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Invisalign

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. Nearly invisible, they have less of an impact of your teen’s social life while they work. Invisalign for teens and Invisalign for kids work more quickly than metal braces, and your Invisalign teen will thank you. Call Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry in Woodbridge, NJ — as well as in Harlem, NY and the Lower East Side of Manhattan — for Invisalign and other orthodontic care for your family.

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Child Smiling with Braces

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign for teens and adolescents is a patented solution for youngsters who need braces, but don’t want a mouthful of metal. Traditional braces make up 92 percent of the teenagers who need straightened teeth. But these orthodontic devices also make them feel self-conscious, leading to social avoidance and low self-esteem. Plus, the aftercare is tedious compared to the aftercare for Invisalign.


An orthodontic care recommendation, Invisalign is for kids who have misaligned, crooked or spaced-out teeth. The clear plastic material makes an Invisalign teen look normal, as the aligners seem completely invisible in the mouth. Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offers aesthetic dental care solutions that are easy and affordable to children near Woodbridge, New Jersey and Manhattan, New York. Even children with special needs can be treated at this practice.


Why Do Teens Need Braces?

Few people have perfect teeth, but misaligned teeth usually don’t interfere with chewing or speaking. When the misalignment is bad enough, a teeth-straightening strategy is required. For others, Invisalign for kids is a more aesthetic decision. The most common reasons for orthodontics include:

The upper teeth hang in front of the lower teeth.

If your child has misaligned baby teeth, the permanent teeth are likely to show the same malocclusion patterns without intervention by a qualified, board certified team of dentists. Orthodontic care is often recommended.

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What Are the Benefits of Invisalign for Teens?

For teens with traditional braces, the process takes two years, and that doesn’t include the four-to-six months of having to wear a retainer. Invisalign is 50 percent faster than traditional braces, making them the perfect partner for active teens. Invisalign for teens is loaded with other advantages, such as:

There are no brackets to attach to the teeth or metal wiring linking the brackets, increasing the comfort level considerably

Because Invisalign aligners are removable, your children can eat whatever they want. They brush and floss normally, and then clean the appliance with soap and water. Invisalign prevents many of the problems that occur with metal braces, such as bad breath, plaque build-up and tooth discoloration.

How Do Invisalign Aligners Work?

Visit Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry when you think your child needs braces. After a thorough dental check-up and cleaning, your kid may need fillings to address cavities before the Invisalign process can start. Having a dental sealant applied at this time isn’t a bad idea, either.


Once your dentist approves Invisalign for your child, the next steps involve:

  • A molding process that creates a digital scan of your kid’s teeth, from which custom-made sets of aligners, called trays, are prepared.

  • When they’re ready, you pick up two or three sets of Invisalign trays. Your child switches to a new set every one-to-two weeks.

  • The dentist may add attachments to the trays to make them fit better.

  • Follow-up visits allow your pediatric dentist to check the progress and allow you to pick up further sets of trays.

  • Your child needs to wear the aligner trays for about 12 months for straighter teeth.


Smiling Child with Invisalign

What Is the Aftercare for an Invisalign Teen?

  • When choosing Invisalign for kids, you must force your teen to wear the aligners at least 20 to 22 hours every day. Dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing and cleaning the tray after every meal, is also required. Your child may feel some discomfort with each new tray, but it subsides with time.

Once the teeth are positioned correctly, your kid needs to wear retainers every day for three to six months to secure the teeth in place. The Tiny Smiles Pediatric Dentistry professionals recommend Invisalign for children between the ages of 10 to 14, which is soon after they get their permanent teeth. Call the practice today to find out if Invisalign for kids is right for your family.