Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are two different products. The differences between the two might not be significant to the casual observer, but it is important to know the differences between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen when considering orthodontic treatment in Santa Barbara, CA. Dr. Raymond Kubisch, Dr. Andrew Ferris and the team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics know the differences and the most appropriate circumstances in which each is effective.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign clear aligners are plastic trays that the patient “updates” every two weeks to gradually straighten teeth. Each new aligner is straighter than the last and molds your teeth into a gradually straightened position. Each set of Invisalign or Invisalign Teen trays is made specifically for the patient’s teeth using advanced 3-D technology. These aligners are virtually invisible to anyone but the wearer.

What is Invisalign Teen?

Invisalign Teen works just like adult Invisalign, but Invisalign Teen has a method to help Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris know how often you are actually wearing your aligners. A small dot on the back of only the Invisalign Teen aligners changes color from blue to clear or white the more often the tray is worn. This dot is not included on adult Invisalign trays because it is assumed that adults are responsible enough to wear their aligners for the prescribed amount of time. The team at Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics recommends that Invisalign aligners be worn for at least 22 hours each day.

A difference between Invisalign and Invisalign Teen is the number of replacement aligners provided. Because of the active nature of a teen’s lifestyle, more replacement aligners are provided with Invisalign Teen, just in case a set gets broken or lost.

Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or Invisalign Teen in Santa Barbara, CA has no real differences in terms of treatment. They are both similar in shape, material, treatable cases, and treatment, but Invisalign Teen is designed for the active teen.

Dr. Raymond Kubisch and Dr. Andrew Ferris of Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics are experts in treatment with Invisalign and Invisalign Teen. For more information, contact Kubisch & Ferris Orthodontics today at: 805.687.7417