With a specialty in Invisalign for teens, Dr. Mark Hodge treats more Invisalign patients than any other dentist in Oklahoma, where he runs Berkshire Dental Group in Broken Arrow. He is distinguished as the state’s only “Elite Invisalign Provider,” the company’s highest recognition award. Elite Providers represent the top 3% of Invisalign providers worldwide.
When it comes to Invisalign, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions. One of the most common ones is that the clear retainers are only meant for simple cases. Yes, that how the company started, and they do offer Invisalign Express, which is intended to treat simple cases in about six months. But Invisalign has evolved to the point where it treats the most complex cases, such as prominent buck teeth, a heavy overbite, or a heavy underbite. The limitation is not in the sophisticated technology; it is in the doctor’s experience and competence.
Another big misconception about Invisalign is that it’s only for adults. Sure, adults don’t want to look like they have braces, and sporting a clear retainer instead of the “metal mouth” look is a lot more socially acceptable. But Invisalign is appropriate and recommended for patients as young as 10 year old and as old as 80. As long as the 10-year-old is responsible enough not to lose the retainer, it’s a great alternative to braces, which can really hurt your child’s gums if he gets a mouth injury while playing sports. As for the 80-year-old, it’s never too late to have a beautiful smile, and some people only find the financial means to improve their teeth later in life. Plus, I find a lot of seniors who are getting ready to get their teeth crowned, and would get better results if their teeth weren’t crooked. So I recommend Invisalign for them.
In fact, Invisalign will treat about 80% of people who need treatment. The other roughly 20% of the population would need metal braces because they have skeletal issues, like a misaligned jaw. Invisalign is better at moving individual teeth, rather than treating the big picture.
For teenagers, Invisalign Teen is a great choice. It makes allowances for the fact that teenagers’ mouths are still growing, and they still have some baby teeth. Surveys show that given the choice, most patients and parents would prefer Invisalign Teen over traditional braces. Plus, Invisalign can prevent teen bullying. At such a sensitive age, when children are already self-conscious, wearing obvious metal braces can just add to the agony. Severe bullying can have repercussions into adulthood, and could dent a child’s confidence so badly that he has a permanently low self-esteem.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
