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A common question we hear from parents is “what’s right for my teenager – braces or Invisalign?”  They’ve heard conflicting opinions from their friends or their dentist, but at the end of the day, they want to know what will work best for their child. At Zach Frazier Orthodontics, we believe in educating you on the pros and cons of each option so that you can choose what goes into your child’s mouth. 

You know your child better than anyone else, and you should be involved in deciding what treatment is best for them. At every orthodontic consult (that’s a first appointment, and free, by the way) I talk with patients about the advantages and disadvantages of both Invisalign and traditional orthodontic braces based on what I’ve seen treating thousands of teenagers over the past 10 years.

In this post, I will discuss my perspective as well as the merits, drawbacks, and similarities of each treatment.

Traditional Braces

The technology with braces has come a long way in the past 30 years, and our ability to shorten the time wearing braces continues to improve. Traditional braces use brackets cemented to the face of the tooth, and they can be made out of metal or clear ceramic material.  The braces hold a wire that runs lengthwise to apply pressure, moving teeth into place with ties that secure wires to the brackets. A patient sees slight changes over time as the orthodontist makes adjustments every six to eight weeks. 

Invisalign/Invisalign Teen

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are clear BPA-free plastic appliances that offer patients an alternative to traditional metal and ceramic braces. It is a relatively newer tool for orthodontists as the technology is about 20 years old.  We take a digital scan of the teeth, creating a 3D image that’s used to produce a series of clear trays (aligners) worn by the patient for 22 hours per day (they should only be taken out to eat and brush/floss). Each aligner is configured to adjust the teeth according to a predetermined treatment plan mapped out by me, Dr. Zach Frazier. A patient sees slight changes over time as the aligners are changed weekly, and the progress is checked regularly every 8 to 12 weeks. 

Benefits

Traditional Braces

• Tried and true technology that continues to improve over time
• Participation is virtually guaranteed as there are no decisions about whether to wear or not to wear them 
• Customizable colors! (if you want them)
• May have improved outcome for complex or challenging cases
• Most patients are candidates

Invisalign/Invisalign Teen

• Clear for aesthetic appeal
• Office visits can often be spread out over fewer appointments every eight to twelve weeks
• Easier brushing and flossing
• Most patients are candidates

Drawbacks

Traditional Braces

• Metal (or even ceramic) brackets and wires are visible
• Occasional discomfort from poking wires or brackets that rub the inner portion of the lips
• Broken brackets that cause “emergency appointments”
• Brushing and flossing more challenging

Invisalign/Invisalign Teen

• Participation can sometimes be a challenge – if aligners are not worn, you will see no change
• More limitations for complex treatments and longer treatment plans
• Aligners must be removed for snacking and some teenagers are “always snacking” which reduces their aligner wear time
• Must be removed for eating which can lead to lost aligners

Similarities

• Both will cause some tooth soreness initially as treatment starts
• Both move teeth at the same rate so treatment times are similar
• Both can be used with rubber bands if bite correction is needed
• Both require you to use a retainer when treatment is completed

What’s right for you?

It may be hard to decide on what option to choose - that’s why we offer complimentary consultations!  

We sincerely will never pressure you one way or the other, and we are truly here to help find what option is best for you and your child : )  

I look forward to meeting you!

- Dr. Zach

CLICK BELOW OR CALL US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION. 

Is your teen ready to start orthodontic treatment this year? Preparing your adolescent child for orthodontic treatment can help them understand the responsibility and benefits of braces and Invisalign before you start the process. While their friends can tell them what to expect, treatment is individualized to their specific needs so no two journeys are exactly the same. With over 10 years experience as an orthodontist, here are 9 common questions we get from families coming for their first consultation:

Is my child ready for orthodontic treatment? Braces and clear aligners are usually considered when most of a child's adult teeth have grown in, usually around age 11-14. In some cases, braces are needed on younger children (age 7-10) if they have specific bites or complex issues. Every child is different, and we review x-rays and photos to determine if they are ready.

What are the different types of braces available? There are different types of braces, like metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. Metal braces are the most common and are made of stainless steel. Ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal braces and are made of tooth-colored materials like ceramic. Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) are made of plastic and are removable. You can learn about the differences between braces and Invisalign here.

How long will my child need to wear braces? The length of time your child will need to wear braces depends on their specific dental issues. While it varies person to person, most people wear braces for about 1-3 years, with average cases closer to 18-24 months.

What is the cost of orthodontic treatment? The cost of orthodontic treatment varies depending your child's needs, the appliances used, and length of treatment. It's a good idea to check with your insurance company to find out how much of the cost insurance covers. Our office can also help obtain that information for you at the complimentary consultation.

What can my child expect during the braces process? Getting braces put on doesn't hurt - no shots, no needles, no numbing - but your child may feel some discomfort or pressure for a few days afterward. They need to avoid certain foods that can damage the braces, and they'll need to brush their teeth more carefully to keep their braces clean. Rubber bands are used in most cases for bite correction.

Will my child have to have a gooey mold or dental impression taken? In our office, we use 3D digital scanners to take "digital molds" of their teeth. While some offices still take the old-school plaster impressions, we are in favor of the newest technology to ensure a comfortable experience for your child.

Are there any risks or complications associated with braces? While braces are generally safe, there can be some risks, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or damage to the braces if the braces are not cared for properly. We will talk to you and your child about how to prevent these problems for the best experience possible.

How can I help support my child during orthodontic treatment? You can help your child by encouraging them to follow their orthodontist's instructions and supporting good brushing and flossing habits at home. Additionally, it is important to encourage them that with good cooperation, they will have a better result and reduce their time in braces or clear aligners.

What happens after treatment is completed? After braces are removed or Invisalign is completed, your child will need to wear a retainer to help keep their teeth in their new position. We have options for retainers at the end of treatment, including bonded (fixed) retainers and removable retainers.

We hope this helps you prepare for an upcoming consultation. Still have something you'd like to ask before you commit? Feel free to send us a message here and we'd be happy to help answer your questions : )

Dr. Zach

 

 

If you have school age children, determining the age of the first orthodontic visit may be confusing. You may see some first graders in braces and you may be wondering: "Why in the world are they wearing braces already? As a parent, am I missing something?"

It is very common for parents to ask me:

What is the best age to bring my child for their first orthodontic screening?

In my opinion, I believe the best time for a first visit is around their 8th birthday. At this age, children have a mix of both adult and baby teeth, and we can start to foresee how their teeth and jaws will line up in the future. Specifically, I am looking for:
- Cross bites (top jaw is too small)
- Excessive crowding or spacing of the teeth
- Overbites and underbites (mismatch of upper and lower jaw size)
- Missing teeth, late erupting teeth, extra teeth, abnormally shaped teeth
- Environmental factors (thumb sucking habits, mouth breathing, etc.)

While there are many things I am looking for at this age, it does not necessarily mean that I will treat them at this age. In fact, for most kids under the age of 11, I recommend waiting.  While every orthodontist is different, I prefer a conservative approach and I firmly believe "less is more" when it comes to orthodontic treatment.

Why do I take this approach? For many bites, we have studies that show we can get the same result if we treat in one stage instead of two. This not only saves time and money in orthodontic treatment, but it gives your kid the chance to be a kid without having braces from age 8 until 13. Additionally, we have to consider these are their adult teeth - they need to have them forever! Hygiene is very important, and I want to give every kid the chance to keep their teeth clean and cavity-free if possible.

Does this mean I wait in all cases? Not at all! It is true - some cases I do recommend a 2 step approach with early orthodontic intervention at age 8-10 years old. Often times, this is for bone growth issues that are best addressed at that age, or for teeth alignment issues that if left untreated will make for a more difficult treatment in the future. If this is the case, I try to do an early treatment for as little time as possible to help correct the problem. Then we can wait and approach the rest as a pre-teen or teenager. I sincerely look at every child as if they were my own, and if there is a situation that I would treat my son or daughter, then I let you know.

I take pride in our conservative approach to early treatment. Best of all, we do not charge anything for an initial screening - our first appointment is entirely free, and you do not need a referral from your dentist to check us out. Feel free to reach out anytime with questions - I am here to help : )

-Dr. Zach

Hi Downers Grove area parents! I know that many of you are aware of Invisalign®, the virtually invisible way to straighten teeth without metal braces, but I’m often asked for more information about Invisalign® Teen, specifically. Parents are curious about how (and if!) these clear aligners can really work for their teens.

Here’s the short answer (TL;DR as the kids are saying) - rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign® Teen uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth, a result of precise images I take with the sophisticated iTero Element Scanner. Your teen simply wears these aligners over their teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners periodically—most often every week. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place.

For those of you who want more information, here are the answers to the top five questions I’m asked about Invisalign Teen. I hope you find it helpful!

1. INVISALIGN TEEN CAN BE AS EFFECTIVE AS TRADITIONAL BRACES.

When worn according to the customized plan I set in place as your child’s orthodontist, Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional braces. In fact, the chances are very high your teen will be a candidate for Invisalign as it can treat many of the common issues we see. Call us at (630) 541-3696 to set up an appointment to find out for sure. And, don’t worry, we’ll never pressure you into a decision - traditional braces are often a great choice as well! 

2. THERE ARE PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF INVISALIGN TEEN OVER TRADITIONAL BRACES.

With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so your teen can play sports, musical instruments and eat their favorite foods without the worry that braces will get in the way. Plus, it’s much easier to brush and floss normally in order to maintain proper oral hygiene. If getting into the hard to reach places is already a struggle for your teen, Invisalign aligners may be a good choice over traditional braces. 

3. INVISALIGN TEEN COSTS ABOUT THE SAME AS BRACES.

In our office, our goal is to make treatment affordable no matter which option you choose. That’s why we are flexible with down payments and offer low monthly payments, regardless which path you choose for straightening your teen’s smile. Because of this, we find that the slight variation in cost of treatment is not a deciding factor for most patients. 

4. YOUR TEEN HAS TO WEAR THE ALIGNERS MOST OF THE DAY.

How many hours does that really mean, you ask? Invisalign Teen is most effective when worn 20 to 22 hours per day and changed approximately every week. Simply put, unless they’re eating or brushing their teeth, your teen should be wearing their aligners. 

5. YOU’LL SPEND LESS TIME AT MY OFFICE THAN WITH TRADITIONAL BRACES.

Invisalign Teen often requires less time with your orthodontist than traditional braces do. After the initial appointment, follow-up appointments are usually less frequent and scheduled every eight to twelve weeks. There are minor adjustments to make, but no changing and bending of wires. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Invisalign Teen, or curious if your teen is a candidate, reach out! At my practice, all consultations are free and we always present your options so that you can make an informed decision about treatment for your child. 

Just click below to schedule that complimentary consultation. I can’t wait to meet you and your teen! 

- Dr. Zach