Invisalign is an innovative and modern orthodontic treatment tool designed to straighten teeth and enhance smiles without using traditional metal braces. Instead of metal brackets and archwires, Invisalign Clear Aligners use a series of removable plastic aligners to straighten and move teeth into the proper place. These aligners are virtually invisible, and are custom made to fit each tooth, for a more discreet and comfortable treatment option. In order for your teen’s Invisalign treatment to stay on track, they need to wear their aligners for at least 22 hours a day. They will change their aligners out about every two weeks until treatment is over, which means less visits to our Apple Creek office! Invisalign is a treatment option that is discreet, comfortable and convenient!

Invisalign is a super effective and comfortable treatment option, which our patients love! Invisalign Clear Aligners straighten teeth by gently applying gradual pressure to each tooth, encouraging their movement into the correct position. These aligners are custom made to hug each tooth perfectly, creating a smooth and comfortable fit. Under the guidance of Dr. Tomassetti and Dr. Eichholz, your teen will change their trays about every two weeks, gradually encouraging more movement until they reach the final tray, revealing their new dream smile!

Another perk about Invisalign is the convenience it offers our busy teens. While there is no set number of weeks every patient waits in between appointments, the average time span is four to six weeks. But, some of our patients experience even more convenience by utilizing our virtual appointment opportunities. At Apple Creek, our clear aligner patients can use AC Go, our virtual monitoring system that allows patients to scan their smiles and receive feedback from our doctors, all from the comfort of their own home! Using our virtual monitoring app means even less in office treatment visits and more time focusing on your priorities.

Wearing traditional metal braces is pretty noticeable for those around you, but, one of the best perks about Invisalign clear aligners is that they are virtually invisible! Clear aligners are our most discreet and aesthetic treatment option, making them the perfect choice for our teen patients. Invisalign gives your teen the freedom to remove their trays during meals, to brush and floss, and for occasional social events, so some people will truly never know they are receiving treatment! With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about brackets or wires changing your teen’s appearance, but they still get to enjoy their dream smile when treatment is complete.

Another great Invisalign perk is there are minimal dietary restrictions, especially compared to the restrictions of traditional metal braces. Since these clear aligners are removable, your teen can take them out during meal times and enjoy all their favorite foods! You don’t have to worry about your teen damaging their wire or breaking a bracket, all they have to do is remove the aligners and place them in their case. It’s important for your teen to  maintain their oral health during treatment, because excess food particles and bacteria can impact the progress of treatment. They should brush and floss after every meal and put their aligners back in so they can work their magic!

While it may take time for your teen to adjust to their new Invisalign trays, they aren’t painful at all! Most patients experience minimal discomfort, especially when compared to the discomfort felt with traditional metal braces. In the beginning of treatment, it’s normal for your teen to feel some mild pressure and a sense of tightness when they switch to new aligners as their teeth adjust to their new placement. If they do experience any discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers will do the trick. As their treatment progresses, their teeth will become accustomed to the aligners and any initial discomfort should subside. Remember, your teen should wear their aligners for at least 22 hours a day for the most effective treatment experience.