Why Are More and More Teens Choosing Invisalign?

October 23, 2026

Teen smiling while holding her Invisalign tray

Has your teen been unhappy with the appearance of their smile? They might be self-conscious of any crowding and gaps, but orthodontics is an effective way to fix these issues. In fact, Invisalign has been a popular choice for this age group. You might be curious why more and more teenagers are picking this treatment, so here are four reasons why they often love it.

Discreet Appearance

Traditional braces are noticeable. The metal components can affect how your teen’s smile looks, which can make them embarrassed. However, Invisalign doesn’t have this problem. The clear aligners are made from a thin plastic that blends into their grin much more seamlessly. So, they can feel confident about their appearance while straightening their teeth.

Doesn’t Affect Diet

With the bracket-and-wire system, certain foods should be avoided. Anything hard and crunchy, like popcorn and other tough options, can break the hardware. But Invisalign doesn’t have this downside. Your teen will remove them while they eat, so they don’t need to make any changes to their diet. Instead, they will need to remember to brush their teeth and put their trays back in.

Lower Cavity Risk

It can be difficult to clean braces, as food can get lodged into them. This can lead to buildup and increase the risk of cavities. However, clear aligners can be taken out when it’s time to brush and floss. That way, your teen can properly care for their teeth and do a better job at avoiding decay. Better yet, there isn’t much of a change to their oral hygiene routine; they will just need to do it after meals.

Fewer School Disruptions

Traditional orthodontics oftentimes require adjustments and occasional repairs. This means an appointment every 8 to 12 weeks, which takes time from their classes. However, with Invisalign, they will be given several sets of trays at one time. They will swap to them every week or so, so they don’t need to have any wires tightened. Progress checks will just be needed to ensure everything is on track.

In the end, Invisalign is a great choice for teens. By talking to their dentist about this type of orthodontics, your loved one can explore how this option can benefit them and find the next steps to a straighter smile.

About the Practice

Want to correct misalignment and malocclusion? Our team at Smiles in Shelby is dedicated to helping kids, teens, and adults fix their crowding and crookedness. Led by Dr. Shawn Van de Vyver and Dr. Erin Leppek, we are proud to offer Invisalign. We stick by your loved one’s side throughout their treatment; that way, they know how to avoid delays to their results. If your teen wants a balanced smile, schedule an appointment or call our office at 586-677-2828.