My Kids Teeth: Learning About Invisalign

The Post is brought to you by Invisalign. I have used some facts provided by Invisalign, but the story and opinions are 100% mine. 

 

The other day we had the talk with the dentist.

I knew it was coming and I was kind of dreading it.

It went a little something like this...

"So have you gone to the orthodontist yet?"

"No."

"You realize he is going to need braces?"

'Um, yes. OK, I will get on it."

I also said that 6 months ago.

BUT now it is time for action. Joe is getting older and it is time to start the process of braces and orthodontics. My kiddo is very sensitive to new things and I am thinking this transition is going to be a tough one - the feel of the braces, brackets, and wires, etc. is not something he is going to be comfortable with for a long time, if ever. Heck, it has been 25ish years since I had braces and I remember it all too vividly!

I was just starting to do research on braces and orthodontics when I remembered a family member who had used Invisalign. I thought this might be a good fit for my son...and better yet, discovered that Invisalign has introduced a new product specifically for teens, Invisalign Teen. You cannot imagine how happy I was to find this out.

So why am I so happy? Invisalign sums it up quite nicely:

"When it comes to a decision as important as straightening your child’s teeth, it’s good to know you now have options. Teens now have a modern choice for straightening their teeth. No more wires and brackets required – Invisalign Teen, a series of removable and virtually invisible aligners that gradually move teeth over time to help your teen achieve a great smile and proper bite, is the clear alternative to metal braces. It was developed with leading orthodontists who understand the unique treatment and compliance needs of teens as well as their active lifestyles. Invisalign Teen treatment is ideal for busy parents because there are never any emergency appointments caused by broken wires or brackets. And you spend less time at the orthodontist’s office, with fewer appointments and less chair time for uncomfortable tightenings."

Although I was familiar with Invisalign, I really did not know how it worked, and thought if I am going to put it in my kids mouth, I better know a little more! Basically Invisalign works by using nearly invisible, removable appliances or “aligners.” The teeth are gradually straightened without metal or wires. Removable and no wires....Amazing, eh?

The process of Invisalign works like this:

"After detailed impressions are taken of the teeth, the company utilizes proprietary 3D computer imaging technology to map the patient’s complete treatment from start to finish. Patients wear each aligner for about two weeks. During this time, the aligners gradually move their teeth until they achieve the prescribed final position. Patients typically visit their doctor once every six weeks or so to ensure that treatment is progressing as planned, and to receive their next few sets of aligners."

Straightening my child's teeth is important to me,not only for the aesthetic appeal but for his own comfort and good oral care. I had been putting it off for so many reasons but the time is now. I am enthusiastically looking into Invisalign Teen for the following reasons:

• Help provide a great smile to my child while boosting his confidence.
• The product is durable, and easy to use and implement into our busy lifestyle.
• The device can be removed for brushing and flossing (don't you remember how hard it was to keep up your teeth with traditional braces?)
• It is a more comfortable alternative: Invisalign Teen is a lightweight plastic, custom-fitted to my your child's teeth, and maybe best yet for my child personally, "There are no wires or uncomfortable metal brackets poking or tearing their mouths or gums." 

The introduction of Invisalign Teen is perfect timing for my family.
It is definitely an option as we consider which path to take in our orthodontic treatment.