Alternative To Braces For Teens

Smile Transformation: Invisalign - The Teen's Guide to a Brace-Free Journey!

If your teen is tired of living with crooked teeth, now is an excellent time to consider orthodontics. At Progressive Dental & Associates we are regularly asked about Invisalign Teen® as an alternative to braces for teens. This product is growing in popularity as more and more teens are transforming their smile without the use of bulky and noticeable braces. If you live in Matteson, IL or the 60443 area, we encourage you to call (708) 980-0110 and schedule an examination. We can let you know whether or not Invisalign® is the right solution for your child and how to get started.

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What is Invisalign Teen®?

Invisalign® straightens teeth using a series of clear, plastic aligners. For teeth to move from their current crooked position to where they are supposed to be, pressure must be applied. With braces, this is done using metal brackets with wires threaded between them. With Invisalign®, pressure is applied using a series of clear aligners that have been created to put pressure on specific teeth. When worn in a series, they put the right amount of pressure on the teeth that need to be moved, so that they migrate to the correct position.

Seven Things You Should Know About Invisalign®

Teens love Invisalign®

Why does this matter? Simple. If your teen enjoys their orthodontics treatment, they will be more committed to following through with it. Orthodontics is not a one visit and done type of procedure. It is up to your teen to remember to wear their aligners, keep up with appointments, care for their teeth, etc. This requires a level of commitment. The same is true for wearing traditional braces but the difference is in how satisfied they will be during the process. If you are unsure, don’t take our word for it. Studies have shown that teens wear their Invisalign® aligners for an average of 21 hours per day. Since they are fully removable, that demonstrates the level of commitment patients have when using a solution they actually like.

Easier to use

One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign Teen® as an alternative to braces for teens, is that the clear aligners are incredibly easy to use. They function like a removable retainer. Your teen puts them in and takes them out as needed because there is nothing fixed in place like there is with braces. This means that they can eat all of their favorite foods and not have to adjust their diet. This is important since many teens are particular about what they eat and would not want to avoid grabbing a burger with friends or eating pizza at the end-of-season soccer party. All they need to do is take the aligners out and put them in a secure case while eating. The same is true when it comes to brushing their teeth. The routine of brushing and flossing is the same because the aligners come out while doing so. This is a far cry from braces, where the brushing and flossing routine requires additional tools and can take up to twenty minutes at a time.

Teeth stay cleaner

Since teeth are easier to keep clean when wearing Invisalign®, there is less of a chance of developing stains or even cavities. Consider this, when a person wears braces, food can become stuck all along the brackets and underneath the wires. These areas can be hotbeds for bacteria and plaque that can eat away at the teeth and lead to decay. In order to prevent this, special brushes need to be used on a daily basis so that the brackets themselves can stay relatively clean. This can be difficult for adults, let alone children or teens. This is one reason that Dr. Durr recommends Invisalign Teen®. By removing the aligners while eating, there is nothing additional for food to get stuck on or for plaque to grow on. Since they come out to brush and floss, the process of oral hygiene is as convenient as it has always been. This makes it a win-win for oral hygiene and for the aesthetics of the smile.

Better for self-esteem

The stigma associated with wearing braces has largely worn off but many teens are still insecure about looking different, worried about standing out, and do not like the idea of going to school with a metal mouth. At Progressive Dental & Associates, we get it. No matter how good of a job braces can do, some teens will not consider them due to feelings of insecurity or being self-conscious. As a parent, we encourage you not to force the issue because braces are a long-term commitment and if they are not happy on day one, it is unlikely that they will be happy on day 500. Instead, we recommend using Invisalign Teen®. Our Matteson patients love this solution because it is almost invisible. Most of the time, people will not even notice that your teen is wearing anything. This allows them to smile for their yearbook photo, or every day, without hiding their teeth. In fact, their smile will actually improve during the process and those improvements will be noticeable, instead of the device they are using to accomplish the changes.

Treatment time

Dr. Durr can let you know how long the treatment will last when you visit our 60443 dental office. Generally speaking, most teens need to wear their aligners for around eighteen months. The overall treatment time with Invisalign Teen is comparable to what it would be when wearing traditional braces as long as the aligners are worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. That leaves plenty of time to eat, brush teeth, and attend band or sports practice. If they start to wear them less than 20 hours per day, their treatment time could be lengthened.

Teens say they’re more comfortable

At Progressive Dental & Associates, we have heard many of our Matteson, IL patients rave about how comfortable their treatment is. Any time you are moving teeth, there is bound to be some level of soreness. It is inevitable. Whether your teen wears metal braces or aligners, when an adjustment is made or a new aligner is put in, their teeth will be slightly sore for a day or two. That is perfectly natural. The difference in comfort comes in when considering how everything feels on a regular basis. Since traditional braces involve metal brackets and wires, that metal can rub up against the cheeks and inside of the mouth, causing irritation. It is not uncommon for people to get sores or cuts in their mouth as a result. Naturally, this is inconvenient and entirely avoidable when wearing Invisalign Teen®. Since the aligners are clear plastic, they are entirely smooth and your teen should remain cut and irritation free during their treatment.

Learn more about Invisalign Teen® as an alternative to braces for teens by calling (708) 980-0110 and scheduling an appointment with Dr. Durr. At Progressive Dental & Associates, we can answer any questions that you have after examining your teen. If you live in Matteson, Illinois or the 60443 area, we can give them the smile of their dreams.

Smile Gallery

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Meet Our Doctor

Discover the power of a healthy, beautiful smile

Robert D. Durr, D.M.D. F.I.C.O.I.

Robert D. Durr, D.M.D.

Dr. Robert D. Durr graduated from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Durr attends countless hours of continuing education at post-doctoral symposiums all over the country every year. Dr. Durr is a fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantology and member of DOCS. Since he began practicing dentistry, he has kept up-to-date on many of the latest products, procedures and dental technology, ensuring that his patients receive the most comprehensive and advanced dental care possible.

Testimonials From Our Patients

We are thrilled to offer exceptional services that exceed expectations!

Bobbie Stewart

October 16, 2024

For over 2 weeks, we have been going back and forth to the emergency room and finally was told it was a dental concern. Once we figure that out, we called several dentists for an emergency appointment because the medical doctor says it must be taken care within 2 days. After calling that morning, we were able to get an appointment that afternoon, immediately. The receptionist schedule the appointment, check my insurance while on the telephone. Her personality and customer care was exceptional. She offered sincere care for the problem and concern. When someone is experience a difficult time when a love one is sick. It can be overwhelming . It was so refreshing to have someone that actually cared. Now we are on the right track to recovery. Thank you soooo much. My family now has a new dentist. Signed, grateful

Leonard Harris Jr (BabyLeonard)

September 25, 2024

Well, I was just there this morning at 10am The dental office called me this morning because my appointment wasn’t until 3:00 PM today they asked me if I could come in earlier at 10 AM and I said YES and I did It is now 4:46pm so need a little more time to see how this cap work out. But thanks for the chance to give feedback need a little more time to come to a conclusion. The dental office was very clean,the dentist himself and the technicians very knowledgeable. Would I refer PROGRESSIVE DENTAL yes I would if you can afford to work. THANKS

Clemmle Mclntosh

September 10, 2024

Staff was very friendly, the Dentist was extremy knowledge and professional. I was very impress and made me feel good about myself. Dr. Dunn assured me that he was going to bring back my smile again. Thanks Progressive! Clemmie McIntosh. I will be spreading the word!

Donna Grant

July 30, 2024

I have been getting dental care from the progressive team for almost 2 years now and I love every minute, I never had to wait, flexible schedule, exceptional customer service from the front to the back. Everyone is so welcoming. It’s life. Family home you’re visiting. I will recommend progressive every time.

Beverly Colar-Credelle

July 18, 2024

It was my second time, within a month, visiting this dental office. The establishment is very clean and well organized. The front desk staff (Sharon and Susan) are friendly and professional. My service, for both visits, was provided by the dental hygienists Ms. Kayla Scott. She was very professional, thorough and gentle. Well, since I’m in this for the long haul, to get back on track with my oral care after my previous dentist abruptly closed his practice in 2022, I’m glad I am very pleased with the service provided at Progressive Dental. I recommend this practice!

Delorise Cunigan

June 27, 2024

Great service and staff! I am always happy with my services and the care that I receive.

Theresa Wright

June 17, 2024

The dental technician was very Nice. I hope she will cleaned my teeth on my next appointment.

Charlotte Bumpers

June 17, 2024

My dentist hygienist was knowledgeable, friendly and mostly patient, since I act like a 5 year old no matter what services are rendered😊

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Achieve Amazing Smiles With Invisalign In Matteson, IL

Reveal the beautiful smile you deserve by trusting Invisalign in Matteson, IL! Our specialists are happy to create a customized plan for straightening your teeth and will ensure amazing results. Don’t wait – start achieving your perfect smile today with Invisalign process.

Alternative To Braces For Teens

Smile Transformation: Invisalign - The Teen's Guide to a Brace-Free Journey!

Discover your orthodontic options to see which is the best for you

What is Invisalign Teen®?