What’s the Difference Between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen?
By Chris Getman | Published on December 27, 2010 | 0 Comments
To an outsider, the two orthodontic products known as Invisalign and Invisalign Teen might sound like exactly the same thing. According to Dr. Chris Getman of Getman Orthodontics in Cordova, TN, however, there are a few big differences between the two products.
As Dr. Getman explains, the Invisalign system is a series of clear trays that gradually shift a patient’s teeth over time. Aside from being somewhat gentler than traditional braces, teenagers and adults tend to choose Invisalign because the trays are far less noticeable that the metal brackets and wires associated with traditional orthodontic braces.
Within the Invisalign company, however, there are two main products that patients can choose from: Invisalign or Invisalign Teen. Dr. Getman says that there is zero difference when it comes to the actual treatments that both products provide. Although there were a few minor differences early on, adjustments have been made so that both appliances work in exactly the same manner.
So what is the difference then? As Dr. Getman explains, the Invisalign Teen aligners come with little blue dots on them. These dots fade from blue to clear as the teenager wears the aligner, giving the orthodontist a way to make sure that the patient has been wearing the aligner each day. Dr. Getman calls these blue markings “slacker dots,” since they let him know if any of his teenage patients are slacking on their responsibilities and not wearing the Invisalign trays.
Incredibly, Dr. Getman says that the blue dots actually seem to work. The teenage patients who use Invisalign Teen at Dr. Getman’s practice have been extremely compliant, in large part because they know that they will get caught if they stop wearing their trays regularly.
Both Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are products that should only be offered to patients who are mature enough to handle the responsibility, and Dr. Getman says that patients who are 15 and up are generally seen as the best candidates. Although he has treated patients as young as 13 in the past, Dr. Getman says that it’s rare to find a patient that young who is ready for Invisalign Teen.
The other big difference between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen has to do with how many lost trays the company will replace for free. Dr. Getman says that kids who choose Invisalign Teen can have up to six lost trays replaced by the company without any additional costs, which is a real advantage. In the past, the tendency of teenagers to misplace their trays – and their parents having to pay for replacements – was one of the main reasons why Dr. Getman was hesitant to recommend Invisalign as an option for his younger patients. With Invisalign Teen, however, much of this concern can be eliminated.
As an experienced Invisalign provider, Dr. Getman says that he has seen firsthand what nice results teenage patients can have with the trays. He says that Invisalign Teen is an excellent option for anyone who is responsible enough to take care of his or her removable trays, and that the recent addition of the blue dots just adds to his excitement about the product.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.