Invisalign can be a good option for many teens in Calgary, as long as they wear their aligners 20 to 22 hours a day. That wear time comes from Invisalign Canada. Clear aligners are removable plastic trays that move teeth in small steps. A dental exam tells you whether your teen is a candidate. Teens with complex bite or jaw problems may be referred to an orthodontist, a dentist with extra specialty training in straightening teeth.
At The Port Dental Clinic in NE Calgary, our general dentists assess teens for Invisalign clear aligners and explain the options in plain language.
Is my teen a good candidate for Invisalign?
Clear aligners can treat many common problems, such as crowded teeth, gaps and some bite issues. At the exam, the dentist checks:
- Which adult teeth have come in, and which are still on the way
- The health of the teeth and gums, since cavities or gum problems need care first
- How the upper and lower teeth meet (the bite) and how the jaws are growing
- X-rays and a 3D scan, to plan each tooth movement
Readiness matters too. Aligners only work while they are in the mouth, so your teen needs to want treatment and be willing to wear them.
Some cases need a specialist. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed an extra two-to-three-year program in orthodontics, according to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists. If your teen has a complex bite, uneven jaw growth, or teeth stuck under the gum, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist.
How many hours a day do teens wear Invisalign?
Invisalign Canada says aligners are worn 20 to 22 hours a day, with a new set every one to two weeks as the dentist directs. Teens take them out only to eat, to drink anything other than water, and to brush and floss (Invisalign). That leaves about two to four hours a day for meals and cleaning.
School days are where wear time can slip. Lunch, snacks and practices add up if the aligners stay in their case too long.
How can parents help with wear time?
Aligners are easy to take out, so wear time depends on daily habits. During treatment, your dentist monitors progress and checks how the aligners fit, as Invisalign Canada describes.
Simple routines also help:
- Keep the aligner case in the same backpack pocket every day
- Put the aligners back in right after brushing at the end of each meal
- Set phone reminders for after lunch and after practice
- Keep a travel toothbrush in the school bag
- Bring the aligners and case to every check-in visit
If your teen loses or breaks an aligner, call us right away. Invisalign Canada notes the dentist may have your teen wear the previous set or the next set, or order a replacement.
Sports, music and school
Aligners can come out for sports and for playing an instrument, according to Invisalign Canada. That time still counts against the daily total, so put them back in soon after.
For hockey, ringette, basketball and other contact sports, your teen should wear a sports mouthguard. The American Dental Association advises taking out retainers and other removable appliances for contact sports. Ask us how to handle aligners on game days, and keep the case in the sports bag.
For teens with class presentations, Invisalign Canada notes that the tongue may take a couple of days to adjust to new aligners, and any slight lisp should fade quickly.
How do you clean Invisalign aligners?
- Brush teeth after each meal before putting the aligners back in. Invisalign Canada notes that food left on the teeth can stain the aligners.
- Clean the aligners with a soft toothbrush, water and a small amount of toothpaste.
- Use lukewarm water, never hot. Invisalign warns that hot water can warp the material.
- Floss once a day.
- Store the aligners in their case whenever they are out, never wrapped in a napkin.
For more care tips, see our 11 ways to take care of your Invisalign.
What affects the cost of Invisalign for teens?
Every case is different, so ask the dentist about cost after the exam. Invisalign Canada says cost depends on how complex the case is and how many aligners are needed. Other factors include:
- Any extra aligners needed partway through treatment
- Retainers after treatment, which most doctors recommend to keep teeth from shifting back
- Replacing lost aligners or retainers
- Your insurance and payment plan
Many dental plans cover Invisalign the same way they cover braces, paying a percentage or a set dollar amount, says Invisalign Canada. Orthodontic coverage can have its own lifetime maximum (the most a plan will pay for orthodontics over a person’s lifetime) and a waiting period. Alberta Blue Cross individual plans, for example, list orthodontic coverage per lifetime after a waiting period. Check your plan booklet for the orthodontic percentage, the lifetime maximum and any age rules for dependents.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan does not cover braces or aligners right now. Canada.ca says orthodontic services are currently not available. We offer direct billing to most insurance plans and payment plans through LendCare financing. You can ask your insurer for a predetermination (a written estimate of what they will pay) before treatment, and we can help with the paperwork. For more on fees, read our Invisalign cost guide and our overview of the different types of Invisalign.
When to book an Invisalign assessment for your teen
Consider an assessment if your teen has:
- Crowded, overlapping or twisted teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Upper and lower front teeth that don’t meet, or a bite that feels off
- Teeth that are hard to clean because of crowding
- An interest in straightening their teeth
During treatment, call us if an aligner cracks, gets a sharp edge or stops fitting, or if soreness lasts more than a few days. Invisalign Canada notes that some pressure for the first few days of each new set is normal.
We offer same-day emergency appointments when possible. Outside our hours, call Health Link 811 for 24/7 health advice. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swallowing. Go to the nearest emergency department for facial swelling, fever or a facial injury.
Invisalign for teens FAQ
There is no single age. It depends on which adult teeth have come in and how the jaws are growing. A dental exam with X-rays tells you whether now is a good time.
It depends on how much the teeth need to move. Your dentist gives an estimated timeline after the exam, and wearing the aligners 20 to 22 hours a day helps keep treatment on track.
Yes. The aligners come out for meals and snacks, so there are no food restrictions. Your teen should brush before putting them back in.
Call us right away. The dentist may have your teen wear the previous or next set, or order a replacement.
Most likely. Invisalign Canada notes that most doctors recommend a retainer after orthodontic treatment to keep teeth from shifting back.
Book an Invisalign assessment for your teen at The Port Dental Clinic. Learn about Invisalign in NE Calgary, then book online or call 403-345-1110. We’re open weekdays until 7pm and weekends 9am to 4pm, which makes it easier to book around school.
