Invisalign Teen™
Confident Smiles for a Confident Future: Invisalign Teen™ Near You
What if there were an orthodontic solution that offered all the benefits of teeth straightening without the visible wires and brackets of metal braces? That’s precisely what Invisalign Teen offers. At Contos Smile Center, home of the top dentist in Chicago, Dr. Contos is a trusted Invisalign provider dedicated to giving teenagers the gift of a confident, healthy smile that fits seamlessly into their active lives.
Residents of the Wicker Park, Lincoln Park, or West Loop neighborhoods can call us today at (773) 973-0531 to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Contos Smile Center for Orthodontic Teen Treatment?
At Contos Smile Center, Dr. Contos and our team are dedicated to providing a teen-friendly experience that goes beyond simply straightening teeth and supports their orthodontic journey .
- A Personal, Caring Approach: We build strong relationships with our teen patients and their families. Our team takes the time to listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and make them feel comfortable and empowered throughout the process.
- Comprehensive Care: Dr. Contos is experienced in a wide range of orthodontic solutions for teenagers, including traditional braces and advanced clear aligner systems. We will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your child’s specific dental needs.
- Focus on Long-Term Health: Our goal is not just a straight smile now, but a healthy smile for life. We emphasize good oral hygiene and proper dental care during treatment to set your teen up for a lifetime of confidence.
What is Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen is a clear aligner system designed specifically for the unique needs of teenagers. It’s a discreet and effective alternative to traditional metal braces. Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign Teen uses a series of custom-made, removable clear plastic aligners to gradually shift a teen’s teeth into their correct positions. This system also provides a flexible lifestyle that aligns with the dynamic nature of a teenager’s social life.
Benefits of Invisalign Teen Over Traditional Braces
Virtually Invisible
The most compelling benefit for many teens is the discreet nature of the aligners. Made from clear, smooth plastic, Invisalign Teen aligners are nearly invisible when worn. This means your teenager can smile, speak, and laugh without feeling self-conscious about their appearance in school, during sports, or at social events. It’s a huge factor in building smile confidence with Invisalign for young adults.
Comfortable Experience
Unlike traditional braces with their metal brackets and wires that can poke and irritate, Invisalign Teen aligners are smooth and custom-fit to your teen’s teeth. This significantly reduces the likelihood of mouth sores and discomfort, making the treatment experience much more pleasant.
Freedom to Eat Anything
With Invisalign Teen, there are no food restrictions, allowing them to enjoy all their favorite foods. Teens simply remove their aligners for meals and snacks, allowing them to enjoy all their favorite foods – popcorn, apples, chewy candies – without worrying about damaging braces.
Simplified Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is much easier with Invisalign Teen. Aligners are removed for brushing and flossing, allowing for thorough cleaning of teeth and gums. This helps prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and gum issues often associated with traditional braces, contributing to better oral health with Invisalign.
How Does Invisalign Teen Differ From Invisalign for Adults?
While similar to adult Invisalign, Invisalign Teen comes with specific features designed with teenagers in mind, making it an even better fit for this age group. Additionally, the treatment uses advanced digital technology for monitoring progress, allowing for more streamlined care and adjustments as needed.
- Compliance Indicators: Each Invisalign Teen aligner has a small, blue dot called a compliance indicator. This dot fades over time with consistent wear, providing a visual cue for parents and Dr. Contos to see if the aligners are being worn for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. This clever feature helps encourage responsibility and ensures the treatment stays on track.
- Replacement Aligners: Teenagers can be, well, teenagers. Aligners can sometimes get lost or misplaced. Invisalign Teen includes up to six free Invisalign Teen replacement aligners. This provides peace of mind for both teens and parents, allowing for minor mishaps without major setbacks in the Invisalign Teen treatment plan.
- Eruption Tabs: For younger teens who may not yet have all their permanent teeth, Invisalign Teen aligners can be designed with eruption tabs. These small spaces accommodate erupting molars, allowing for a seamless transition as new teeth emerge. This makes Invisalign for kids and teens a very adaptable solution.
What Orthodontic Issues Can Invisalign Teen Correct?
Just like adults, teenagers face a variety of orthodontic problems and challenges. Invisalign Teen is designed to effectively correct many of these common issues, proving it’s more than just a cosmetic fix.
- Overcrowding: When there isn’t enough space in the jaw, teeth can overlap and twist. Invisalign Teen can gently create the necessary space to move teeth into proper alignment, improving both appearance and cleanability.
- Teeth Gaps: Spaces between teeth can be closed effectively with Invisalign Teen, creating a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Overbite: This common issue, where upper front teeth significantly overlap lower teeth, can be corrected by gradually repositioning the teeth and jaw with Invisalign Teen.
- Underbites and Crossbites: While often more complex, Invisalign Teen can also address certain cases of underbites (lower teeth protrude past upper teeth) and crossbites (some upper teeth bite inside lower teeth), restoring proper bite function.
Caring for Invisalign Aligners
Proper care is essential for a successful Invisalign Teen journey. By following these simple rules, teens can keep their aligners and their smiles healthy.
- Remove for Everything But Water: Always take aligners out for meals and drinks other than plain water. This prevents stains and protects teeth from trapped food particles.
- Keep Them Clean: At least twice a day, gently brush aligners with a soft brush and non-abrasive soap. Soaking them in Invisalign cleaning crystals is also a great way to keep them fresh.
- Use Their Case: When not in the mouth, aligners should be in their protective case. This prevents them from being lost, damaged, or exposed to germs.
- Avoid Heat and Harsh Cleaners: Never use hot water or abrasive toothpaste, which can warp or scratch the aligners, making them ineffective and visible.
- Brush After Meals: Teens should brush their teeth after every meal to prevent staining and maintain oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment.
Financing the Invisalign Teen Cost
A common question for parents considering Invisalign for teenagers is the Invisalign Teen cost. The exact cost can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the length of treatment, and the number of aligners required. Braces are usually less expensive than Invisalign, but prices can vary based on individual circumstances.
At Contos Smile Center, we are committed to making affordable Invisalign for teens a reality for families. We believe that financial considerations should not stand in the way of your child achieving a healthy, confident smile. We offer various financial options, including flexible payment plans and assistance with insurance claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most teenagers who need orthodontic treatment are good candidates for Invisalign Teen. This includes corrections for crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. The best way to determine eligibility is through an Invisalign consultation with Dr. Contos, who will assess your teen’s specific dental needs.
The Invisalign Teen treatment plan varies for each individual, depending on the complexity of their case. Generally, treatment can last anywhere from 6 to 18 months, though some cases may be shorter or longer. Dr. Contos will provide an estimated Invisalign Teen treatment plan during your initial consultation.
Invisalign Teen is designed with busy teenagers in mind, which is why it includes up to six free replacement aligners. If your teen loses an aligner, simply contact Contos Smile Center as soon as possible. Dr. Contos will advise whether to move to the next aligner set or order a replacement to keep the treatment on track.
Yes! This is one of the significant Invisalign Teen benefits. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign Teen aligners can be removed for sports (though a mouthguard is always recommended) and for playing musical instruments. This means your teen’s active lifestyle won’t be interrupted by their orthodontic treatment.
Achieve Your Dream Smile Without Metal Brackets: Choose Invisalign Teen in Chicago
The teenage years are a pivotal time, and a confident smile can make all the difference. With Invisalign Teen at Contos Smile Center, your child can achieve the beautiful, healthy smile they deserve, without sacrificing their comfort or self-esteem. If you are a resident of the Belmont Cragin, Avondale, or Irving Park neighborhoods, we understand your unique needs and are ready to serve you.
Your path to empowering your teenager with a radiant smile is just a phone call away. Call our Chicago dental practice at (773) 973-0531 today to schedule your teenager’s Invisalign consultation and begin this exciting transformation.
Our Vision
We are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and quality to our patient community by cultivating strong relationships, communicating thoughtful treatment solutions, and providing an enjoyable atmosphere, we can empower our patients to take ownership of their oral health.
We are committed to researching and offering state-of-the-art dental solutions in order to deliver the most advanced treatment options to our patients.
