Invisalign offers a comfortable, low-key way to straighten smiles without the hassle of metal brackets and wires—which is why many teens love it! That said, while the clear aligners themselves are convenient, achieving the desired results still requires consistency and commitment from your teen. And between school, sports, and social activities, this isn’t always easy. Luckily, there are a few strategies you can use to help them stay motivated. Here’s what you need to know.
Invisalign Is Not a Part-Time Thing
One of the easiest ways to help your teen stay on track is by encouraging them to build aligner wear into their daily routine. Since Invisalign aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, your teen should really only be removing them to eat, drink, or brush and floss. Encouraging habits like putting the aligners back in right after meals or before leaving the house can help make wearing them second nature. If they’re really having trouble, have them wear a watch or download an app on their phone to track their wear time.
Encourage Good Oral Hygiene Throughout Treatment
Patients with Invisalign are actually at a greater cavity risk since the aligners can potentially trap bacteria against your teeth. This means that oral hygiene is more important than ever before during Invisalign treatment, and you should be sure your teen is brushing and flossing every day. They should also continue to attend their routine checkups and cleanings, so that if any problems are developing, they can be handled before they cause treatment setbacks. Plus, if your teen is staying on top of their oral hygiene, they’ll likely stay on top of their Invisalign treatment when it comes to wearing the trays, rinsing and cleaning them, and swapping as instructed.
Celebrate Milestones Along the Way
It can be easy for teens to lose motivation if they don’t see immediate results, and while Invisalign is typically faster than braces, it still takes several months or more under normal circumstances. Recognizing your teen’s progress, like when they move on to a new aligner set, can help keep them engaged and excited about the process.
If your teen is struggling with their Invisalign, understanding what’s making treatment difficult can help you find solutions. Consistency is the key to a successful Invisalign experience, and with a little support at home, they can stay on track toward their new smile!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has served Fitchburg for several years under the talented leadership of Dr. Myles Clancy, Dr. Codi Saunders, and Dr. Sam Alkhoury. We offer a wide range of pediatric dental and orthodontic services for children of all ages, including Invisalign clear aligners for teens. If you have any questions or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for your child, feel free to call or reach out today for more information. Telephone: (978) 424-4255.