Trusted Invisalign Providers in Boise & Meridian, Idaho
Most children need to see an orthodontist by the age of 7, but in some cases, your child may not start any orthodontic treatment until much later. For children who are at least 14 years old, there is an alternative to traditional metal braces that may be more appealing – for you as a parent and for your teen.
Invisalign offers an excellent way to correct bite issues, misalignment, spacing or gaps, and more. The best part? Your child can do this discreetly without drawing unneeded attention to themselves. With this added level of confidence – your child can have a healthy, beautiful smile by the time they graduate. Dr. Davis is a certified, experienced Invisalign provider at Dentistry for Children and is excited to serve patients.
About Invisalign
Invisalign® is an orthodontic treatment system that corrects misalignment and bite issues caused by early tooth loss and spacing, genetics, poor dental hygiene, or tooth damage/injury. This treatment is designed with a series of clear aligners that are customized to your child’s unique dental needs. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign does not use metal brackets, pokey arch-wires, rubber bands, or metal retainers, making it a comfortable alternative for your teen.
How it Works
After a regular dental visit and exam, our dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment. One of the items we will discuss is the possibility of Invisalign. Our office does not recommend Invisalign for patients younger than 14, as this system requires a level of discipline to reach a successful outcome. During this discussion, we invite you to ask any questions you may have about this treatment. If you decide to move forward – here is what to expect:
Step 1 – Digital X-Rays and Dental Impressions Are Taken
We will initially take an updated series of digital x-rays and impressions of your child’s teeth. This will give our dentist an adequate picture of your child’s entire mouth and their present bite. After review, the dentist will use these images with a digital program that is able to predict how the teeth will move with each set of clear aligners. As a parent, you will also be able to see just how quickly and successfully bite and misalignment issues can be corrected with Invisalign.
Step 2 – The Aligners are Created
The information and images taken from the x-rays and impressions will be sent off to a certified Invisalign facility where they will create the customized aligners. These clear aligners are made from medical-grade plastic and will fit your teen comfortably.
Step 3 – Alignment Series and Check-Ups
Aligners are replaced every two weeks, as the teeth begin to shift pretty rapidly. Each series of aligners will move the teeth closer and close to the ultimate goal. Every 6 weeks or so, our dentist will recommend a treatment check-up. You will come into our dental office and we will check your progress – if necessary, we will give you your next set of aligners unless you have already received them.
Step 4 – Be Disciplined
Invisalign is an investment, and as a parent, you want to make sure your teen uses this system correctly to get a successful outcome. This is why we recommend your child be at least 14 years old. While these aligners can be removed to eat or for speaking engagements or to brush/floss, we recommend that the aligners be worn at least 22 hours every day.
Why Choose Invisalign?
- Discreet – whether you are a teenager, a college student, or a business professional – Invisalign allows you to correct bite and misalignment discreetly and confidently.
- Easy to Eat – while we don’t recommend eating sticky or hard foods anyway (as the potential for cavities increases with these) it is easy to consume most foods while using the Invisalign system. Simply remove your aligners during a meal and replace after you finish. We recommend brushing before putting the aligners back in, however.
- Simple Care & Maintenance – with Invisalign, you can brush and floss your teeth normally. You don’t need special dental tools like water picks or floss threaders.
- You’re In Control – while we don’t recommend removing the aligners for too long, the best perk of Invisalign is that you are in control. If you need to take them out to speak, eat, or for pictures or special moments, you can!
- Quick Results– the average treatment plan for patients on Invisalign is less than 1 year! For teens who have severe misalignment or bite issues – it is important to discuss this with your dentist, as metal braces may be more appropriate depending on your needs.
Schedule a Consultation for Invisalign in Boise or Meridian, ID
If you or your teen are ready to improve their confidence and fix their dental discomfort, schedule an appointment with our experienced and caring Invisalign dentist in Boise, ID! We have two convenient locations in Boise and Meridian.