One advantage of metal braces is you don’t have to count on your teen to make sure they work. But if your teen prefers Invisalign® and you’re wondering how they’re supposed to keep track of small plastic aligners for the next 10+ months, you’re in the right place.
Responsibility and dependability are among our top criteria for recommending Invisalign, but even the most responsible teen needs a little help sometimes.
Our expert pediatric dentists at Rifkin Dental in Carmel and Yorktown Heights, New York, have years of experience working with families and patients of all ages. We can help you help your teen get the most out of their Invisalign treatment.
One of the best ways to remind your teen to stick with their Invisalign program is to remind them of the alternatives. Compared to traditional metal braces, Invisalign aligners are:
Invisalign doesn’t interfere with your teen’s daily life. They can eat and drink whatever they like, and they can brush and floss easily, avoiding embarrassing buildup that can gather in metal brackets.
Your teen may also be able to get the smile they want in a fraction of the time, motivating them to care for their aligners and wear them long enough. Some parents and families have success with a visible countdown or progress chart that tracks how much longer their teen has left in their treatment.
Your teen needs to wear their aligners 20-22 hours every day; setting a schedule or routine can help them hit that mark.
Since they’re on their phones anyway, have them set automatic reminders that ding regularly throughout the day.
You might have them carry a case for their aligners so they can keep track of them when they remove them to eat and drink. Losing their aligners is one of the best ways to throw off their progress.
We doubt that oral health is high on any list for a teen, but there are ways you can make it “fun.” Grab a colorful case for their aligners and have them personalize it or decorate it with stickers.
You might consider offering a reward at various milestones in their treatment journey or after they visit our office. If their friend(s) have Invisalign, team up with their parents, encourage each other, and share Invisalign hacks.
What teens want most is freedom and independence, but sometimes decisions — especially those about their oral health — are made for them rather than with them. Make sure you’re inviting them into the conversation at their appointments.
Ask them open-ended questions that encourage them to talk about how they feel about their treatment plan. If your teen expresses frustration or discomfort, take their concerns seriously and listen carefully.
This will strengthen your bond with your child and remind them that they have your support. Your empathy and validation may be all they need to stay committed to their program.
We'd love to talk with you if you have more questions about Invisalign and helping your teen stay motivated. You can schedule an appointment online or over the phone today at our Rifkin Dental location closest to you.
