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If you’re brushing your teeth twice a day during your orthodontic treatment, Dr. Bart Benson and our team think that’s wonderful! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit your general dentist every six months, or as recommended, in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing. (And visiting Benson Orthodontics for regular adjustments, of course.)

Dental checkups are crucial for maintaining good oral health. Your general dentist can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of tooth decay, as well as catch and treat oral health problems early. During an oral exam, your dentist can also check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing.

If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, let us know during your next adjustment visit and we will provide a few great references in the Mt. Juliet or Lebanon, TN area!

Looking good and hanging with friends is what it’s all about in the teen years. If your teenager is less than happy about the prospect of a mouthful of metal curtailing his fun, or messing up his smile, there’s good news. Invisalign, the nearly invisible braces so popular with adults, also comes in a teen version. Invisalign Teen uses the same technology as adult Invisalign, but with some additions. Like regular Invisalign, or clear braces, Invisalign Teen gradually corrects tooth alignment and bite using a series of clear, customized, removable trays called aligners. These aligners are designed by a computer to correct your child’s bite in increments of about two weeks for each tray. But because these braces are for teenagers, Invisalign Teen includes some special features:

• Invisalign Teen comes with blue dots that fade as the tray is worn; letting the orthodontist gauge how much time your teenager is using the appliance. These blue dots also help you, the parent, to monitor your teenager’s wear of their aligners.

• Invisalign Teen can accommodate the eruption of second teeth. The adult teeth do not all need to be in position before starting treatment. In fact, it may be better to get started before all the adult teeth have arrived in order to make room for their new position in your teen’s mouth.

• Because teenagers are so active, six free replacement aligners are included in the treatment plan. As a parent, you need not worry about extra fees for lost aligners. Of course, your teen also will appreciate Invisalign’s universal advantages:

• They are nearly invisible, so most people won’t notice them. They also won’t show in most photographs.

• They can be removed for eating or brushing and flossing – or for playing musical instruments. This enables your teen to keep teeth and gums healthy while they are being realigned.

• They’re more comfortable than wire braces. Your teen will have virtually no discomfort during their orthodontic treatment.

• They are great for mouth protection when playing sports.

• They require fewer office visits. (Good news for busy parents!) If you have a teenager who needs braces but doesn’t want traditional metal braces, our office is highly qualified to provide Invisalign Teen to your teenage children.

Dr. Benson is a Premier Preferred Provider of Invisalign and invites you to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation in either our Mt. Juliet office (615) 553-5140 or our Lebanon office (615) 449-0895.

We look forward to helping you achieve your dream smile!

Coco Jones is an Invisalign Teen patient of Dr. Benson’s. She’s appeared on Radio Disney’s The Next Big Thing and starred in a Disney movie called Let It Shine. She’s even recorded a 30-second video clip on Dr. Benson’s YouTube channel, as seen below!

It’s estimated that up to four million people at any one time are wearing braces in the United States and Canada. But Dr. Bart Benson and our team at Benson Orthodontics know that braces have come a long way from the early days of orthodontics, so much so that these days, options are available that are not visible to onlookers. The most popular of these “invisible” braces is Invisalign. Here’s a list of FAQs regarding Invisalign:

Are they really invisible?

Yes, the clear liners are virtually invisible, so they enable patients to feel good about themselves and their appearance, while getting the orthodontic treatment they need.

Are there wires, rubber bands, and brackets with Invisalign?

Nope. Invisalign is truly an alternative to conventional braces. The treatment consists of clear liners that can easily be removed and cleaned throughout the day. There are no wires, so there’s less poking and mouth irritation compared to braces. There’s also no wire tightening at adjustment appointments, so patients don’t have to worry about a sore mouth in the days that follow in-office visits.

I’ve heard that if I get braces, I won’t be able to eat certain foods like popcorn and hard candy. Is this true with Invisalign too?

No. With Invisalign, there are no food restrictions. You simply remove your aligners when you’re eating, and replace them after you’ve finished and brushed any leftover food particles away.

Does Invisalign cost more than braces?

While overall cost varies on a patient-by-patient basis and is based largely on the level of treatment, Invisalign costs about the same as traditional braces, which makes this treatment option a truly affordable alternative.

How does brushing compare with conventional braces?

Brushing your teeth while wearing conventional braces takes some getting used to. Patients have to brush around the metal brackets and floss with a specialty tool to get into the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. By contrast, Invisalign can be removed at any time to permit regular brushing and flossing.

Every patient is different and Invisalign might not be the best course of orthodontic treatment for everyone, but it's an option that's gaining more and more popularity, and it's an orthodontic alternative that doesn't sacrifice comfort and convenience for results. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at our convenient Mt. Juliet or Lebanon, TN office!

Invisalign Teen is designed with today’s youth in mind. These clear, removable orthodontic aligners can straighten your teeth without the need for metal wires and brackets. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign Teen aligners are comfortable, nearly invisible, and removable, which allows you to remove them as you eat your favorite foods and brush and floss your teeth. Invisalign Teen motivates teenagers to enjoy life without restrictions while promoting better overall dental care.

Key features of Invisalign Teen

Teenagers are constantly on the move and require special options when it comes to their braces. Invisalign Teen utilizes the same technology as Invisalign for adults; they consist of a series of clear plastic aligners that gradually move the teeth. Extra features designed especially for teens include:

• Blue wear-indicators on the aligners that gradually fade from blue to clear to help you, and our team, gauge wear time
• Aligners designed to compensate for the growth of molars and new teeth
• Customization to fit your mouth correctly and comfortably
• Removable and nearly transparent to ensure you can eat with freedom and smile with confidence
• Six free individual replacement aligners in the event that your aligners become misplaced or lost

Conditions improved by Invisalign Teen

Between 70 and 80 percent of adolescents in the United States require braces, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). Invisalign Teen uses advanced technology to treat a broad range of orthodontic conditions. These include overbite, underbite, crossbite, widely-spaced teeth, and overly crowded teeth. Injuries and tooth and jaw problems may also require the use of braces to correct jaw and teeth alignment problems.

How does Invisalign Teen work?

Like any orthodontic treatment, Invisalign Teen requires a customized treatment plan created by Dr. Bart Benson. Generally, each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks and removed when you brush, floss, eat, and drink. Your teeth will gradually move with the series of aligners, which typically ranges from 18 to 30 aligners in total. You’ll visit our Mt. Juliet or Lebanon, TN office every eight to ten weeks to check your progress and make any needed adjustments.

Invisalign Teen introduces a whole new way to make your smile straight without the unappealing look and hassle of traditional metal braces. This revolutionary method of correcting smiles is being used by teens everywhere, including right here at Benson Orthodontics, to straighten their teeth with confidence.