Invisalign Teen® Lakewood, CO

Are you looking for a discreet way to straighten your teenager’s teeth without the hassle of traditional braces? At Dr. Hardy in Lakewood, Colorado, we offer Invisalign Teen® – a revolutionary orthodontic treatment designed specifically for adolescents that provides effective teeth straightening with nearly invisible aligners.

Dr. Timothy Hardy and Dr. Cierra Randall are dedicated to giving teenagers in Lakewood and surrounding areas the confident smiles they deserve through comfortable, convenient, and virtually undetectable treatment options. Our Invisalign Teen® service combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care to address your teen’s unique orthodontic needs.

What Is Invisalign Teen® and How Does It Work?

Invisalign Teen® is a specialized version of the popular Invisalign® clear aligner system, specifically designed with teenagers’ unique orthodontic needs in mind. Unlike traditional metal braces with brackets and wires, Invisalign Teen® uses a series of custom-made, clear, removable aligners to gradually shift teeth into their proper positions.

These virtually invisible aligners are custom-fabricated using advanced 3D imaging technology to create a treatment plan tailored to your teen’s specific smile goals. Every two weeks, your teenager will progress to a new set of aligners, each making subtle adjustments to tooth position until the desired alignment is achieved. The aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours daily, allowing teens to remove them while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.

Invisalign Teen® comes with special features not found in standard Invisalign®, including compliance indicators that fade with use (helping parents and orthodontists monitor wear time) and special “eruption tabs” that accommodate growing teeth. The system also includes free replacement aligners, understanding that teens might occasionally misplace their trays.

Why Choose Invisalign Teen® Over Traditional Braces?

When considering orthodontic treatment for your teenager, you want an option that delivers results without disrupting their daily life. Invisalign Teen® offers numerous advantages that make it the preferred choice for many Lakewood families:

The nearly invisible appearance of Invisalign Teen® aligners means your teenager can straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious about metal braces. This discreet treatment option helps teens maintain their confidence during an already challenging time in their lives, allowing them to smile, take photos, and participate in social activities without hesitation.

Unlike traditional braces that can make eating certain foods difficult and sometimes painful, Invisalign Teen® aligners are completely removable. This means your teenager can continue enjoying all their favorite foods without restrictions – from popcorn at the movies to crunchy apples and sticky treats. Additionally, the removable design makes oral hygiene simple, as teens can brush and floss normally without navigating around brackets and wires.

For teenagers involved in sports or musical activities, Invisalign Teen® provides unmatched convenience. Athletes can easily remove their aligners to wear mouthguards during practices and games, while musicians who play wind instruments can continue their musical pursuits without the interference of metal braces.

The Invisalign Teen® Process With Dr. Hardy 

Our Invisalign Teen® treatment process begins with a comprehensive consultation at our Lakewood office. During this initial visit, Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall will evaluate your teenager’s oral health, discuss treatment goals, and determine if Invisalign Teen® is the right option for their specific orthodontic needs.

Once we decide to proceed with Invisalign Teen®, we’ll use advanced digital scanning technology to create a precise 3D model of your teen’s teeth. No more uncomfortable putty impressions! This digital model allows us to map out the entire treatment plan, showing you and your teen the expected progression and final results before treatment even begins. Your teenager will receive their custom-made aligners and instructions for wear and care. We’ll schedule regular check-ups approximately every 8-10 weeks to monitor progress and provide new sets of aligners as needed.

After completing the active phase of treatment, your teen will receive retainers to maintain their beautiful new smile. Our team will provide detailed instructions on retainer wear to ensure long-lasting results. Throughout the entire process, our friendly staff is available to answer questions and address any concerns you or your teenager might have.

• Digital scanning for comfortable, putty-free impressions • Virtual treatment planning showing progress and expected results • Custom-fabricated clear aligners made specifically for your teen • Regular progress check-ups with our expert orthodontic team • Retention phase to maintain results after active treatment

Why Should You Choose Dr. Hardy for Invisalign Teen®?

We understand choosing the right orthodontist for your teenager’s treatment is a significant decision. Dr. Timothy Hardy brings exceptional credentials and experience to your teen’s care, having completed advanced specialty training in orthodontics beyond dental school. His extensive experience in correcting misaligned teeth, adjusting occlusion (bite), and treating jaw disorders ensures your teen receives the highest quality care.

Our commitment to continuing education means we stay current with the latest orthodontic advances and technologies. As one of Lakewood’s most experienced Invisalign Teen® providers, Dr. Hardy and our team have successfully treated hundreds of teenagers with this innovative system, giving us insight into the unique challenges and opportunities it presents for adolescent patients.

We pride ourselves on creating a welcoming, positive environment where teenagers feel comfortable and respected. Our team excels at working with adolescents, providing the personalized attention and encouragement they need during treatment. We understand the importance of building relationships with our teenage patients, addressing their concerns, and celebrating their progress throughout the orthodontic journey.

Cost and Insurance Considerations for Invisalign Teen®

We believe financial concerns shouldn’t prevent your teenager from achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. We offer competitive pricing for Invisalign Teen® treatment comparable to traditional braces, making this innovative option accessible to more Lakewood families.

Understanding orthodontic treatment is a significant investment; we provide flexible payment plans with low monthly payments to fit various budgets. Our financial coordinators will work with you to create a payment schedule that meets your family’s needs, with options for no-interest financing and convenient automatic payment arrangements.

We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and Medicaid, maximizing your benefits for Invisalign Teen® treatment. Our experienced team will verify your coverage, explain your benefits, and handle insurance claims on your behalf. We’re committed to helping you understand your financial responsibility before treatment begins, with no hidden fees or surprise costs along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign Teen®

How long does Invisalign Teen® treatment typically take?

Treatment duration varies depending on your teenager’s specific orthodontic needs, but most Invisalign Teen® treatments take between 12 and 18 months. Simple cases may be completed more quickly, while more complex orthodontic issues might require additional time. The compliance indicator helps ensure teens are wearing their aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours daily, which is essential for staying on schedule with treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Hardy or Dr. Randall will provide a more precise timeline based on your teen’s individual case.

Will Invisalign Teen® affect my teenager’s speech?

Some teens may experience a slight lisp when they first begin wearing Invisalign Teen® aligners, but this adjustment period typically lasts only a few days as they get accustomed to speaking with the aligners. Most people won’t notice any difference in your teen’s speech, and the temporary adjustment is generally much less noticeable than with traditional braces. Our team will provide tips to help your teenager adapt quickly to speaking clearly with their new aligners.

How do I know if my teenager is wearing their aligners enough?

Invisalign Teen® aligners feature special compliance indicators–small blue dots that gradually fade with use. These indicators allow parents and our orthodontic team to verify that aligners are being worn for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. Additionally, if aligners aren’t being worn properly, they won’t fit correctly at the next appointment, which provides another way to monitor compliance. We’ll work with your teenager to help them understand the importance of consistent wear for optimal results.

Can my teenager play sports or musical instruments with Invisalign Teen®?

Absolutely! This is one of the major advantages of Invisalign Teen® over traditional braces. For sports, your teenager can simply remove their aligners and wear a proper mouthguard during practice or games, then replace the aligners afterward. For musical instruments, particularly wind instruments, teens can remove their aligners while practicing or performing, making Invisalign Teen® an ideal choice for band members, orchestra participants, and other young musicians.

What if my teenager loses an aligner?

Invisalign Teen® comes with a special feature that addresses this common concern – up to six free replacement aligners during treatment. If your teen loses or breaks an aligner, contact our office right away. Depending on where they are in the current aligner cycle, we may advise moving to the next set or ordering a replacement. It’s important to address a lost aligner promptly to avoid treatment delays.