Why Invisalign® Can Be a Game-Changer for Kids and Teens
Braces have come a long way and are still an effective teeth straightening option, but let’s be honest — metal braces may not be every teen’s or kid’s ideal orthodontic treatment. Enter Invisalign® at Broad Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, the clear, comfortable, and confidence-boosting solution transforming the orthodontic experience for teenagers everywhere. If you’re a parent or teen wondering why Invisalign® might be the right choice, here’s what makes it so amazing:
Practically Invisible—Boosts Teen Confidence
Teenagers already have enough on their plates — homework, sports, social life — and adding shiny metal braces doesn’t always help their self-esteem. Invisalign® aligners are clear, discreet, and barely noticeable, allowing teens to smile, laugh, and take selfies without feeling self-conscious.
Comfort Without Compromise
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® uses smooth, custom-fitted aligners — no wires, brackets, or surprise pokes to the cheeks. Teens can say goodbye to the irritation that often comes with metal braces and hello to a comfortable orthodontic experience.
Flexibility Teens Love
Pizza party? Popcorn at the movies? With Invisalign®, no problem! The aligners are removable, meaning teens can enjoy their favorite foods without restrictions. They can also take them out for sports, musical instruments, or significant events — as long as they wear them for the recommended 20 to 22 hours daily.
Easier Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing around braces can be tricky, but Invisalign® makes it simple. Since the aligners come off, teens can maintain a healthy smile without the extra hassle, reducing the risk of cavities and gum issues during treatment.
Designed for Busy Teen Schedules
Invisalign® Teen includes features like compliance indicators and replacement aligners, making it a smart, stress-free option for active teens and parents. Plus, fewer orthodontic visits mean less time in the dental chair and more time doing what teens love.
Is Invisalign® Right for Your Child?
Invisalign® gives teenagers the freedom, comfort, and confidence they deserve while achieving the straight, beautiful smiles they dream of. It’s orthodontics that fits their lifestyle, not the other way around. If you think Invisalign® might be ideal for your teenager, schedule a consultation with our team today!
A Good-Looking Path to Better-Looking Teeth: Invisalign® Systems and Other Clear Aligners
Braces can feel like a bit of a contradiction. You want a clean, straight smile, but you first have to wear a highly visible device on your teeth for months on end. You want a well-aligned bite, but for a while braces make some day-to-day tasks, such as brushing teeth and eating some foods, more difficult.
Fortunately, for those who want to show off their pretty pearly whites as they go AND show off the results of their realignment as soon as possible, one option is clear plastic removable aligners such as Invisalign aligner systems.
The Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, as their name suggests, are clear plastic devices intended to straighten your teeth over time. They are nearly undetectable by observers. Not only are they more difficult to see (getting you closer to being able to show off that perfect smile), but they can be taken out temporarily when needed, allowing you to brush your teeth or eat without distraction.
The Clear Aligner Fitting Process
For most clear aligners, including Invisalign systems, your dentist will take a mold of your teeth and send it in. From there, orthodontic experts will determine the difference in positions between where your teeth are and where you want them to be and will create several stages of aligners to gradually move your teeth into the desired position. You’ll have to wear the aligners most of the time—about 22 hours a day. At certain points in the process as your teeth change position, you’ll move on to the next device, switching them out until your teeth are right where you want them to be.
Alternatively, there are kits you can order to take a mold of your teeth at home. This is an overall less expensive process, but you aren’t likely to achieve the same results and you lose the benefit of your dentist’s expertise. Clear aligners may not be the best solution for you, so it’s best to consult your dentist beforehand even if you decide to go this route.
How to Pay for Clear Aligners
Depending on the degree of work your teeth need, an Invisalign clear aligner treatment can cost between $3,000 and $7,000. According to Invisalign’s website, your insurance may be able to pay as much as $3,000 of the cost. For the amount your insurance doesn’t cover, you have some options.
Many dentists offer payment plans, which allows you to split a large bill into smaller payments over time. This makes payment much more manageable for some people and can be useful in emergency situations when you don’t have time to save money for the treatment before you begin.
Of course, if you can save the money ahead of time, that’s probably the better option. If you’re planning to save up for an Invisalign clear aligner treatment or something similar, you may want to consider opening a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Accounts such as these allow you to take a certain amount of money out of your paycheck, pretax, to pay for some expenses—including, in some cases, clear aligners. The types of accounts you’re allowed to open and the amount of money you can put into them will vary depending on your situation, so talk to your bank or another financial professional about your options.
For those who can use them, clear aligners such as Invisalign systems can be the least intrusive solution for straightening teeth. It’s nice not to have to worry about the looks and inconveniences of traditional braces! The initial cost of clear aligners may seem daunting, but options are available to help pay for them. If you have any questions about clear aligners or other methods of straightening your teeth, please call one of our offices. We’ll be happy to walk you through your options and help you find the best possible solution for your smile.