Invisalign Teen®
How Invisalign Teen differs from the adult system, including compliance indicators and eruption tabs. CDZ Ortho, Johns Creek.
What is different
Invisalign Teen uses the same removable aligner system as the adult version, with two additions built for a mouth that is still changing.
Eruption tabs. Small spaces built into the aligner over teeth that have not fully come in yet, so the aligner does not block them.
Compliance indicators. A small blue dot on the aligner that fades with wear. It gives Dr. Cen and a parent an easy way to see whether the aligners are actually being worn on schedule, without relying on the teen to report it accurately.
Whether it is the right choice for a teenager
It suits a teen who will reliably wear the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. A teen who will take them out and lose track of them is usually better served by braces, which do not depend on daily compliance.
A handful of free replacement aligners are included in case one is lost, which is common in the first few months.
Sport and instruments
Aligners are removed for contact sports and a mouthguard is worn instead. For wind instruments, most players adapt within a few weeks.