Invisalign - Pelham, NH
Straightening Smiles with Clear Solutions
If you recently discovered that your teen needs orthodontic treatment to fix overcrowding, gapped teeth or a misaligned bite, he or she is likely unhappy about it. Most teens are under the impression that traditional metal braces are the only way to fix these common problems; however, at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are pleased to offer an alternative solution. With Invisalign, your teen can receive the care they need without the embarrassing metal. With clear aligners, they’ll achieve faster results without compromising their daily appearance or bringing attention to their dental work. To learn if your teen is a qualified candidate, or if you would like to schedule an appointment with a member of our team today, call our office.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is an FDA-approved orthodontic system that uses clear, plastic, custom-made aligners to gently shift teeth in the right direction. Using SmartTrack material that took eight years of research and testing to create, this unique form of treatment is a comfortable alternative to traditional braces and produces quicker results in as little as 8-14 months, depending on the severity of your teen’s case.
When using Invisalign, your teen will be expected to wear their trays for 20-22 hours each day, 1-2 weeks at a time. By keeping regular appointments with our team of professionals, your teen will move quickly through treatment, as we will be able to make any necessary adjustments in a short amount of time.
Trays are to be removed only when eating, drinking, or cleaning them, so you’ll want to make sure your teen is responsible enough to take care of the aligners throughout treatment.
Indications for Invisalign
As a versatile treatment option for patients with overcrowding, gaps between teeth and bite alignment concerns, Invisalign is capable of producing healthier, more beautiful smiles in less time than with traditional braces.
Crowded Teeth
When teeth sit too close to each other, it can cause problems to develop throughout the mouth, including tooth decay, gum disease, and other serious dental issues. By using Invisalign, your teen’s teeth will slowly separate and allow for additional space. This will make for easier cleaning when brushing, flossing and rinsing.
Spaces Between Teeth
Because gapped teeth can pose an equally serious problem, food and debris can become trapped, making it more likely to experience many of the same issues as someone with crowded teeth. Fortunately, Invisalign can bring your teen’s teeth back together and eliminate unnecessary space.
Incorrect Bite Alignment
No matter if your teenager has an overbite, underbite, crossbite or open bite, Invisalign is capable of moving their teeth in the right direction and allowing for an improved appearance and better oral health. This method of treatment will minimize chronic jaw pain caused by a poorly aligned bite as well as excessive wear and tear on tooth enamel.
Benefits of Invisalign
If your teen is struggling with spaced-out or overcrowded teeth, we have good news: they may be able to pursue a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smile with Invisalign! This innovative orthodontic treatment offers patients numerous benefits, including:
Shorter Average Treatment Timeline
Typically, patients wear traditional braces for two years or more. Invisalign, however, can deliver results in just 8-14 months. In fact, if your teen’s case of malocclusion is pretty minor, their treatment timeline may be even shorter! At their consultation, we will provide an estimate as well as helpful tips on how to avoid unwanted delays.
Easy to Clean
Like many other children, your teen may need a lot of motivation to brush and floss consistently. Fortunately, keeping their aligners clean won’t require an extensive regimen or expensive products. All they need to do is use a soft-bristled toothbrush, clear, mild dish soap, and cool water to gently scrub the surface each morning and night.
Removable Aligners
Another reason Invisalign is a great solution for busy teens is that the aligners are removable. So, if they are going to a big event, like prom, they are playing football, or they are taking their driver’s license photo, they can take them off! The key is making sure to put the trays back on when they’re finished. That way, they don’t fall off-track with their treatment plan.
No Dietary Restrictions
While traditional braces come with dietary restrictions, Invisalign doesn’t. That said, it is important that your teen doesn’t over-indulge on foods and drinks that increase their risk of cavities. After all, if any oral health problems arise, their teeth-straightening journey will be put temporarily on hold. So, eating healthy, well-balanced meals the majority of the time is key.
Virtually Invisible Trays
Of course, one of the biggest perks is that Invisalign aligners are clear. So, they won’t draw any unwanted attention to your child’s smile. In fact, their classmates and close friends probably won’t notice the trays unless they know what to look for. As a result, they can smile with complete confidence throughout their orthodontic treatment!
Completely Metal-Free
Metal-free aligners aren’t just discreet; they are comfortable! They are crafted from smooth plastic that fits the contours of their mouth perfectly too, which means they likely won’t experience any soft tissue irritation. Of course, if that does arise, they can use dental wax to easily remedy the situation!
Understanding the Cost of Invisalign
Knowing how much you can expect to spend on your teen’s Invisalign treatment isn’t exactly clear cut. Because every patient is different, you’ll need to schedule a consultation with a member of our team to get a better idea of how much your out of pocket expenses will be.
Naturally, various factors come into play when establishing the cost of treatment, such as the number of aligners your teen will need, the retainer they’ll need to wear when finished with treatment, and the severity of their case when starting with Invisalign.
Once you have a better understanding of the cost, you can contact a representative from your dental insurance company to find out if any or all of your child’s orthodontic treatment is covered. No matter their answer, our team will be here to help you navigate the financial process and ensure you stay within your budget.