I completed Invisalign three years ago. Now my 15-year-old son needs braces. Can teenagers get Invisalign, or are metal braces best for their age? Thank. Emerald from WA

Emerald,

It’s good to research your options as you’re doing for your son. Although a dentist may grant your request for Invisalign instead of traditional braces, Invisalign may not be the most effective option.

Is Your Teenager Ready for Invisalign?

Invisalign works best when all permanent teeth have fully erupted. While some teenagers are ready, others still have emerging teeth. Starting aligner therapy too early can compromise results.

Aligners must be worn consistently—about 22 hours per day—to move teeth effectively. Many teens struggle with this level of discipline, which can lead to inefficient or unstable tooth movement.

To help parents monitor wear time, Invisalign includes a compliance indicator in teen aligners. This system provides valuable feedback but also underscores how common noncompliance can be.

• A blue dot appears on the back of each aligner.
• The dot fades only when the aligner is worn as directed.
• Parents can use this as a checkpoint before progressing to the next aligner.

How Does a Teenager’s Growth Affect Orthodontic Treatment?

Teenagers continue growing for several years, including changes in jaw position. Invisalign treatment is planned in a single session using digital models and X-rays, which requires predicting future growth. While that prediction can work well, it doesn’t always align perfectly with real-life development.

Traditional braces allow orthodontists to adjust as growth occurs, which is why many clinicians favor them for younger teens. Invisalign remains an option, but the decision depends on your child’s maturity, habits, and growth pattern—factors best evaluated with your dentist.

The Monroe, Louisiana, dentists at Bayou Dental Group sponsor this post. Please read how Dr. Finley and his team strive to offer some of the best dental care in Monroe.