If your child is in middle school or early high school, you may be wondering what the best options are for braces or Invisalign for teens. Many teens and their parents ask for Invisalign because they have fears about wire braces. These worries stem from various concerns, but potential sports injuries and pure aesthetics are two of the most common that we hear regarding wire braces.

Keep reading to help determine whether Invisalign for teens is a good option for your family.

• If your teen still has any baby teeth, or if some molars have still not come in, then he or she is probably not a good candidate for Invisalign. Teens with baby teeth or missing molars will need traditional braces.
• Invisalign can only perform certain tooth movements, which means that some major dental issues require traditional braces. The need for major tooth adjustments or bridgework will disqualify your teen from getting Invisalign.
• If your teen has bone or jaw abnormalities, these conditions can also disqualify him or her from getting Invisalign.
• Your teen’s orthodontist will typically want you to change Invisalign trays about every two weeks. It’s important that your teen can keep track of these changes (perhaps with your help), and that you have flexibility in your schedule to attend orthodontist appointments every four to eight weeks.
• How responsible is your teen? He or she must be very careful not to lose the Invisalign trays. Plus, for best results, Invisalign aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day; they can only be removed for meals and proper cleaning. Is your teen ready for all of this responsibility?

The first step to finding out which option is best for your teen is to schedule an appointment with a trusted orthodontist. He or she can make the best recommendation for resolving your teen’s dental issues.

Serenity Orthodontics sees teens all the time who ask for Invisalign. Dr. Podray invites you to visit our Invisalign for Teens page to learn more about how this treatment option could help your child achieve the smile of his or her dreams.