Metal braces are still the gold standard for treating orthodontic issues, especially seriously orthodontic issues. Of course, not everyone needs extensive orthodontic treatments. That’s why our Royal Oak MI dental office, North Oaks Dental, is using clear orthodontic options to straighten teeth.

Invisalign is a tool that has become extremely popular for adults and working professionals who don’t want to deal with awkward metal braces. But now we’re also using Invisalign for teenagers. Today we want to give parents some information about how they can help their children avoid wearing braces. You can call our office today at 248-712-1522 to book a visit or to have your children assessed for orthodontic treatments.

The Importance of Orthodontics

According to the American Dental Association, children should be assessed for orthodontic issues around the age of 7. This is around the age that children begin losing their primary teeth(“baby teeth”), and so we’ll be able to assess the development of the permanent teeth. In many cases, space maintainers allow the permanent teeth to erupt straight. If the permanent teeth do not erupt straight, then it’s best to have orthodontic intervention. Straight teeth not only look great, but there are a number of advantages for your health:

  • Easier to keep teeth clean
  • Decreased risk of dental trauma
  • Prevent tooth decay and gum disease
  • Improve chewing
  • Reduce jaw or muscle pains

An investment into orthodontics now means reducing dental problems later

Why Teens Don’t Want Braces

As we mentioned earlier, braces are no long the only way to treat patients with orthodontic issues. Braces can look downright awkward, which is a huge hurdle for patients to get over. Young children may not mind having braces on their teeth, but most teens don’t want to deal with braces. Along with having clunky metal on your teeth, braces can cause sensitive teeth. Plus, there are food limitations to worry about. We’re actually heard from parents whose children refuse to wear braces.

Get Invisalign for Your Teens

Dr. Daboul and his dental office can assess your teen for orthodontic problems and if needed, set up Invisalign treatment. Invisalign doesn’t look awkward like metal braces. In fact, the aligners are virtually invisible and your teen can remove the aligners whenever they eat or need to clean their teeth.

Important note: Because the aligners are removable, it’s important to make sure your child wears their aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours a day. Anything less will extend the treatment time or lead to less-than-ideal results.  So protect your investment and help your teen’s treatment stay on course.

Most cases of Invisalign take about 12 to 18 months, but some patients see results even earlier. At North Oaks Dental, we want our patients to know the ins and outs of Invisalign treatment. That’s why we can a new social media campaign about Invisalign call #Ivisalignconfessions. We’re encouraging patients to use the hashtag and share their Invisalign stories (the good, bad, and ugly).

Coming see our office today. Give us a call today at 248-712-1522 to book a visit.