events. For optimal results, patients must wear their aligners as often as possible.
“Invisalign corrects most orthodontic problems within 12-18 months.”
Time Savings With Invisalign Teen
One of the many advantages of Invisalign Teen is that it entails fewer trips to the orthodontist's office. While traditional braces typically require monthly or bi-monthly appointments to tighten wires and replace elastics, Invisalign Teen patients can switch out their aligner sets at home.
The lack of wires and brackets also lessens the need for any emergency visits. The typical Invisalign Teen patient only needs to schedule visits every six to eight weeks to ensure progress.
“One of the many advantages of Invisalign Teen is that it entails fewer trips to the orthodontist’s office.”
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Why Invisalign Teen
In addition to being virtually invisible, Invisalign aligners are completely removable — making them perfect for teens with busy schedules. As long as they keep them in for the recommended amount of time every day, teens can remove their aligners for important activities.
Prom and Other School Formals
Nobody wants to feel afraid to smile on their prom night. While people who wear braces may be afraid to show off a mouth full of metal, people who wear Invisalign have nothing to worry about. Teens can display a beautiful, unobtrusive smile that will be immortalized in all their photos.
Sports
Traditional metal braces can be dangerous when playing sports — especially contact sports. A teen with braces who undergoes facial trauma may experience bleeding or tears in the mouth, along with possibly damaging their braces. With removable Invisalign aligners, these issues can be a thing of the past.
School Pictures
While traditional braces often sap a teen's confidence in their smile, Invisalign usually has the opposite effect. In fact, aligners discreetly improve one's smile and can be removed when it comes time to take pictures.
Of course, Invisalign only works if the patient does. Teens see the best results when they wear their aligners for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours per day. Ideally, one should only take out their aligners for special occasions or to eat and perform their oral hygiene routine.
“As long as they keep them in for the recommended amount of time every day, teens can remove their aligners for important activities.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How does Invisalign compare to traditional braces?
Q. How long does Invisalign take?
Q. How do I take care of my aligners at home?
Q. How does Invisalign Teen save time?
Q. When can teens remove their Invisalign aligners?
People Also Ask
Q. Should I choose Invisalign Teen for my child?
Q. How long is treatment time with traditional braces and Invisalign?
Q. What are some examples of purely cosmetic procedures?
Q. Is there commonality by age group?
Q. What is the best age to consider Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Requires Some Care and Upkeep
Proper dental hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment. The aligners can sometimes trap food particles against teeth and gums. Your teen will need to take extra care with their oral hygiene.
Helping Your Teen Care for Their Aligners
Patients should thoroughly brush their aligners at least once a day. Our dental team can recommend specialized products to keep the trays fresh and clean. Check with the office before trying out a new product. Some oral hygiene products may damage the aligners.
Your teen should avoid eating while the trays are in place. It's fine to sip water throughout the day, but teens should remove their aligners before drinking anything else. Hot beverages like coffee can warp or stain the aligners.
Make sure your teen keeps their aligners safely stored. Some patients set their aligners on a plate or napkin while eating. This habit often leads to lost or damaged aligners. If the aligners aren't in your teen's mouth, they should be placed in a plastic case. Avoid exposing the aligners to extreme heat or cold, and keep the aligners secure in a purse, backpack, or bathroom cupboard.
The Benefits of Proper Upkeep
Invisalign can produce a brighter smile, but sloppy oral hygiene or careless habits can undermine treatment results. Keeping up with treatment recommendations pays off. Teens who follow up with their provider's recommendations enjoy straighter teeth and improved oral health. If your teen doesn't take care of their aligners or wear them daily, they may not see results.
Invisalign requires a high level of responsibility, and some teens may not be good candidates for this treatment. If your child struggles to keep up with daily chores and tasks, they might do better with traditional braces. Parents should consider whether their child is mature and responsible enough to be in charge of their own orthodontic care.
“Proper dental hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I be sure that my teen is wearing their Invisalign aligners properly?
A. Invisalign Teen comes with a blue-dot compliance indicator to ensure that patients are wearing their aligners for a long enough period of time. The dots do not affect treatment; rather, they allow the orthodontist to know if the patient has been wearing their aligners adequately. As the aligners are worn, the blue dots should begin to fade away. If the blue dots are still visible, the patient has failed to wear their aligners for an adequate period.
Q. How can I be sure that my teen is wearing their Invisalign aligners properly?
A. Invisalign Teen comes with a blue-dot compliance indicator to ensure that patients are wearing their aligners for a long enough period of time. The dots do not affect treatment; rather, they allow the orthodontist to know if the patient has been wearing their aligners adequately. As the aligners are worn, the blue dots should begin to fade away. If the blue dots are still visible, the patient has failed to wear their aligners for an adequate period.
Q. What happens if my teen loses their Invisalign aligners?
A. We understand that accidents happen. Call us immediately, so we can help get your child a new set of aligners. In the meantime, depending on your child's specific case, we may instruct them to wear the previous set of aligners or advance to the next set.
Q. Will my child have any diet restrictions with Invisalign?
A. No. Since Invisalign aligners are totally removable, they do not impose any dietary restrictions whatsoever. However, patients should always remember to take off their aligners when eating and brush their teeth before putting their aligners back on.
Q. What kind of orthodontic conditions can Invisalign Teen treat?
A. Invisalign Teen is best suited for mild to moderate malocclusions, and patients with more severe orthodontic problems may be better suited to traditional braces. Maycer Dental can determine what is best for your child in a one-on-one consultation.
Q. Is treatment with Invisalign Teen painful?
A. Treatment with Invisalign Teen is typically less painful than treatment with traditional braces. While there may be some discomfort during the adjustment periods, this typically subsides rather quickly.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Call Us Today
Invisalign can produce a brighter, straighter smile. If you're considering orthodontic care for your teen, schedule an Invisalign consultation. Clear removable aligners are an appealing alternative to braces, especially for image-conscious teens. Invisalign boasts a 96% satisfaction rate. The majority of Invisalign patients are satisfied with their results and would recommend Invisalign to a friend.
Let Maycer Dental in La Mesa determine if your teen is a candidate for Invisalign. Call us at 619-490-4197 to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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