Invisalign Teen can be an excellent option for helping adolescents straighten their teeth without the need for metal brackets and wires. Not only are the clear aligners less noticeable, but they can be removed during meals or for oral hygiene purposes. But when teenagers go back to school, it can be more difficult for parents to make sure that the treatment stays on track. Below are 4 tips for helping Invisalign go smoothly even after classes start again.
1. Provide an Aligner Removal Tool
Some teenagers can have a difficult time removing their aligners during lunch. Luckily, there is a product known as OrthoKey that can make this task easier. This product can be conveniently stored in the retainer case, and it gives adolescents a way to remove their aligners without risking unnecessary damage.
A side benefit of OrthoKey is that it eliminates the need for the patient to put their hand inside their mouth whenever they need to take out their aligners. This minimizes the risk of spreading germs and other harmful particles onto the Invisalign aligners after they have been removed.
2. Encourage Good Oral Hygiene
It is important to brush and floss after every meal during Invisalign treatment, thus making it less likely that food particles and harmful bacteria will become trapped between the aligners and the teeth. Parents should make sure that their teenagers are equipped with the right oral hygiene tools (i.e. a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss) before they leave for school.
3. Practice Speaking with the Aligners
When wearing new Invisalign aligners, the patient might develop a slight lisp. This speech impediment should go away on its own over time, but it can still be potentially embarrassing. Practicing speaking with the aligners can help teenagers stay confident while they are interacting with their peers at school.
Parents can encourage their teenagers to practice saying certain words and sounds, giving the tongue a chance to get used to accommodating for the presence of the aligners. Another method is having teenagers read aloud to themselves and repeat any words that are giving them difficulty. In short, speaking with the aligners as much as possible will help the individual overcome their lisp sooner.
4. Make Pain Relief Accessible
Invisalign aligners are not as uncomfortable as traditional braces, but there is still some discomfort associated with the process. The aligners have to exert a small amount of pressure on the teeth to move them, which can lead to soreness. Giving teenagers over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen can help them keep their discomfort under control.
Invisalign in Naperville can be a great alternative to braces, but it largely depends on patient compliance. By following the tips above, parents can make it more likely that their teenagers will wear and protect their aligners properly, leading to dazzling results at the end of the treatment.
About Grand Dental – Naperville
At Grand Dental – Naperville, we are proud to have multiple dentists who are trained to meet the needs of a wide variety of patients. We offer a variety of in-house orthodontic options, including Invisalign for teenagers and adults who would like to straighten their teeth without relying on braces. To schedule an Invisalign consultation for your teenager, please visit our website or call (630) 904-1000.