Accepting New Patients
Accepting New Patients
When a teenager is told they need orthodontic treatment, they tend to have opinions about how it happens. Braces are effective, but for many teens, the visibility of brackets and wires is a real concern. Appearance matters a lot at this age, and self-consciousness runs high. Invisalign offers an alternative that works for many teens: clear, nearly invisible aligners that correct alignment without the hardware. At Silicon Beach Pediatric Dental, Dr. Ray Klein and Dr. Hayley Botwin provide Invisalign for teens as part of their orthodontic care. They give every family an honest read on whether it’s the right fit before any treatment begins.
Clear aligner therapy has gotten a lot more sophisticated in recent years. A 2023 study in the Angle Orthodontist compared outcomes between clear aligners and fixed appliances in teens. It found comparable results for moderate to severe misalignment when treatment was planned well and compliance was maintained. That said, Invisalign isn’t the right choice for every situation, and Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley are direct about that. If traditional braces would serve your teen better, you’ll hear that recommendation honestly.
Invisalign uses a series of custom clear plastic aligners worn over the teeth. Each one moves the teeth a small amount, typically 0.2 to 0.3 millimeters, before the teen moves to the next one. Every one to two weeks, depending on the plan, the teen advances to the next set. The aligners are removable. They come out for eating, drinking anything but water, brushing, and flossing.
The requirement is that the aligners get worn 20 to 22 hours a day. That matters a lot for teen compliance. Invisalign works when it’s worn consistently. A teen who takes the aligners out for school, or leaves them out more than they admit, won’t move through treatment on schedule. This isn’t a criticism. It’s a practical reality Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley discuss honestly with both the teen and parent at the consultation.
Invisalign Teen is a specific version of the product built with teenage patients in mind. These additions reflect real-world clinical experience with this age group:
These features don’t change the basic mechanics of how Invisalign works. But they address some of the real logistical and compliance realities that come with treating a teen.
Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate alignment concerns. Crowding that isn’t too severe, spacing issues, certain overbites, and straightforward cases tend to respond well. Cases involving major jaw mismatches, more complex bite issues, or tooth extractions as part of treatment may be better managed with traditional braces, sometimes combined with other appliances.
Dr. Ray and Dr. Hayley run a thorough clinical evaluation before making any recommendation, including a review of dental X-rays and digital scans of your teen’s teeth. If Invisalign can get your teen where they need to be predictably and efficiently, they’ll tell you that. If it can’t, they’ll tell you that too, along with what they recommend instead.
Getting started with Invisalign begins with a consultation appointment. At that visit, Dr. Ray or Dr. Hayley will check your teen’s bite and alignment, review X-rays, and talk through what treatment would look like for their case. If Invisalign is a good fit, digital scans are taken. No impressions with trays and putty. Those scans build a digital treatment plan showing the projected tooth movement from start to finish.
Once the aligners are made, your teen picks up their first set and gets instructions for wear and care. They’ll come in every six to eight weeks to confirm the teeth are moving as planned and pick up the next set. Treatment time varies but typically runs 12 to 18 months for most teens.
Dr. Ray Klein and Dr. Hayley Botwin understand that orthodontic treatment involves the teen as a participant, not just a patient. A treatment the teen doesn’t buy into is unlikely to go well. When they meet with teens considering Invisalign, they include them directly. They explain the options, answer questions honestly, and stay straightforward about what wearing the aligners every day actually requires. The goal is for the teen to understand the commitment and make a real decision about whether they’re ready.
Silicon Beach Pediatric Dental accepts most PPO insurance plans, and many plans include orthodontic coverage that can apply to Invisalign treatment. Specific coverage varies by plan, so the front desk team can help clarify what applies to your family before you commit to anything. If your teen is ready to explore their options, contact us and we’ll schedule a consultation.
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