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Invisalign Teen vs. Braces: Which is Right For Your Teenager?

As a West Seattle orthodontist that offers his patients many choices in orthodontic appliances, Dr. Peralta offers teenagers orthodontic treatment using several types of appliances including conventional metal braces and Invisalign Teen clear aligners.

If your teenager is about to undergo orthodontic treatment and is trying to decide between wearing regular braces or Invisalign Teen, we can help you and your teenager decide which to choose.

Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen consists of a series of clear, removable aligners which move teeth gradually step by step until they’re in the optimal positions. Treatment with Invisalign Teen is very convenient and discreet. Your teenager can remove the aligners when eating & drinking and when brushing & flossing. Invisalign Teen may be right for your teenager if:

• Your teen presents with a relatively less complex case wants to improve his/her smile very discreetly

• Your child wants to continue enjoying his or her favorite foods during treatment

• Your teen would appreciate being able to easily maintain good oral hygiene during treatment by simply removing the aligners when brushing & flossing

• Your teen is trustworthy and responsible enough to be 100% compliant with wearing the aligners as directed

• Your teen leads a busy lifestyle and would benefit from the fewer required appointments and no adjustment appointments

Braces

Conventional metal braces are made of high grade stainless steel. These braces consist of brackets that are bonded to the teeth for the duration of the treatment process with a wire running through the brackets. Conventional metal braces may be right for your teen if:

• Your teen presents with a relatively more complex case and wouldn’t mind wearing visible braces

• Your teen is willing to avoid eating braces-busting foods like hard, crunchy and sticky food for the duration of the treatment process 

• Your teen is willing to invest more time and effort in maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing their teeth very well every day

• If you have doubts about your teen being 100% compliant regarding wearing removable aligners for the required 22 hours each day

• Your teenager has the time and commitment to come to our office for all schedule adjustment appointments

Hopefully, this information has helped you and your teen decide which treatment option to ask Dr. Peralta for during your teen’s first visit with us. Once Dr. Peralta has provided your teen with an oral exam, he will sit down with you and your child to discuss his findings. He will then let your teenager know what types of appliances he or she may be able to choose from, based on your child’s orthodontic problems that require treatment.
To schedule your first visit with us, simply fill out our online appointment request form or give our Burien or West Seattle orthodontic offices a call. We look forward to seeing you soon!