Teen Invisalign Treatment in Fort Collins, CO

Why Teens Love Invisalign With Dr. Hardy

Are you a teen struggling with the idea of metal braces? Or a parent looking for a modern alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment for their teenager? Dr. Hardy understands teen years are already challenging enough without adding metal braces. That’s why Dr. T.C. Hardy and Dr. Addie Peterson offer Invisalign Teen® – a nearly invisible way to achieve a straight, confident smile.

Invisalign Teen® is specifically designed with teenagers in mind, addressing their unique orthodontic needs while fitting seamlessly into their active lifestyles. Using a series of clear, custom-made aligners, this innovative treatment straightens teeth discreetly and comfortably, allowing teens to smile with confidence throughout their treatment journey.

How Teen Invisalign Works: The Clear Path to a Straighter Smile

Invisalign Teen® works through a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift teeth into their ideal positions. Here’s what makes this treatment option so popular among Fort Collins teens:

Teen Invisalign Benefits	What This Means For Your Teen
Nearly invisible aligners	No one will notice they’re wearing them
Removable for eating and cleaning	No food restrictions or complicated cleaning routines
Fewer office visits	Less disruption to busy school and activity schedules
Blue compliance indicators	Parents can verify aligners are being worn properly
Free replacement aligners	Peace of mind if an aligner gets lost
Compatible with sports and instruments	No need to worry about mouth injuries or playing difficulties

The Invisalign Teen® system includes special features not found in standard Invisalign, such as eruption tabs that accommodate growing teeth and blue compliance indicators that fade with proper wear, helping parents and our orthodontists ensure the treatment is progressing as planned.

Teen Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: What’s Best for Your Teen?

When considering orthodontic options in Fort Collins, many teens and parents wonder how Invisalign compares to traditional braces. Here’s a helpful comparison:

Appearance

While traditional braces use metal brackets and wires that are visible when smiling or speaking, Invisalign Teen® aligners are clear and virtually invisible, allowing teens to straighten their teeth without feeling self-conscious.

Comfort

Metal braces can cause irritation to cheeks and gums, especially during adjustment periods. Invisalign’s smooth plastic aligners eliminate this issue, providing a more comfortable orthodontic experience for active teens.

Lifestyle Impact

Traditional braces come with food restrictions and complex cleaning routines. Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing teens to:

• Eat all their favorite foods without restrictions
• Brush and floss normally without special tools
• Play sports without worrying about mouth injuries
• Continue playing musical instruments without adjustment periods

Treatment Timeline

Many teens are surprised to learn that Invisalign treatment often takes about the same amount of time as traditional braces, typically 12-18 months, depending on the complexity of their case. During your consultation at our Fort Collins office, Dr. Hardy or Dr. Peterson will provide a personalized treatment timeline.

Is Your Teen a Good Candidate for Invisalign in Fort Collins?

Invisalign Teen® can effectively correct many of the same orthodontic issues as traditional braces, including:

• Crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Overbite or underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

During your teen’s initial consultation, our experienced orthodontists will determine if Invisalign is the right option based on their specific needs. We use advanced technology like iTero digital scanning to create a 3D model of your teen’s mouth, allowing us to show you exactly how their teeth will move throughout treatment.

The Teen Invisalign Process With Dr. Hardy

Step 1: Consultation and Digital Scanning

Your teen’s Invisalign journey begins with a comprehensive consultation at our Fort Collins office. Using our iTero intraoral scanner, we’ll take precise digital impressions of their teeth – no messy putty required! This comfortable, quick process creates a detailed 3D model that serves as the blueprint for their custom aligners.

Step 2: Customized Treatment Planning

Dr. Hardy or Dr. Peterson will develop a personalized treatment plan using Invisalign’s advanced software. You and your teen will be able to see a virtual simulation of how their teeth will move throughout treatment, providing a clear picture of the expected results.

Step 3: Receiving and Wearing the Aligners

Once your teen’s custom aligners are ready, they’ll receive their first sets along with detailed instructions. Aligners should be worn for 20-22 hours per day, only removing them for eating, drinking anything besides water, and cleaning their teeth.

Step 4: Regular Check-ups and New Aligners

Your teen will visit our Fort Collins office approximately every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress and receive new sets of aligners. These appointments are quick, convenient, and easily fit into busy schedules.

Teen Invisalign Success Stories in Fort Collins

Many Fort Collins teens have already transformed their smiles with Dr. Hardy. Our patients consistently report:

• Increased confidence during treatment
• Easier maintenance of oral hygiene
• Less disruption to their daily activities
• Satisfaction with their final results

Advanced Technology Supporting Teen Invisalign Treatment

We combine Invisalign’s innovative approach with our state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best possible results:

• iTero Digital Scanning: Creates precise 3D models without uncomfortable impressions
• Digital X-Rays: Provides detailed images with lower radiation exposure
• 3D Printing: Allows for the precise creation of models and appliances when needed

Meet Our Expert Fort Collins Invisalign Providers

Dr. T.C. Hardy

Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, Dr. Hardy brings his engineering background and extensive orthodontic training to every Invisalign case. His technical expertise and attention to detail ensure optimal results for teen patients.

Dr. Addie Peterson

A passionate orthodontist who joined our team after completing her master’s degree at the University of Iowa, Dr. Peterson combines her love for patient care with advanced orthodontic training to provide exceptional Invisalign treatment for teens in Fort Collins.

Common Questions About Teen Invisalign in Fort Collins

How can I tell if my teen is wearing their Invisalign aligners enough?

Invisalign Teen® aligners come with blue compliance indicators that gradually fade with proper wear. These small blue dots on the aligners allow parents and our orthodontists to verify that aligners are being worn for the recommended 20-22 hours per day. Additionally, if aligners aren’t worn consistently, they won’t fit properly at the next appointment, which provides another way to monitor compliance.

What happens if my teen loses an Invisalign aligner?

Don’t panic! Invisalign Teen® includes up to six free replacement aligners specifically because we understand that teens might occasionally misplace them. If an aligner is lost, contact our Fort Collins office immediately at (970) 980-2145, and we’ll advise whether your teen should wear their previous aligner until a replacement arrives or move on to the next one, depending on where they are in the treatment sequence.

How much does Invisalign Teen cost in Fort Collins?

The cost of Invisalign Teen® is comparable to traditional braces. The exact investment depends on the complexity and length of treatment. We offer flexible, interest-free payment plans to make treatment affordable for Fort Collins families. Additionally, if your dental insurance covers orthodontic treatment, it typically covers Invisalign Teen® at the same level as traditional braces. Our team will verify your benefits and help maximize your insurance coverage.

Will Invisalign affect my teen’s speech?

Most teens adapt to speaking with Invisalign aligners within a few days. Some may experience a slight lisp initially, but this typically resolves quickly as they adjust to wearing the aligners. The temporary adjustment period is a small tradeoff for the aesthetic benefits of clear aligners.

How do we care for Invisalign aligners?

Proper aligner care is simple but important. Your teen should:

• Rinse aligners whenever removed
• Clean aligners daily with the Invisalign cleaning system or by gently brushing with a soft toothbrush
• Store aligners in their case when not being worn
• Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic
• Keep aligners away from pets (who sometimes find them interesting to chew on!)