Teen Invisalign®

Teen Invisalign® is usually suitable once all or most adult teeth have erupted, particularly the second molars. This typically occurs between 13 and 14 years of age, although development varies between individuals.

A consultation allows the dentist to assess tooth position, jaw development and bite alignment to determine whether treatment can begin immediately or whether it is better to wait. Starting treatment at the correct stage improves predictability and helps reduce the risk of more complex treatment later. Even if treatment is delayed, early assessment allows careful monitoring of growth and planning for the most conservative and effective approach.

Treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation, digital scans and photographs to create a personalised orthodontic plan. Advanced planning software is used to map how the teeth will move step by step, allowing patients and parents to preview the expected outcome before treatment begins.

Once approved, a series of custom-made aligners is produced. Each set is worn for approximately one to two weeks before moving on to the next, gradually guiding the teeth into their ideal positions.

Review appointments are arranged to monitor progress and provide further aligners. Treatment typically lasts between 6 and 18 months, depending on the complexity of the case. Once active treatment is complete, retainers are provided to hold the teeth in their new positions and prevent relapse.

While both systems use clear aligners, Teen Invisalign® is designed specifically for growing mouths. It takes into account ongoing jaw development and the late eruption of some teeth, whereas adult Invisalign® is planned once growth has finished.

Teen Invisalign® also includes features that support monitoring and compliance, such as: compliance indicators (blue wear dots) to help track how long aligners are being worn, eruption spaces / tabs so new teeth can come through without disrupting treatment, Extra replacement aligners so progress isn’t delayed if one is misplaced, and SmartTrack® and SmartForce® technology offering predictable tooth movement with comfort.

Planning focuses on guiding teeth into position while working alongside natural growth, rather than simply moving teeth in a fully developed jaw. This tailored approach makes Teen Invisalign® more suitable for adolescents and ensures treatment remains safe, effective and predictable during this stage of development.

Aligners are thin, discreet and removable, making them easy to wear at school and during social activities. They can be taken out for meals, brushing, contact sports and playing musical instruments, allowing teenagers to maintain their usual routines.

For treatment to work properly, aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, and cleaning.

Teeth should be brushed after meals before reinserting the aligners to reduce the risk of decay and staining. Aligners should be cleaned daily using lukewarm water and a soft brush or approved cleaning products. Mild pressure or tenderness is normal when moving to a new set of aligners and usually settles within a few days.

At Vogue Dental, a non-extraction approach is preferred wherever clinically appropriate. The aim is to straighten teeth while maintaining a full, wide and natural-looking smile.

With careful digital planning, many cases of crowding or spacing can be corrected without removing healthy teeth. Extractions are only considered if they are essential for dental health or long-term stability.

Successful Invisalign® treatment depends heavily on expert planning. With postgraduate orthodontic training, a special interest in orthodontics and an eye for cosmetic dentistry, each case is designed to achieve both functional and aesthetic results. Digital monitoring and regular reviews ensure treatment progresses safely and stays on track from start to finish.