Invisalign for Teens
Rochester, NYMany teenagers today are turning to Invisalign for Teens, a specialized orthodontic treatment designed specifically for growing smiles. This innovative approach to straightening teeth offers a modern alternative that fits seamlessly into active teenage lifestyles while delivering the professional results parents expect. 
What Is Invisalign?Invisalign is a specific brand of clear aligner therapy manufactured by Align Technology, a leader in orthodontic innovation. Unlike generic clear aligner systems, Invisalign uses proprietary SmartTrack material, a patented thermoplastic designed specifically for orthodontic tooth movement. This material provides a more comfortable fit and more predictable tooth movement compared to other clear aligner options. How Invisalign Works And What Makes It DifferentInvisalign treatment begins with a comprehensive digital scan of your teen's teeth, eliminating the need for uncomfortable traditional impressions. Using this scan, the dentist creates a customized treatment plan that shows the projected movement of each tooth throughout the entire treatment process. You and your teen can actually see a virtual representation of how their smile will look after treatment is complete. The proprietary SmartTrack material sets Invisalign apart from other clear aligner systems. This material applies gentle, constant force to move teeth more predictably and comfortably than generic alternatives. Each aligner in the series is engineered to make specific, controlled movements, typically worn for one to two weeks before progressing to the next set. What truly distinguishes Invisalign from other systems is the precision attachments, small tooth-colored bumps bonded to certain teeth that help the aligners grip and control tooth movement more effectively. The company's ClinCheck software allows for detailed treatment planning that accounts for complex movements other systems may struggle to achieve. Additionally, Invisalign providers receive ongoing training and support, and the system's decades of clinical data inform treatment protocols that have been tested and refined across millions of cases worldwide. What Is Invisalign For Teens?Invisalign for Teens is a specialized version of the Invisalign system designed specifically for adolescent patients who are still growing and developing. While standard Invisalign works well for adults with fully developed jaws and erupted teeth, the Teen version addresses the unique orthodontic challenges of younger patients. This system includes features specifically engineered for the adolescent mouth. Since many teenagers still have some baby teeth or are waiting for permanent teeth to fully erupt, Invisalign for Teens incorporates eruption tabs, special spaces built into the aligners that accommodate teeth that haven't fully grown in yet. This allows treatment to begin even if your teen hasn't lost all of their baby teeth. The system also recognizes that teenagers are still experiencing jaw growth and dental development. The treatment planning software accounts for these changes, ensuring that tooth movement coordinates with natural growth patterns rather than working against them. How Invisalign For Teens Differs From Standard InvisalignThe most distinctive feature of Invisalign for Teens is the compliance indicators, small blue dots on the back teeth aligners that gradually fade to clear as the aligners are worn. This gives both parents and orthodontists a visual tool to ensure your teen is wearing the aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day. Standard Invisalign aligners don't include this monitoring feature. Invisalign for Teens also comes with replacement aligners at no additional cost. Teenagers lead active lives filled with sports, social events, and activities where aligners might be removed and potentially lost or damaged. The Teen package includes six free replacement aligners, providing peace of mind for both parents and patients. The treatment timeline for Invisalign for Teens often differs from adult treatment. While adult cases typically involve moving teeth that have been in their current positions for years, teenage teeth are still somewhat mobile due to ongoing development. This can sometimes allow for more efficient movement, though the eruption tabs and accommodation for growth may extend overall treatment time in some cases. Do All Teens Wear This Variation Of Invisalign?Not every teenager requires Invisalign for Teens. The decision between standard Invisalign and the Teen version depends on your child's individual dental development. If your teen has all permanent teeth fully erupted and has completed most of their jaw growth, standard Invisalign may be perfectly appropriate. Our dentist will evaluate several factors when recommending which system is best for your teen, including dental development stage, remaining baby teeth, jaw growth patterns, and the complexity of alignment issues. Some older teenagers, particularly those 17 or 18 years old with fully developed dentition, may be excellent candidates for standard Invisalign. The Teen version is specifically beneficial for younger adolescents, typically ages 12 to 16, who are still experiencing dental and skeletal development. However, age alone doesn't determine candidacy. A comprehensive orthodontic evaluation will assess your teen's unique situation and determine which Invisalign system will deliver the best results. Invisalign For Teens Frequently Asked QuestionsCan my teen play sports while wearing Invisalign?Yes, one of the major advantages of Invisalign for Teens is that the aligners can be removed during contact sports or athletic activities. Your teen can wear a traditional mouthguard for protection during games and practices, then replace the aligners immediately afterward. How do we know if our teen is actually wearing the aligners enough?The blue compliance indicators on Invisalign for Teens aligners fade to clear based on wear time, providing a visual check that your teen is following the treatment plan. Additionally, if aligners aren't worn consistently, teeth won't track properly with the treatment plan, which becomes evident at regular orthodontic appointments. Most teens respond well to the responsibility and independence that comes with managing their own treatment. What happens if my teen loses an aligner?The Invisalign for Teens package includes six replacement aligners at no additional cost, specifically because the developers recognized that teenagers lead active lives where aligners might occasionally be misplaced. If an aligner is lost, contact Stephen L Ruchlin DDS right away. Depending on how long the aligner was worn and where your teen is at in the treatment sequence, we may recommend moving to the next set, going back to the previous set temporarily, or ordering a replacement. Achieve A Confident Smile With Invisalign For TeensIf you're considering orthodontic treatment for your teenager, schedule a consultation at Stephen L Ruchlin DDS to discuss whether Invisalign for Teens is the right choice. Our team will evaluate your teen's dental development, discuss treatment goals, and create a customized plan designed to achieve optimal results. Contact our office today at (585) 427-7820 to learn more about how Invisalign for Teens can help your child achieve the straight, healthy smile they deserve. |
 Stephen L Ruchlin DDS
Dr. Ruchlin 377 White Spruce Blvd Rochester, NY 14623-1603 O: (585) 427-7820 F: (585) 427-0849 Hours:
Monday: 8 am-5 pm Tuesday: 8 am-5 pm Wednesday: 8 am-5 pm Thursday: 8 am-5 pm Friday: By appointment |
