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Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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The clear aligners known as Invisalign have often been touted as more comfortable, less obstructive alternatives to braces. For eligible patients, they can be useful treatment options, provided they understand that Invisalign is often more expensive than conventional braces. This includes teenage patients who desire a subtler appearance and more comfortable experience from their orthodontic treatment.

While Invisalign can provide freedom for teen patients nervous about conventional braces, they are not always the best fit. Continue reading to learn about Invisalign for teens and what both teens and their parents should consider before opting for this popular treatment option.

Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.

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What is Invisalign?

Invisalign treatment involves a series of clear plastic aligners similar to the ones that orthodontists prescribe after your braces come off. However, these are fitted not to retain alignment but change it, with each successive mold made for the adjustments required on your individual treatment schedule.

Each aligner, when worn properly, will need to be replaced every two weeks. However, they come in a set that can be switched out at home. Provided you wear them as directed for most of the day and even at night, your Invisalign treatment will go according to your orthodontist’s schedule and make changes to your smile similar to braces.

Invisalign for Teens vs Adults

While the basic mechanics of Invisalign treatments are the same between adults and teens, unique challenges presented by teenage patients can be addressed by your orthodontist to promote successful treatment.

For instance, teens tend not to be as diligent about wearing their retainer for the prescribed amount of time, often removing it in secret or during the night. This can not only delay but alter their treatment since the teeth will not move according to the orthodontist’s plan. They may even simply forget to put them back in after eating at school or playing sports, both of which are valid times to take them out.

Solutions for Invisalign for Teens

None of these problems are unsolvable by diligent parents. To determine how long an Invisalign appliance has been worn, orthodontists can put a blue indicator inside the aligner that keeps track of the time per day. Additionally, extra aligners can be ordered if a parent suspects that their teen will lose track of them or damage them during sports. 

The most important thing to remember is that Invisalign is a patient-directed treatment. It is the patient’s responsibility to maintain the treatment on the doctor’s schedule. Failing to do so can cost time and money as the treatment is prolonged to make up for it.

Tips for Invisalign for Teens

To make the treatment process smoother, here are some tips on how to determine whether Invisalign is the right option for your teen:

  • First, decide whether the cost is worth it. Invisalign costs around $5,000 on average, which depending on your insurance’s specific coverage guidelines, may be significantly more than conventional braces.
  • Consider that as a patient-directed treatment, only responsible teens dedicated to fixing their smiles are good fits for Invisalign. The freedom they offer comes with the responsibility of keeping up with the treatment schedule and keeping track of the appliance.
  • Take into account their everyday oral health, such as whether they are naturally predisposed toward getting cavities or gum irritation. Invisalign is more comfortable than braces and can be removed for optimal brushing and flossing, which means that less work is required to maintain daily cleaning than with braces.
  • Food restrictions should also be a factor. Since they can remove Invisalign aligners to eat, you don’t have to worry about your teen damaging the appliance by eating the wrong foods.
  • While Invisalign and braces treat similar issues of alignment, Invisalign may not be strong enough to correct severe issues. Conventional braces or other appliances may be required.

Gauging your teen’s devotion to their treatment is essential to deciding whether Invisalign is the right choice for them. The treatment process for both Invisalign and braces requires effort on your part as well as theirs, but the crucial difference is that Invisalign is completely patient-guided in its treatment schedule. This means that their habits will change how effective and even how expensive it is. 

Choose Reese Orthodontics

If you’re an adult who is considering braces for your teen, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you. 

Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.

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Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
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Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).