Teens Can Now Choose Between Invisalign and Traditional Metal Braces
Until recently, almost seventy percent of all American teenagers were condemned to enduring “tin grins,” those uncomfortable, unattractive orthodontic appliances needed to straighten teeth and enhance smiles. Now, however, the clear plastic Invisalign teeth straightening system has been modified to accommodate the special needs of young adults, dramatically reducing on the number of “brace faces” seen in school.
Aside from their unsightly appearance, metal braces often induce injuries to teeth, lips, mouth and gums. They also cause embarrassing stuck food and make-out mishaps because of their sharp-edged brackets. Alternatively, with the Invisalign plastic trays method users are able to eat everything they like, compete in sports with impunity, play musical instruments with ease, and kiss each other without damage to lips or self-esteem.
An added benefit of the Invisalign tooth straightening system is the increased oral hygiene for the wearers. With traditional braces, flossing is impossible and really extensive brushing difficult for everyone. Tooth whitening – very fashionable, especially among teenagers, has to wait until the braces are removed. All in all, good oral hygiene is almost put on hold for almost two years during the time traditional braces are worn.
In 1997, a couple of Stanford graduate students began to research with computer graphics to bring up to date the services of orthodontics and within three years had created Align Technologies, the home of Invisalign. Last year, the company found a way to modify the design to allow for guiding in emerging molars in teens. They also added a blue dot that demonstrates observance to scheduled wearing hours by fading to clear when the required amount of time in the mouth has passed.
Generally speaking, dentists recommend twenty to twenty-two hours a day for about a year to accomplish the desired outcome. Most teenagers find this to be no hardship, since Invisalign trays are almost invisible and can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing or when attending special functions. This compares favorably to long-established metal braces which usually have to remain in place for two years or more and must stay attached until painstakingly removed by a dentist.
Any professional who offers the Invisalign straightening system is required to first be certified by Align Technology. Initially offered only to orthodontists, the company later opened their training to general dentists who are required to take coursework, classes and group workshops to become affiliated with Align. All practitioners of general dentistry is required to be knowledgeable about the types of problems that can be solved through use of Invisalign and which problems require other measures. For the most part, common teen malocclusion, such as overbite, spaces and crooked teeth can be corrected using the clear trays. Computer-generated prescriptions are replaced about twice a month, each new custom set specifically made to progress the alignment of the patient’s teeth over time.
Although the cost of Invisalign teeth straightening is somewhat more expensive than that of traditional metal braces, any teen would say the difference in price is more than worth it in terms of comfort, appearance and social life. What parent might disagree?
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Stephen Daniels is an acclaimed online marketing strategist. If you are in Illinois and seeking an Orland Park Invisalign dentist, he suggests Orland Park Sedation Dentistry. Specializing in general and sedation dentistry as well as Invisalign, they can give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
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