7 Things Parents Need to Know About Invisalign Teen Houston, TX
Invisalign® Teen is an increasingly popular alternative to traditional metal braces. In many cases, it is just as effective as conventional braces in straightening the teeth and correcting the bite. Invisalign Teen also has the added benefit of being less visually obtrusive than metal braces, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option.
Invisalign Teen is available at Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles in Houston and the surrounding area. We can give your teenager a good reason to smile. Call us today at (713) 979-4127 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Teens and Invisalign
Adolescence is an emotionally fraught time. During this period of life, teens are particularly concerned with their appearance. Many dread the prospect of traditional braces and the "metal mouth" that comes with them. Fortunately, Invisalign Teen offers a more pleasant alternative.
Invisalign Teen is so popular, in fact, that millions of patients have successfully undergone treatment. These clear aligners are virtually invisible, allowing for a seamless look all throughout treatment. Compared to traditional braces, they also make it easier to maintain one's oral hygiene.
“Invisalign Teen is so popular, in fact, that millions of patients have successfully undergone treatment.”
Wear Time With Invisalign Teen
Invisalign will only work if the wearer follows through on treatment. In other words, the aligners must be placed on the teeth for the appropriate amount of time every day. For best results, patients should keep their aligners on for 20 to 22 hours per day. They should be removed only for brushing, drinking, eating, and flossing.
The overall treatment time varies on multiple factors, including the complexity of the patient's case and how often the patient wears their aligners. Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles can give each teen (and their parents) the best idea on what to expect. For most people, however, the treatment time lasts anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
“… the aligners must be placed on the teeth for the appropriate amount of time every day.”
Time-Saving Benefits
Orthodontic care can involve a significant time commitment. Traditional braces often require monthly or bi-monthly appointments with an orthodontist. These appointments can be lengthy. The provider must tighten wires, replace elastics, and take measurements.
Invisalign requires less time in the dentist's chair. Without the upkeep required by wires and elastics, appointments are less frequent. Many providers schedule Invisalign appointments six weeks apart and offer aligners several weeks in advance. Patients can change their aligners at home without setting foot in the dentist's office.
“Many providers schedule Invisalign appointments six weeks apart and offer aligners several weeks in advance.”
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Why Invisalign Teen
In addition to being virtually invisible, Invisalign aligners are completely removable — making them perfect for teens with busy schedules. As long as they keep them in for the recommended amount of time every day, teens can remove their aligners for important activities.
Prom and Other School Formals
Nobody wants to feel afraid to smile on their prom night. While people who wear braces may be afraid to show off a mouth full of metal, people who wear Invisalign have nothing to worry about. Teens can display a beautiful, unobtrusive smile that will be immortalized in all their photos.
Sports
Traditional metal braces can be dangerous when playing sports — especially contact sports. A teen with braces who undergoes facial trauma may experience bleeding or tears in the mouth, along with possibly damaging their braces. With removable Invisalign aligners, these issues can be a thing of the past.
School Pictures
While traditional braces often sap a teen's confidence in their smile, Invisalign usually has the opposite effect. In fact, aligners discreetly improve one's smile and can be removed when it comes time to take pictures.
Of course, Invisalign only works if the patient does. Teens see the best results when they wear their aligners for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours per day. Ideally, one should only take out their aligners for special occasions or to eat and perform their oral hygiene routine.
“As long as they keep them in for the recommended amount of time every day, teens can remove their aligners for important activities.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. How often do I have to see a dental provider during my Invisalign treatment?
Q. How do I take care of my aligners at home?
Q. How do teens feel about Invisalign as compared to traditional braces?
Q. How long will my teen need to wear Invisalign?
Q. When can teens remove their Invisalign aligners?
People Also Ask
Q. What are some examples of purely cosmetic procedures?
Q. Is there commonality by age group?
Q. What is the best age to consider Invisalign Teen?
Q. When are braces more effective than Invisalign?
Invisalign Requires Some Care and Upkeep
Proper dental hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment. The aligners can sometimes trap food particles against teeth and gums. Your teen will need to take extra care with their oral hygiene.
Helping Your Teen Care for Their Aligners
Patients should thoroughly brush their aligners at least once a day. Our dental team can recommend specialized products to keep the trays fresh and clean. Check with the office before trying out a new product. Some oral hygiene products may damage the aligners.
Your teen should avoid eating while the trays are in place. It's fine to sip water throughout the day, but teens should remove their aligners before drinking anything else. Hot beverages like coffee can warp or stain the aligners.
Make sure your teen keeps their aligners safely stored. Some patients set their aligners on a plate or napkin while eating. This habit often leads to lost or damaged aligners. If the aligners aren't in your teen's mouth, they should be placed in a plastic case. Avoid exposing the aligners to extreme heat or cold, and keep the aligners secure in a purse, backpack, or bathroom cupboard.
The Benefits of Proper Upkeep
Invisalign can produce a brighter smile, but sloppy oral hygiene or careless habits can undermine treatment results. Keeping up with treatment recommendations pays off. Teens who follow up with their provider's recommendations enjoy straighter teeth and improved oral health. If your teen doesn't take care of their aligners or wear them daily, they may not see results.
Invisalign requires a high level of responsibility, and some teens may not be good candidates for this treatment. If your child struggles to keep up with daily chores and tasks, they might do better with traditional braces. Parents should consider whether their child is mature and responsible enough to be in charge of their own orthodontic care.
“Proper dental hygiene is essential during Invisalign treatment.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I be sure that my teen is wearing their Invisalign aligners properly?
A. Invisalign Teen comes with a blue-dot compliance indicator to ensure that patients are wearing their aligners for a long enough period of time. The dots do not affect treatment; rather, they allow the orthodontist to know if the patient has been wearing their aligners adequately. As the aligners are worn, the blue dots should begin to fade away. If the blue dots are still visible, the patient has failed to wear their aligners for an adequate period.
Q. How can I be sure that my teen is wearing their Invisalign aligners properly?
A. Invisalign Teen comes with a blue-dot compliance indicator to ensure that patients are wearing their aligners for a long enough period of time. The dots do not affect treatment; rather, they allow the orthodontist to know if the patient has been wearing their aligners adequately. As the aligners are worn, the blue dots should begin to fade away. If the blue dots are still visible, the patient has failed to wear their aligners for an adequate period.
Q. What happens if my teen loses their Invisalign aligners?
A. We understand that accidents happen. Call us immediately, so we can help get your child a new set of aligners. In the meantime, depending on your child's specific case, we may instruct them to wear the previous set of aligners or advance to the next set.
Q. Will my child have any diet restrictions with Invisalign?
A. No. Since Invisalign aligners are totally removable, they do not impose any dietary restrictions whatsoever. However, patients should always remember to take off their aligners when eating and brush their teeth before putting their aligners back on.
Q. What kind of orthodontic conditions can Invisalign Teen treat?
A. Invisalign Teen is best suited for mild to moderate malocclusions, and patients with more severe orthodontic problems may be better suited to traditional braces. Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles can determine what is best for your child in a one-on-one consultation.
Q. Is treatment with Invisalign Teen painful?
A. Treatment with Invisalign Teen is typically less painful than treatment with traditional braces. While there may be some discomfort during the adjustment periods, this typically subsides rather quickly.
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Invisalign® Terminology
Call Us Today
Invisalign can produce a brighter, straighter smile. If you're considering orthodontic care for your teen, schedule an Invisalign consultation. Clear removable aligners are an appealing alternative to braces, especially for image-conscious teens. Invisalign boasts a 96% satisfaction rate. The majority of Invisalign patients are satisfied with their results and would recommend Invisalign to a friend.
Let Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles in Houston determine if your teen is a candidate for Invisalign. Call us at 713-979-4127 to schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Midtown Dental – The Gallery of Smiles was established in 2001.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Aldine, Missouri City, Pasadena, Fresno and Baytown
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