Invisalign Teen at Knoxville Orthodontics

Invisalign Teen is an excellent alternative to metal braces that we recommend to our teenage patients at Knoxville Orthodontics as it doesn’t use brackets or wires. Instead, it uses a series of removable clear aligners that are worn over the teeth to gradually shift them into place over time. Each set of aligners is individually manufactured with exact calculations to slowly move the teeth into position.  

These virtually invisible aligners are custom-made to fit snugly over the teeth and feel comfortable. Patients wear each set for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. As each aligner is replaced with the next set in the series, the teeth move gradually until they reach the projected final position. 

How Does Invisalign Work?

During the initial visit, our orthodontist will evaluate the patient’s teeth and determine whether Invisalign Teen is the right option for their orthodontic needs. If Invisalign Teen is recommended, the orthodontist will start by taking digital impressions of the patient’s teeth, which will be used to create a 3D model of their mouth. This model is then used by our orthodontist to develop a customized treatment plan that outlines the exact movements of the teeth and determines the length of the treatment.  

Once the orthodontist finalizes the treatment plan, the Invisalign Teen aligners will be fabricated using specialized software and 3D printing technology. The aligners are made from a clear, BPA-free plastic material and custom-designed to fit comfortably over the teenager's teeth. 

The teenager will be given a series of aligners and wear each for about two weeks. The aligners will gradually apply gentle pressure to the teeth, shifting them into their ideal positions. The patient will have to wear the Invisalign Teen aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily, removing them only to eat, brush, and floss. Invisalign Teen aligners include compliance indicators designed to help ensure that the teenager wears the aligners for the recommended time. These indicators change color from blue to clear over time, indicating that the aligners have been worn for the appropriate amount of time. 

The Benefits of Invisalign Teen

Removable aligners make cleaning your teeth easy during treatment, and the patient won’t have to worry about dietary restrictions or discomfort as they would with traditional braces. Invisalign Teen treatment typically takes about one year, and the patient has to wear the aligners for roughly 20 to 22 hours each day to make the most progress possible. 

Invisalign Teen is also virtually invisible! The clear aligners fit comfortably over your teeth and won’t attract unwanted attention. Plus, most people won’t even be able to tell you’re wearing them. Invisalign Teen comes with six replacement aligners if anything happens to your current set during treatment. These may be especially helpful if you plan to be active in sports, play instruments, or perform other activities that could result in a lost or broken aligner so you can stay on the right track with your treatment. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how Invisalign can help your teen have a beautiful smile without the look of traditional braces, visit the best orthodontist in Knoxville, TN- Knoxville Orthodontics at one of our three convenient locations in Knoxville, Tennessee, or call (865) 522-7572.