Invisalign Teen is the clear aligner system designed specifically for adolescent patients who are still in active growth and whose dental development may still be in progress. It carries all of the advantages of standard Invisalign — virtually invisible aligners, no dietary restrictions, removable for eating and brushing — with features added specifically to address the realities of teenage wear patterns and developing smiles.
At Alber Dental Studio, we offer Invisalign Teen for patients in Boulder and the surrounding communities as part of our comprehensive orthodontic services. Dr. Marc Alber evaluates each teen patient carefully to determine whether Invisalign is the appropriate treatment modality for their specific case or whether traditional braces would produce a better outcome. Not every case is best served by aligners, and we are honest about that distinction at the consultation appointment. When Invisalign Teen is the right choice, we manage the full treatment process in our office with the same precision and attention to detail that has earned us 735+ five-star reviews over 26 years of practice.
How Invisalign Teen Differs from Standard Invisalign
Invisalign Teen includes several features not found in the standard adult Invisalign system. Compliance indicators are small blue dots on the aligner that fade with wear — they give parents and the treatment provider a practical way to gauge whether the teen is wearing the aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day, since treatment success depends heavily on consistent wear. Eruption tabs are built into the aligner design to accommodate second molars that may still be erupting during treatment, which is common in younger teenage patients. Replacement aligners are also included at no additional charge for a limited number of lost or damaged sets — acknowledging the reality that teenagers are more likely than adults to misplace an aligner.
The treatment process for Invisalign Teen is otherwise identical to standard Invisalign. We begin with a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation, take digital scans of the teeth, and submit a case to Invisalign for ClinCheck treatment planning. The resulting 3D simulation shows exactly how the teeth will move and what the final result will look like. Once the treatment plan is approved, the custom aligner series is fabricated and delivered to our office. Patients return for progress checks approximately every six to eight weeks, with periodic aligner exchanges. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, early and mid-adolescence is often an ideal time to correct alignment issues, as the jaws are still developing and tooth movement can be more efficient.
The most important factor in Invisalign Teen success is consistent wear. Aligners that spend more time in a case than in the mouth will not move teeth on schedule. We discuss compliance expectations openly with both teens and parents at the consultation, and we use the compliance indicators to have an honest conversation at each check-up about how treatment is progressing. Teens who commit to the wear schedule achieve results that are indistinguishable from what braces produce for comparable cases.
Is Invisalign Teen Right for Your Teen?
Invisalign Teen is most effective for mild to moderate alignment cases including crowding, spacing, and certain bite issues. More complex cases involving significant skeletal discrepancies or severe crowding may be better managed with traditional braces, and Dr. Alber will give you an honest assessment at the consultation. Good candidates for Invisalign Teen are teens who understand the commitment required, are willing to wear the aligners consistently, and whose permanent teeth have sufficiently erupted to allow the aligner to seat properly.
For teens who are strong candidates, the benefits over braces are meaningful. There are no brackets to collect food, no wires to snap, and no dietary restrictions. Hygiene is significantly simpler — the aligners are removed for brushing and flossing, so there are no workarounds required to clean the teeth. The aligners are virtually invisible in normal social situations, which many teenagers find reduces the self-consciousness that often accompanies orthodontic treatment. We are happy to compare the options in detail at your consultation. For adult patients interested in aligners, see our Invisalign page. For teens who may be better served by fixed appliances, see our braces page.
After active Invisalign Teen treatment is complete, retainers are required to hold the results. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back toward their original position after treatment, and retainer wear — initially full-time and then nightly long-term — is the only reliable way to maintain the outcome. We provide retainers at the end of treatment and give clear instructions on the retention protocol. We also offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon, and we accept HSA and FSA funds to help make treatment accessible.
What to Expect at the Consultation
The Invisalign Teen consultation at Alber Dental Studio includes a thorough orthodontic examination, a review of any X-rays needed to assess root and jaw development, and an honest conversation about whether Invisalign Teen is the best option for your teen’s specific case. We welcome questions from both teens and parents and take the time to explain the treatment timeline, what compliance looks like in practice, and what the final result should achieve. If Invisalign Teen is recommended, we take digital scans and submit for a ClinCheck preview so you can see the projected outcome before committing to treatment. Contact our Boulder office to schedule a teen orthodontic consultation.
- Have healthy teeth and gums with no untreated decay or gum disease
- Want to address stains, chips, gaps, or irregular tooth shape
- Maintain good daily oral hygiene habits
- Do not grind excessively, or are willing to wear a night guard
- Have sufficient enamel to support bonding
- Are looking for a long-term cosmetic investment
Dr. Alber will confirm whether Invisalign Teen is the right treatment for your teen’s alignment goals during your consultation — and clearly explain the timeline, compliance requirements, and what to expect at each stage.
The Invisalign Teen Process
Consultation & iTero Scan
Dr. Alber begins with a thorough exam to confirm you are a good candidate — healthy gums, adequate enamel, and no untreated decay. From there, we discuss your smile goals and review shade options. Digital photos help visualize the proposed changes before any treatment begins. For patients unsure about shade or shape, we can discuss temporary mock-ups to preview the result.
Aligner Fabrication & Fitting
Digital scans are taken at the consultation to map the current tooth positions. A custom series of aligners is manufactured based on a 3D treatment plan showing the planned tooth movements from start to finish.
Invisalign Teen vs. Traditional Braces
Each set of aligners is worn for 1–2 weeks before advancing to the next. Check-in appointments every 6–8 weeks let Dr. Alber confirm tooth movement is tracking as planned and issue the next series of trays.
Progress Monitoring & Refinements
Once the final aligner is completed, a retainer is fitted to hold the teeth in their new positions. Invisalign Teen includes up to six free aligner replacements for lost or damaged trays during active treatment.
Schedule a Teen Orthodontic Consultation
Schedule a consultation for your teen with Dr. Alber to find out whether Invisalign Teen is the right fit — and get a clear, honest assessment of their alignment goals and treatment timeline.
Invisalign Teen vs. Traditional Braces
Invisalign Teen vs. Traditional Braces
Both are cosmetic options — the right choice depends on the extent of the change you want and how long you want results to last.
| Invisalign Teen | Traditional Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Clear plastic aligners — virtually invisible when worn | Metal brackets and wires visible on teeth |
| Removability | Removable for eating, brushing, and special occasions | Fixed — cannot be removed by the patient |
| Oral hygiene | Brush and floss normally — aligners come out | Requires special flossers and more cleaning time around brackets |
| Teen features | Compliance indicators, eruption tabs, and 6 free replacement aligners | No compliance tracking built in |
| Best for | Teens who want discreet treatment and are committed to wearing aligners consistently | Complex cases or patients where fixed appliances are clinically preferred |
Caring for Your Aligners
How to Get the Most from Invisalign Teen
Results depend entirely on wear time. Aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day — removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush. Inconsistent wear extends treatment time and can cause teeth to fall behind the treatment plan.
Clean aligners daily by rinsing with lukewarm water and brushing gently with a soft toothbrush. Never use hot water or toothpaste — heat warps the plastic and abrasive paste scratches the surface, making trays visible and less hygienic.
Always remove aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. Food and colored beverages stain and warp trays. Store them in the case provided — loose trays left on tables or in pockets are the most common reason for replacements.
Brush and floss after every meal before reinserting aligners. Food left on teeth traps against the aligner surface and accelerates decay. Good hygiene during treatment protects both the teeth and the aligner material.
Attend every scheduled check-in appointment. These visits confirm that teeth are tracking correctly and that the treatment plan doesn’t need adjustment. Skipping appointments extends treatment timelines.
Invisalign Teen With Flexible Payment Options
Orthodontic treatment is covered in part by many dental insurance plans. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment begins. For remaining costs, we offer 0% financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Altheon, and we accept HSA and FSA funds. Visit our financing page for details.
Also at Alber Dental Studio
Explore Our Other Cosmetic Services
Invisalign Teen is often paired with other cosmetic and preventive services. These are commonly part of the same care plan at Alber Dental Studio.
For teens who prefer fixed brackets over removable aligners — or whose case complexity requires it — traditional braces are also available at Alber Dental Studio.
A same-appointment option for minor chips or gaps — no enamel removal needed.
Professional-strength whitening when tooth color is the primary concern.
Read What Our Customers Are Saying
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Invisalign Teen different from regular Invisalign?
Is Invisalign Teen right for my teenager?
What are the disadvantages of Invisalign Teen?
How long does Invisalign Teen treatment take?
Can my teen eat normally with Invisalign Teen?
Does insurance cover Invisalign Teen?
Alber Dental Studio: Invisalign Teen in Boulder, CO
Dr. Marc Alber and the team at Alber Dental Studio have served Boulder families for over 26 years with honest, patient-centered care. We evaluate every teen orthodontic case individually and recommend what we believe is genuinely in the patient’s best interest — whether that is Invisalign Teen, traditional braces, or a referral to a specialist for more complex cases. Learn more about Dr. Alber on his provider profile. When you are ready to schedule an orthodontic consultation for your teen, contact our Boulder office.