Invisalign® for Teens

The Invisalign® system consists of a number of clear plastic removable aligners. They are worn in both the lower and upper jaws. They will straighten your teeth through your alignment and close any gaps in between your teeth and are very easy to remove. Therefore, you can eat and drink, while still having your teeth comfortably aligned. CDH provides you with a complete set of aligners that must be worn for two weeks. The system is designed to exert force on your teeth, which creates movement for your teeth. It successfully corrects underbites, crossbites and overbites.Your aligners will have served their purpose after two weeks and are then replaced with a new set. This allows you to wear new sets every two weeks, until your problem has been successfully corrected.

The system was originally designed for adults. The original design concept includes a plastic shell which fits closely on all the teeth of a single jaw. As a result, there is no room for erupting teeth that emerge during the treatment process. Therefore, they could not be used with youngsters who had erupting teeth. Since the system became very popular due to its many advantages (including aesthetics) over traditional braces, it was necessary to adapt them for young persons. In response to this need, it was developed for teens. These devices use tabs that are left in locations, where a tooth eruption was likely. The tab is broken when the eruption occurs. This facilitates the eruption and growth of the tooth. This preserves the advantage of the aligner. It also allows the eruption of new teeth to occur.

It is  easier to get and use than wearing traditional braces. This is because of the  CAD / CAM software and equipment that is used. The procedure is listed below:

How are clear aligners installed?

This system uses cutting edge technology, so that the vast majority of the steps can be completed in one day.

• Initial Consultation – The consultation consists of a two-way process. We will first perform an examination to determine whether you are a good candidate for  the aligners. This initial meeting will give you the opportunity to ask the dentist any questions such as the length, and price of treatment and whether you can get a visual simulation of how your teeth will look.

• Evaluating your Records – The first step in the process is to collect background information about your teeth. The following information is developed:
  • Impression and Digitization – Dr. Kaufman will make an precise impression of the current condition of your teeth. There are two options for making this impression. If the facilities are available, it is possible to read off the 3-D optical data directly from the patient’s mouth into the computer. Otherwise, an impression will be taken using putty and then the hardened putty will be digitized into a computer that has specialized software.
  • Bite registration – A record will then be made of your bite. It will show how your teeth in the upper and lower jaws meet with each other.
  • Dental x-rays – Oral surgeons will use x-rays to evaluate the tooth roots and jaw positioning. The will provide essential information about current root positioning and jaw bone health. A full-mouth series of x-rays or a panoramic x-ray, or both, will be taken.
  • Photographs – Several patient pictures, including front and side photos, close-up pictures of lower and upper dental arches and side close-ups of closed teeth are required. The advice of the dentist as well as this data will be sent to the Company.
  • Treatment simulation – The technology staff will then generate a simulation. It will show your teeth on screen in different stages of realignment. This simulation will be returned to CDH for any recommended amendment or a final approval by Dr. Kaufman. Your dentist many also allow you to see the simulation showing the final position of your smile.
  • Manufacture and delivery – Once we have modified or approved the treatment, your aligners will produced using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). The completed aligners will then be delivered to your dentist.

• How long must they be worn – The severity of problem determines the length of the treatment. The treatment usually takes more than one year. It is recommended that the aligner be worn for approximately two weeks. The patient is advised to wear the aligners for as many hours as possible throughout the night and day. Depending on your case your dentist may advise the use of headgear.

An IT engineer, who was frustrated with the number of visits required to adjust and tighten traditional braces, was the inventor of this system of teeth alignment.

Benefits of invisible teeth alignment:

• Removable – Easy to remove and reinstall by yourself. It is also possible to put on the next aligner yourself. As a result, the excessive number of inconvenient dental visits is reduced. This saves a considerable amount of travel time.
• Cleaning – They are easy to clean since they can be removed. As a result, regular oral health measures such as brushing and flossing can be done as usual.
• Easy Personal Hygiene – As discussed in the section on cleaning above, it is easy to brush and floss your teeth, since the aligners can be easily removed. Once you are done with these activities, you can reinstall them.
• Invisibility – They are made of clear plastic which is invisible to the casual observer.
• Cheaper than lingual braces – Cutting edge and very efficient technology is used to manufacture the aligners. As a result, they cost less than lingual braces.
• Comfort – Traditional braces use brackets which can only be removed by a dentist. By contrast, it possible to wear and remove them when necessary. They also cause less discomfort and pain.
• You Know What to Expect – With a useful screen simulation, it allows you to preview the results of your treatment.
• Safety – Since they are made from plastic, they have no sharp edges. This contrasts with traditional braces which have sharp edges since they are made from metallic wires.
• Reduced Damage to Teeth and Gums –  Since metal braces are difficult to clean, they can result in gum disease and mineralization. This is not a concern with these aligners.
• Duration of Treatment – It takes approximately one to one and a half years to complete treatment. This is less time than is necessary when using traditional metal braces. Depending on your case, your last set of aligners may be used as retainers.

If you use proper care when you are wearing them, you will get a beautiful smile with the Invisalign Teen® orthodontics system. If you do not follow proper cleaning procedures, it is possible to attract bacteria which can cause gum disease and cavities with these clear braces. The only thing that is necessary is to keep your system and mouth clean. The cleaning process is easy because you can put them on and remove them whenever you want to.

List of do’s and don’ts

Do:

• Effectively Cleaning your Aligners – Your aligners must be removed carefully and brushed gently.This will prevent the formation of bacteria that can cause plaque and dry saliva. They should be soaked in specially designed solutions and then rinsed. This will sanitize them properly.  They can also be washed in lukewarm water. They should never be cleaned with boiling water. This could distort them, so they won’t fit in your mouth.
• Oral Hygiene Maintenance – Your aligners should be brushed and flossed each time you want to reinsert them. If this is done, it will prevent particles from being trapped which causes gum disease and decay.
• Travel Precautions – You should carry both your previous set and next set of aligners with you, when you travel. This allows you to use one of them, if you damage and lose your current aligner.

Don’ts:

• Foods to Avoid – It is important to not drink (except water) or eat when wearing your aligners.
• Do not Use Toothpaste on Aligners – Toothpaste should never be used for cleaning your aligners. This is because toothpaste can contain whiteners that can color them and abrasives that can scratch them.While eating, they should not be left exposed. Appropriate solutions should be used to soak them.
• Don’t Drop Them – It is important not to drop your aligners. This is because they are relatively fragile. If they are dropped accidentally, they can fracture easily.  When you are not wearing them, they should be stored somewhere they will not fall. Since they are removed during sports activities, mouthguards may not be required.

There is considerable variation in the cost of Invisalign® Teen, depending on the individual’s condition. A treatment cost estimate will be provided at the time of consultation. It is possible that the at least part of theccost may be covered under insurance. There are certain insurance plans that may cover the treatment like other orthodontic treatment, such as braces. It is recommended that you investigate different insurance options.

If you happen to live in or near Brooklyn, then your best option for your children’s orthodontic treatment, is to visit us at CDH. The cost for Invisalign® treatment at CDH ranges between $4000 and $8000. Our pediatric dentist, Dr. Kaufman is a highly qualified and renowned dentist in the area who has been providing general dentistry and affordable orthodontic treatment services to young teens, children, and youngsters. Let CDH take care of all your child’s dental problems. We are on Ocean Avenue, and corner of Kings Highway, near the Brooklyn Public Library. Our 2nd location is on Myrtle Avenue, and corner of Emerson Place, near the Brooklyn Navy Yard.