For a lot of teenagers, the appeal of Invisalign is simple: straighter teeth without a mouthful of metal in every school photo. For parents, the questions are usually about cost, results, and whether their teen will actually wear them. New Element Orthodontics is a certified Invisalign provider, and board-certified orthodontist Dr. Christopher Myers treats teens with Invisalign at both our Sacramento and Fair Oaks, CA offices. Here is what makes the teen version different and how to tell if it’s a good fit.
Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?
Invisalign works for most simple and many complex cases, so the bigger question is usually behavioral rather than clinical. The aligners only move teeth when they’re actually being worn, around 22 hours a day, so a teen who stays consistent does well, and one who leaves them in a locker doesn’t. The teen aligners are built to make that consistency easy to track, which is the next section. At the consultation, Dr. Myers gives you a straight read on whether Invisalign or braces is the better call for your teen.
Designed With Teens and Parents in Mind
The teen version of Invisalign adds a few features aimed squarely at the realities of treating teenagers:
- A built-in compliance indicator: each aligner has a small marker that fades with wear, so you and Dr. Myers can see at a glance whether your teen is keeping up their hours. It takes the guesswork out of compliance.
- The Invisalign Teen Guarantee: if your teen starts treatment and decides within the first six months that aligners aren’t for them, they can switch to traditional braces. That lowers the risk of committing to the wrong option.
- Removable for real life: because the aligners come out, your teen keeps eating the foods they like and can play sports and instruments without food restrictions or emergency wire repairs. Brushing and flossing stay simple too.
The Same Price as Braces
Cost is often the deciding factor for families, so this matters: we offer Invisalign at no extra charge over traditional metal braces. If your dental plan includes orthodontic coverage, it generally applies to Invisalign the same way it applies to braces. Our team can walk you through the specifics, and our Financial Information page covers payment options.
How Treatment Works
The process mirrors our standard Invisalign treatment. It starts with a digital scan, followed by a custom plan, a series of SmartTrack aligners swapped on a set schedule, and quick checkups along the way. You can read the full step-by-step on our Invisalign Treatment page. The teen version simply layers the compliance indicator and the Teen Guarantee on top of that.
Common Questions About Invisalign® Treatment For Teens
Will my teen actually keep up with wearing them?
That’s the real variable with any teen and Invisalign. The aligners need roughly 22 hours a day to work, and the built-in wear indicator plus regular checkups make it easy to see whether your teen is on track. If consistency is a genuine worry, Dr. Myers will say so and may suggest braces instead.
How will I know if they’re wearing them enough?
Each teen aligner has an indicator that gradually fades as it’s worn, giving you and the doctor a simple visual check. Combined with checkups every few weeks, it’s straightforward to catch a problem early rather than at the end of treatment.
What if my teen wants to switch to braces?
The Invisalign Teen Guarantee allows a switch to traditional braces within the first six months of treatment. It’s there so families can choose Invisalign without feeling locked in.
Does Invisalign for teens cost more than braces?
No. We price Invisalign the same as traditional braces, and orthodontic insurance that covers braces typically covers Invisalign as well. We’ll confirm your coverage and options before you start.
Book a Free Consultation for Your Teen
The clearest way to know whether Invisalign suits your teen is a free consultation, where Dr. Myers can assess the case and talk honestly about fit. Call us or request an appointment online.
Sacramento
Fair Oaks
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