When teenagers visit us at ethos, we often get questions about the option of clear aligners, and it’s easy to see why. Clear aligners are discreet, removable and less daunting than traditional braces.
But here’s the thing: clear aligners aren’t suitable for every teenager. When choosing between braces and Invisalign, the right treatment depends on your teen’s teeth, bite, jaw development and, importantly, how well they can stick to their treatment plan.
What are clear aligners and how do they work?
Clear aligners (also called by their brand name Invisalign) are a series of custom-made, transparent trays that gradually move the teeth into new positions. Each aligner applies gentle, controlled pressure to specific teeth, with the sequence planned by your orthodontist.
Unlike traditional braces, there are no brackets or wires attached to the teeth. Aligners can also be removed for eating, brushing and flossing, making them a modern alternative for teeth straightening.
Why teenagers might choose clear aligners
For plenty of teens, one of the biggest attractions of clear aligners is that they’re much less noticeable than traditional braces and can be removed for special events. That can be a real advantage during high school, particularly with big events like formal, graduation or school photos on the calendar.
Plus, there’s less of a need to avoid certain foods like you do with traditional braces as the aligners are removed during meals. To find out more about what you can and can’t eat with Invisalign, check out our recent blog post on it!
If your teen plays a lot of sport, aligners are also an attractive option as they can be taken out during gameplay, allowing them to wear a normal mouthguard instead of an orthodontist-designed one
And while mild pressure or tenderness is still normal as the teeth move, clear aligners can feel more comfortable for some patients.
Depending on your teenager’s treatment needs, the cost of Invisalign vs braces may not be that different!
Are clear aligners right for your teenager?
The biggest question is whether your teenager can manage the responsibility that comes with removable aligners.
For treatment to work as planned, aligners generally need to be worn for around 20-22 hours a day. That means taking them out to eat or brush is fine, but leaving them in a school bag for half the day is not!
Your orthodontist will also consider the complexity of the orthodontic problem because aligners can’t fix all the issues that traditional braces can. Significant alignment issues and teeth that need to be rotated more than 20 degrees are often not possible to address with aligners.
That’s why it’s worth being cautious about any treatment that promises a particular result without properly assessing your teenager first. The goal should be the right treatment for their individual needs, rather than choosing aligners simply because they look less noticeable.
Are clear aligners the same for adults and teens?
Invisalign actually has a line of aligners made specifically for teens. These have a few special features designed for younger mouths:
- Compliance indicators: Small blue dots on the aligners gradually fade with wear, giving parents and orthodontists a simple way to check whether they’re being worn as prescribed.
- Replacement aligners: A few spare trays may be provided in case an aligner is accidentally lost or damaged, which can be more common for younger patients.
- Eruption tabs: Special spaces in the aligner can make room for teeth that haven’t fully come through yet, such as canines or second molars.
The importance of professional assessment
There’s no quick checklist that can tell you whether clear aligners are right for your teenager. A qualified orthodontist needs to assess their teeth, bite and jaw development before recommending a treatment approach.
At ethos Orthodontics, our experienced specialist orthodontists assess each patient individually and can talk you through the available options, including Invisalign and braces. ethos provides orthodontic care for children, teenagers and adults across Brisbane and Queensland, with treatment plans tailored to each patient.
This individual assessment is particularly important for teenagers, because their mouths and jaws are still developing. The best treatment plan may look different from one teenager to the next.
Find out if clear aligners are right for your teenager
Wondering whether clear aligners could work for your teen? The best place to start is with a personalised orthodontic assessment.
At ethos Orthodontics, we’ll look at your teenager’s individual needs, explain their treatment options and help you understand what’s realistic for their smile and bite. Our focus is on finding an approach that suits your teenager.
Find an ethos clinic near you and book a consultation to explore your teen’s options for orthodontic treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can teenagers get clear aligners?
Yes! Clear aligners can be a great option for many teenagers. However, they’re not suitable for every teen. Your orthodontist will need to assess their teeth, bite and jaw development, as well as whether they’re likely to wear their aligners as prescribed.
What age can a teenager get Invisalign?
There isn’t one specific age when a teenager can start Invisalign. Treatment can be suitable once the teeth and jaw have developed enough for aligners to work effectively. Invisalign also has aligners specifically designed for teenagers, with features that accommodate developing teeth.
How long do teenagers need to wear clear aligners each day?
Clear aligners generally need to be worn for around 20 to 22 hours a day to keep treatment on track. They’re designed to be removed for eating, brushing and flossing, but otherwise should stay in.
Are clear aligners better than braces for teenagers?
Not necessarily. Clear aligners and braces can both be effective, but the best option depends on your teenager’s individual orthodontic needs. Clear aligners can be more discreet and removable, while braces may be better suited to certain complex tooth and bite problems.
Can teenagers eat normally with clear aligners?
Pretty much! Clear aligners should be removed when eating, so there are fewer food restrictions compared with traditional braces. Your teenager will just need to brush their teeth before putting their aligners back in.
Can teenagers play sport while wearing clear aligners?
Yes. Clear aligners can be removed during sport, allowing teenagers to wear a normal mouthguard while they play. Your orthodontist can recommend the best approach for protecting their teeth during treatment.
What happens if my teenager loses their aligner?
Losing an aligner doesn’t necessarily mean treatment has to start again. Invisalign Teen treatments include replacement aligners, but it’s important to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible if an aligner is lost or damaged so they can advise you on what to do next.
Do clear aligners work if my teenager’s teeth haven’t fully come through?
They can in some cases. Invisalign Teen aligners have features such as eruption tabs, which provide space for teeth that haven’t fully erupted yet. Your orthodontist will assess your teenager’s tooth development to determine whether aligners are appropriate.
Are clear aligners suitable for all orthodontic problems?
No. Clear aligners can treat many orthodontic problems, but they aren’t the best option for every case. More complex tooth movements or significant bite issues may be better treated with traditional braces or another orthodontic approach.
Is Invisalign for teenagers more expensive than braces?
Not necessarily. The cost of Invisalign and braces can be similar depending on the complexity and length of treatment. Your orthodontist can provide a personalised quote after assessing your teenager’s teeth and treatment needs.
