If your teenager is self-conscious about crooked teeth, you may be weighing up Invisalign against traditional braces. Clear aligners can work well for the right teenager. They’re discreet and easy to live with, but whether they succeed depends on a few things worth knowing first.
How Invisalign works for teens
Invisalign works the same way for younger patients as for adults: a series of clear, removable aligners gradually straightens the teeth. Some features are aimed at teenagers. There are small blue “compliance indicators” that fade with wear, so you and the dentist can see the aligners are actually being worn, and allowances built in for teeth that are still coming through.
Will a teenager actually stick to it?
This is the main question. Aligners are removable, so they only work if they’re worn 20 to 22 hours a day. For a teenager who really wants straighter teeth, that’s rarely a problem, and plenty prefer aligners because there’s no metal in their photos. If your teen is likely to leave them out, fixed braces may be the safer bet. Start with a frank chat about whether they’ll commit.
Invisalign results from our patients
A few of the smiles we’ve straightened at Toothi in Edgware.
Photos of our own patients, shared with their consent. Individual results vary.
The upsides for teenagers
No brackets or wires means no mouth ulcers, no emergency trips for a broken bracket and no long list of foods to avoid. They just take the aligners out to eat. Cleaning is easier too, which matters for gum health at that age. And they’re far less noticeable, which most teenagers care about a lot.
What about cost and timing?
The best time to start is once enough of the adult teeth have come through, which your dentist will check. Costs are usually similar to adult treatment and depend on how much the teeth need to move. For adults at Toothi, Invisalign in Edgware starts from £1,495, with 0% and longer-term finance available to spread the cost.
Does Toothi treat teenagers?
No. At Toothi we provide Invisalign for adults only. If your teenager is thinking about straightening, start with your family dentist or an orthodontist. They can check whether enough adult teeth have come through and whether aligners or fixed braces would suit them better.
If you’re an adult thinking about straightening for yourself, read more about Invisalign at Toothi, or compare Invisalign and braces.
Considering Invisalign for yourself? Book a free consultation and iTero 3D scan at Toothi, Edgware. We’re open seven days a week. Call 020 3148 2444 or book online.
For adults, our Invisalign in Edgware page sets out the packages and how to book your consultation.
