Thinking About Invisalign® for Your Teen? Read This First

Invisalign has quickly become one of the most requested orthodontic treatments by teens. With its nearly invisible design and removable trays, it’s easy to see why so many young patients prefer it over traditional metal braces.

If you are considering Invisalign for your teen, it’s important to understand how it works, what the benefits are, and whether it’s the right fit based on your child’s needs and habits.

Why Invisalign Appeals to Teens

Clear aligners are practically invisible, which makes them a confidence booster during school, photos, and social outings. Since there are no brackets or wires, there’s less irritation inside the mouth. Oral hygiene is easier, too, because aligners are removed for brushing and flossing.

Unlike braces, Invisalign also comes with fewer food restrictions. Your teen can take their aligners out to enjoy popcorn at the movies or a crisp apple after lunch.

How Invisalign Works

Invisalign treatment uses a series of custom-made clear trays that slowly shift the teeth into place.

• Aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day
• Each new set is typically worn for one to two weeks
• Progress is monitored through routine dental check-ins

The process is designed to be simple, but it only works if your teen commits to wearing the aligners consistently.

Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?

While Invisalign is effective for many orthodontic cases, it’s not suitable for all. It works best for teens with mild to moderate alignment issues. More complex bite problems may require traditional braces.

Invisalign also requires responsibility. Teens who frequently misplace items or skip routines may struggle with the daily wear schedule. Aligners that aren’t worn for the recommended time can delay progress and affect results.

Pros and Cons of Invisalign

Like any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign comes with both advantages and drawbacks. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide if it is the right choice for your teen.

✅ Pros 

1. Nearly invisible: The clear aligners are discreet and hard to notice, which appeals to teens and adults alike.
2. Removable: You can take them out when eating, drinking (anything other than water), brushing, or flossing, making oral hygiene much easier than with braces.
3. Comfortable: Made from smooth plastic, Invisalign trays generally cause less irritation to cheeks and gums than metal braces.
4. Fewer office visits: You usually get multiple sets of aligners at once and switch them at home, so fewer orthodontic appointments are needed.
5. No food restrictions: Since you remove the aligners to eat, you can still enjoy popcorn, nuts, and other foods typically off-limits with braces.
6. Predictable treatment plan: The entire process is mapped out using digital scans, which can make the treatment timeline more predictable.

❌ Cons of Invisalign

1. Requires discipline: You must wear the aligners for 20–22 hours a day. Forgetting to wear them can delay your results.
2. Not ideal for complex cases: Invisalign works best for mild to moderate misalignments. Severe bite issues or rotated teeth may need traditional braces.
3. Can be lost or damaged: Because they are removable, it’s easier to misplace or break aligners, especially if taken out often.
4. Must remove them to eat: While it is great that there are no food restrictions, having to remove the aligners to eat can be a bit cumbersome. When you are out for dinner or on vacation, this can be a bit of a hassle and can result in wearing them less than the recommended time.   
5. May cause temporary speech issues: Some people notice a slight lisp when they first start wearing the trays, though this usually goes away quickly.
6. Requires good oral hygiene: You need to brush after every meal before putting aligners back in to avoid trapping food and bacteria.
7. Not always covered by insurance: Some dental plans don’t cover Invisalign, or only provide partial coverage compared to traditional braces.

Supporting Your Teen During Invisalign Treatment

If you decide that your teen is up to the task and can responsibly wear Invisalign, here are a few things you can do to support them throughout treatment: 

• Have them download the My Invisalign app which can be found in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. In the app, they can set timers when they remove their aligners and track their progress with pictures.  
• If they don’t want to download the app, have them set a timer when they remove their aligners so that they remember to put them back in.  
• Set a reminder in their calendar so they remember when to change their aligners.
• Check in with them to make sure they are wearing them and that they aren’t having any issues. 
• Providing a backup aligner case for school or sports activities. You can purchase aligner cases on the Invisalign App. 

Talk to Dr. Stanley About Invisalign for Your Teen

Choosing the right orthodontic treatment is an important decision, especially during the teenage years. If you are considering Invisalign, Dr. Stanley can help determine whether it is a good match for your child’s smile, lifestyle, and level of responsibility. We are here to answer your questions, review your teen’s specific needs, and guide you through every step of the process.

To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Overland Park, KS, call (913) 345-0331 or visit us at 8575 W 110th St Suite 310, Overland Park, KS.