Treatment Differences Between Teens and Adults

While both teens and adults can benefit from Invisalign treatment, there are some treatment differences due to varying stages of growth and development. Adults' bones have finished growing, whereas most teens' jaws are still in the process of developing. As such, Invisalign treatment for teens must account for the changes that are still taking place in their mouths, such as new teeth and molar eruptions.

Since teens are still growing, their bones and tissues tend to be more responsive to orthodontic treatment. This means that the length of Invisalign treatment for teens will often be faster than for adults. Besides these differences, Invisalign treatment for adults and teens is very similar and can treat the same types of dental issues in both age groups.

“While both teens and adults can benefit from Invisalign treatment, there are some treatment differences due to varying stages of growth and development.”

Refitting Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign for teens works through a series of aligners that apply gradual pressure to teeth to shift them into place over time. Patients will receive a precise treatment plan that involves moving their teeth in successive increments. Most teens will not need aligner refitting throughout the treatment process since each set of trays in the series will shift a certain part of their teeth.

In some cases, we will notice that a patient's teeth are not moving into position exactly as planned. This can happen in adults and teens with Invisalign due to broken aligners, dental treatment, or complex and slow tooth movements. When this happens, we may need to refit the aligners so the patient can receive a new set of aligners to get their teeth back on track.

“Most teens will not need aligner refitting throughout the treatment process since each set of trays in the series will shift a certain part of their teeth.”

Designed Just For Teens

Align Technologies designed Invisalign Teen with teenagers in mind. Invisalign Teen remains a preferred treatment for many teenagers as the invisible trays are removed for eating, drinking, and engaging in activities. For treatment to be as effective as possible, teens will need to wear their aligners for a minimum of 22 hours a day. That gives them plenty of time to take them out for eating, cleaning, and engaging in extracurricular activities such as band practice or sports. Designed to be discreet, Invisalign trays can be worn at other times without disrupting a teen's life or making them feel self-conscious about the appearance of their smile.

One of the greatest advantages of Invisalign Teen remains its nearly-invisible trays. Less than one millimeter in thickness, these clear aligners offer teens a far less invasive alternative to traditional metal braces. The clear aligners come computer-manufactured and completely customized to fit the patient's mouth. It slides comfortably over the surfaces of teeth and can be removed to eat, drink, brush, floss, and engage in activities such as sports and playing musical instruments.

“Less than one millimeter in thickness, these clear aligners offer teens a far less invasive alternative to traditional metal braces.”

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Invisalign for Teens in Palm Desert, CA

The Latest Materials

Invisalign utilizes advanced materials and equipment to make patients' lives easier and create great smiles. These aligners consist of SmartTrack™ plastic that is only available with Invisalign treatment. Invisalign spent eight years developing and testing 260 materials to engineer the SmartTrack material.

This medical-grade, multi-layered polyurethane plastic is FDA-approved and safe and comfortable for teens. Its flexibility and durability make it an ideal choice for orthodontic treatment since it is resistant to damage and breakage. Using this material allows our team to move teeth with control, speed, comfort, and predictability.

“These aligners consist of SmartTrack™ plastic that is only available with Invisalign treatment.”

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. What are the benefits for teenagers wearing Invisalign Teen?

Q. Why is Invisalign Teen the preferred treatment for many teens?

Q. What is the difference in Invisalign treatment for teens and adults?

Q. Will teens need refitted Invisalign aligners?

People Also Ask

Q. What steps are involved with getting Invisalign?

Q. How is Invisalign placed?

Q. What is the best age to use Invisalign Teen?

Q. When are braces more effective than Invisalign?

Q. What are the types of dental cosmetic treatments?

Q. What should people consider before seeking cosmetic dental care?

Why Teens Prefer Invisalign

Invisalign Teen is the preferred orthodontic treatment for many teenagers today. Teens feel less self-conscious wearing the aligners because of their nearly invisible design compared to traditional braces that remain difficult to hide. Teens also enjoy the freedom (engage in activities, eat their favorite foods, ect.) that comes with removable trays.

Patients who are concerned about pain may prefer Invisalign Teen as their smooth design provides enhanced comfort compared to bulky metal braces. The trays use slower, more gentle movements than traditional braces so any pain and discomfort is minimal, typically mild and temporary. If particularly sensitive to pain, Invisalign Teen offers an ideal option for teens.

“Invisalign Teen is the preferred orthodontic treatment for many teenagers today.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What happens if my teen loses their aligner?

A. If a patient loses their aligner, they should consult our team first. Possible options may be using the prior set of aligners, moving on to the next, or receiving a replacement. We will help patients choose the right option to maintain their progress.

Q. Are there any diet restrictions for Invisalign for teens?

A. Unlike traditional braces, there are no dietary restrictions with Invisalign. This is because Invisalign is removable, so patients can remove their aligners before eating. Teens should make sure not to eat or drink with their aligners to prevent staining, breakage, or bacteria accumulation.

Q. How many hours a day does my teen have to wear Invisalign?

A. Teens must wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours every day. Invisalign aligners only work when they touch the teeth, so it is crucial to wear them for long enough. Patients can remove their aligners during activities, including eating, drinking, cleaning teeth, and playing sports.

Q. What happens if my teen does not wear their aligners for long enough?

A. If a patient does not wear their aligners for long enough, their treatment will not progress as planned. Not wearing aligners for an extended amount of time can cause teeth to move back and the aligner trays to not fit properly. Teens must be committed throughout the treatment process to get the desired results.

Q. What is the length of treatment for Invisalign for teens?

A. The length of treatment will vary on the patient's diagnosis. However, treatment can take 10 to 24 months. Our team can provide a more precise timeline after an examination.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

Scan here to view this page, Invisalign for Teens, on mobile

Invisalign® Terminology

Aligner Trays

With Invisalign® treatment, the patient will receive a series of aligner trays and swap out each one for the next one in the series every two weeks in order to gradually straighten the teeth.

Blue Compliance Indicator (Invisalign® Teen)

The blue compliance indicator is a small blue dot on the aligners that will fade from blue to clear in order to indicate if the patient is wearing the aligner for the proper amount of time and where the patient is in the Invisalign® process.

ClinCheck® Software

ClinCheck® software allows professionals to map out the straightening process the patient’s teeth will go through with Invisalign® in great detail.

Gum Line

The gum line is the line in the mouth where the teeth and gums meet. If a patient struggles with gum recession, then the gum tissue around the teeth may begin to wear away.

Incisal Ridges

Incisal ridges are the portion of the crown of the tooth that makes up the incisal portion and can be a direct cause of overbite if they are extended too far.

iTero Element® Scanner

An iTero Element® scanner allows professionals to create a 3D image of the patient’s teeth in minutes and predict what it will take to move the teeth into proper alignment.

Malocclusion

Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®.

Overbite

An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues.

Polyurethane Resin

Polyurethane Resin is a USP Class VI medical grade, high molecular weight compound that makes up the Invisalign® aligners.

SmartForce Attachments

SmartForce attachments are small attachments that professionals place on the patient’s teeth before placing aligners to help move the teeth.

Smart Track® Material

Smart Track® material is in Invisalign® aligners to increase comfort, improve control of movement, increases the speed of treatment and applies a gentle force to the teeth over time.

Smile-Scan

Smile-Scan analyzes the way a patient smiles by measuring the position of the mouth and eyes before giving a score.

Vivera® Retainers

Vivera® retainers are a type of retainer that consists of clear plastic material and helps to maintain orthodontic corrections after a treatment.

Learn More About Invisalign Teen Today

If you would like to learn more about Invisalign Teen for your child, call Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa in Palm Desert at 760-565-0234 to learn more.

Helpful Related Links

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
• Invisalign®. How Invisalign Works. 2025
• Invisalign®. Take the Smile Assessment. 2025
• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025

About our business and website security

• Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa was established in 2017.
• We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
• We serve patients from the following counties: Riverside County
• We serve patients from the following cities: Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Cathedral City, and Palm Springs
• Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
• Norton Safe Web. View Details
• Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details

Scan here to open directions to Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile

Back to top of Invisalign for Teens

QR code for Invisalign for Teens

Related Topics

• 7 Things Parents Need to Know About Invisalign Teen
• Alternative to Braces for Teens
• Clear Aligners
• Does Invisalign Really Work
• Invisalign vs Traditional Braces
• Is Invisalign Teen Right for My Child
• Which is Better Invisalign or Braces
• Invisalign Dentist
• Find a Dentist in Palm Desert, CA

Related Posts

When Dental Pain May Indicate The Need For A Root Canal

Are you experiencing dental pain? Recognizing when a root canal is required can be the difference between saving a natural tooth and needing a total extraction. If you are experiencing dental pain, understanding the following signs will help you decide when to seek professional care.One of the most prominent indicators of internal damage is persistent,…

How Emergency Dentists Perform A Root Canal Retreatment

If severe tooth pain returns after a previous root canal, an emergency dentist may recommend root canal retreatment to eliminate the infection and restore long-term dental health. While an initial endodontic procedure has a high success rate, complications can arise years later that require professional intervention. By choosing an emergency dentist, you can find immediate…

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Are Partial Dentures Easier To Care For Than Dentures?

Dentures are a removable option for replacing missing teeth that can provide the wearer with either a full or partial set of false replacement teeth. Your best choice depends on the number of natural teeth that need to be replaced. In either case, a crucial aspect of successful denture wearing is proper care and hygiene…

Dentist Consult For Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

Dentist consultations are a great place to learn more about options for replacing missing teeth. There are several different options for replacing missing teeth. During a consultation, a dentist will help you determine the treatment option that best suits your health and circumstances, guiding you towards a healthier future for your smile.A dentist consultation should…

Explore additional topics covered on our website:

• Clear Braces
• Cosmetic Dental Services
• Invisalign
• Dental Office
• Find Dental Care Near Me

Call Us Today

Scan here to call Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile

About

We are committed to providing quality healthcare to families located in the Palm Desert area and treat patients of all ages.

Contact

• Privacy Policy
• /
• Sitemap

Request Your Appointment Today!

• Activate Black Text
• Activate White Text
• Increase Font Size
• Decrease Font Size
• Reset Accessibility Options