When it comes to straightening teeth, Invisalign has quickly become one of the most popular choices among both teens and adults. It’s discreet, comfortable, and doesn’t interfere with daily life the way traditional braces can. But if you’ve started exploring options for your teenager’s smile, you may have come across something called Invisalign Teen — and wondered how it differs from regular Invisalign.
At Dream Orthodontics, your trusted orthodontist in Surrey, we specialize in creating customized orthodontic solutions for patients of all ages. In this post, we’ll walk you through the key differences between Invisalign Teen and regular Invisalign, and help you decide which is the better fit for your or your child’s smile journey.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system of clear, removable aligners that gradually move teeth into their proper position. Each set of aligners is custom-made and worn for about one to two weeks before moving on to the next in the series.
It’s a popular choice in orthodontics in Surrey because it’s:
-
Nearly invisible
-
Easy to remove for eating, brushing, and flossing
-
More comfortable than traditional metal braces
-
Ideal for mild to moderate orthodontic cases
What Is Invisalign Teen?
Invisalign Teen is a version of the Invisalign system that’s specifically designed with growing teenagers in mind. While the core technology is the same, Invisalign Teen includes additional features that accommodate the unique needs of younger patients.
Key Differences Between Invisalign Teen and Regular Invisalign
Here are the major differences that set Invisalign Teen apart:
1. Eruption Tabs for Growing Teeth
Teenagers often begin orthodontic treatment while some of their adult teeth haven’t fully erupted. Invisalign Teen aligners are made with special eruption tabs that leave room for these teeth to come in naturally. This helps guide dental development while still correcting alignment.
Regular Invisalign, on the other hand, is typically designed for adults who already have all their permanent teeth.
2. Compliance Indicators
Let’s be honest — teens have a lot going on. Between school, sports, and social life, remembering to wear aligners for 20–22 hours a day can be a challenge.
To help with this, Invisalign Teen aligners feature small blue compliance indicators that fade over time. These help both parents and orthodontists monitor whether the aligners are being worn as prescribed. Regular Invisalign does not include these indicators, as adult patients are generally considered more consistent with wear time.
3. Replacement Aligners Included
Invisalign Teen treatment plans often include free replacement aligners. Since teens are more likely to lose or damage aligners, this added flexibility ensures treatment can continue without delays or extra costs.
Most adult Invisalign plans do not come with replacement aligners unless specifically added, and lost aligners may incur an additional fee.
4. Treatment Planning for Jaw Growth
Teenagers are still growing, and their jaws are actively developing. Invisalign Teen is designed to accommodate ongoing growth, helping to guide the teeth and jaw into ideal alignment as development continues. This makes early treatment both functional and preventive.
Regular Invisalign is typically focused on repositioning fully developed adult teeth and jaws.
5. Parental Oversight Tools
Many Invisalign Teen plans offer progress tracking tools that allow parents and guardians to stay informed about their child’s treatment. This encourages accountability while ensuring steady progress, something not often needed for adult patients.
Similarities Between Invisalign Teen and Regular Invisalign
While there are clear differences, both systems share important similarities:
-
Made from SmartTrack® material for a comfortable and snug fit
-
Nearly invisible in appearance
-
Custom-designed using advanced 3D imaging and digital treatment planning
-
Removable for meals, brushing, and flossing
-
Require regular check-ins with your orthodontist
At Dream Orthodontics in Surrey, we use the same advanced technology for both Invisalign and Invisalign Teen, ensuring each treatment is tailored precisely to your needs.
Is Invisalign Teen as Effective as Braces?
In most mild to moderate orthodontic cases, yes. Invisalign Teen can correct a wide range of dental issues, including:
-
Crowded teeth
-
Gapped teeth
-
Overbites and underbites
-
Crossbites
-
Mild jaw misalignments
However, every case is unique. During your initial consultation, we’ll assess whether Invisalign Teen is appropriate or if traditional braces might be a better fit for your child’s specific needs.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign Teen?
Your teen may be a strong candidate if they:
-
Are responsible enough to wear aligners consistently
-
Have mild to moderate alignment concerns
-
Prefer a more discreet treatment option
-
Are active in sports or play musical instruments (clear aligners are often more comfortable)
Not sure if your teen is ready? That’s where we come in. Our team will evaluate your child’s teeth and bite, and provide honest guidance on whether Invisalign Teen is the right path forward.
Why Choose Dream Orthodontics for Invisalign in Surrey?
At Dream Orthodontics, we combine expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care to create a stress-free orthodontic experience for the whole family. Whether you’re exploring orthodontics in Surrey for yourself or your teen, we’re committed to delivering results you can smile about.
We offer:
-
Personalized Invisalign consultations
-
Flexible financing options
-
Evening and weekend appointment availability
-
Ongoing support throughout every stage of treatment
Book a Consultation with a Leading Orthodontist in Surrey
Wondering if Invisalign Teen or regular Invisalign is right for you or your child? Let’s find out — together. At Dream Orthodontics, we’re here to help you understand your options and create a customized plan that fits your smile goals and your lifestyle.