If you’ve noticed your teen constantly hiding their smile, it might be time to consider orthodontic treatment. But what if traditional braces aren’t the best fit, both literally and for their lifestyle? Enter Invisalign® Teen, the nearly invisible solution that can straighten a variety of dental misalignments. Schatz Orthodontics offers San Antonio teens the Invisalign support they need. Learn more about clear aligners for teenagers, when to start treatment, and other answers to your Invisalign questions. 

Can Your Younger San Antonio Teen Get Invisalign?

We understand wanting to get a jumpstart on your child’s oral health care. However, the general consensus is that a child should have most of their permanent teeth before starting Invisalign. This usually happens around age 12. That’s why Invisalign makes special clear aligners for teens—your child’s permanent teeth usually emerge by the time they hit their teenage years. That said, every teen is different. At Schatz Orthodontics, we monitor your child’s development to gauge whether they need Invisalign as well as the best time to start. 

How Age Affects Orthodontic Treatment

Almost any age can be a good time for orthodontic care. Our San Antonio dental team can even perform early orthodontic treatment for young children. However, for Invisalign for San Antonio teens, younger patients often have more malleable bones and less jawbone density. This can potentially make it easier and quicker to move teeth into the desired position. Starting early could mean your younger teen will experience faster results compared to older teens or adults.

Wisdom Teeth and Invisalign Timing

When planning Invisalign treatment for older teens, the Schatz Orthodontics team considers the potential impact of wisdom teeth (third molars). According to the Cleveland Clinic, wisdom teeth typically start emerging between the ages of 17 and 25. When they come in, they can cause crowding or alignment issues. If your teen is approaching this age range when starting Invisalign, we’ll check the development of their wisdom teeth and might even remove them before beginning treatment. If their wisdom teeth aren’t a concern, we’ll start Invisalign while still monitoring the third molars. Either way, we work to ensure a smooth, effective treatment process.

Is Invisalign as Effective as Traditional Braces?

This is a common question we get for San Antonio teen Invisalign treatment. The answer depends on the complexity of your child’s orthodontic issues. While Invisalign is highly effective, severe misalignments might require braces. Our San Antonio orthodontist performs a thorough assessment to determine what’s best for your teen.

How Will Invisalign Impact Your Teen’s Daily Life?

Teens often love Invisalign because it allows them to maintain their normal activities without the restrictions of traditional braces. They can eat their favorite foods, play sports without worrying about injury, and maintain oral hygiene more easily. Your child just needs to make sure they wear the aligners as much as possible—20-22 hours a day—to get the results they need in the time they want. 

No Wires, No Worries with San Antonio Teen Invisalign

Invisalign at Schatz Orthodontics is a fantastic alternative to traditional braces, providing a discreet and flexible option for teens of all ages. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment for your child, it’s worth exploring this choice. Schedule a consultation with our experts today to find out if Invisalign is the right fit for your teen. A confident smile is just around the corner!