Is Invisalign® right for my teen?

Many teens do great with Invisalign®—especially busy students in sports, band, drama, or AP classes. A consultation with Dr. Ehly includes a 3D scan to confirm candidacy and map a custom plan.

How many hours per day should aligners be worn?

For best results, wear aligners 20–22 hours daily—remove only for meals, snacks, and brushing. Set phone reminders to stay on track.

How often are Invisalign® check-ins?

Appointments are typically every 6–8 weeks and often fewer than with braces because there are no wires or brackets to adjust.

Can my teen play sports or instruments with Invisalign®?

Yes. Aligners can be removed for wind instruments and high-contact sports. Many student-athletes prefer aligners to avoid mouth injuries from brackets.

Are there food restrictions with Invisalign®?

No. Aligners come out to eat, so teens can enjoy their normal diet. Always store aligners in a case during meals to avoid loss.

What payment options are available?

We accept HSA/FSA funds and offer flexible financing through Cherry Financing and CareCredit. Dental Savings Plan members receive $500 off clear aligner treatment. Insurance may cover a portion depending on the plan.

Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Tips |4 min read

Invisalign® vs. Braces: Which Is Best for Your Teen This School Year?

by Neighborhood Dental

Last updated September 16, 2025

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to set new goals—and for many teens, a straighter, more confident smile is one of them. But when it comes to orthodontic treatment, the big question remains: Should your teen choose Invisalign® or traditional braces?

As your local Gretna dental office, Dr. Ehly helps families find the best option based on their teen’s lifestyle, smile goals, and daily routine. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide what works best for your student this school year.

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: A Quick Comparison

Why Invisalign® Is the Clear Choice for Gretna Students

Invisalign aligners are custom-made, clear trays that gently move teeth into alignment. For students balancing sports, music, social activities, and academics, Invisalign offers flexibility and comfort—without sacrificing results. Invisalign aligners can treat all kinds of smiles.

✅ Fewer Office Visits With Invisalign, your teen won’t need to miss class as often. Appointments are typically every 6–8 weeks, with fewer emergencies (no broken brackets or wires).

✅ No Food Restrictions Whether it’s lunch in the cafeteria or popcorn on movie night, aligners can be removed during meals. Teens can eat what they love—no braces-friendly diet required.

✅ Discreet & Confidence-Boosting Clear aligners mean no shiny metal in school photos, presentations, or selfies. Many teens feel more confident and less self-conscious during treatment.

How Invisalign Fits into a Busy School Schedule

Here are some tips to help your teen succeed with Invisalign during the school year:

Pack a case: Always keep an aligner case in their backpack or locker to safely store aligners during lunch or gym. Lunchroom mistake #1? Wrapping your retainer in a napkin. It’s one of the most common reasons they get accidentally tossed. Teach your child to always store their retainer in its case—not beside their apple slices. It’s a small habit that saves big bucks and a lot of frustration.
Stick to the schedule: Aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day to stay on track. Encourage your teen to put them back in right after meals or snacks.
Use a water bottle: Aligners should be worn when drinking water—other drinks can stain them or trap sugar against teeth.
Set reminders: Use phone alarms or apps to remember aligner changes and track wear time.

Special Considerations: Athletes, Musicians, and More

Band & Choir: Invisalign won’t get in the way of wind instruments or vocal performance like traditional braces can. Aligners can be removed during practice if needed.
Student-Athletes: Unlike metal braces, Invisalign can be taken out during high-contact sports. No need for special mouthguards to fit over brackets.
Drama & Presentations: From school plays to class speeches, Invisalign helps teens feel more at ease in front of an audience.

4 affordable payment options for Invisalign aligners.

HSA / FSA benefits: Tax-free dollars from your health savings or flexible spending account (HSA / FSA) could help offset some of the cost.
Flexible Financing: Dr. Ehly offers flexible payment options and plans to fit your budget through Cherry Financing and CareCredit.
Dental Insurance: The cost of Invisalign varies based on individual treatment, but some dental insurance providers may cover costs. Please contact our team directly to discuss your smile goals and treatment plan, which will determine the total cost of treatment.
Neighborhood Dental’s Savings Plan (an alternative to dental insurance): Dental Savings Plan members receive an exclusive discount of $500 off clear aligner orthodontic treatment.

Is Invisalign Right for Your Teen?

The best way to find out is with a personalized consultation. At Neighborhood Dental, you can expect comfortable dentistry. Dr. Ehly uses advanced 3D digital scans to evaluate your teen’s smile and map out a treatment plan—no messy impressions required. Plus, you’ll get to preview what their future smile will look like before treatment even begins. You can also utilize Invisalign’s SmileView before you even make an appointment.

Ready to Make a Smart Smile Choice?

If your teen is ready for a confident, camera-ready smile this school year, schedule an Invisalign consultation at Neighborhood Dental Gretna today. We’re here to help you make the best choice for your teen’s smile—and their lifestyle.

We are proud to serve the people of Gretna but also welcome those from nearby locations such as Springfield, Westmont, Chalco, Harrison Park West, Ashland, Waterloo, and other neighborhoods.

Call us at: 402-892-5691

Email us at: gretna@neighborhooddentalcare.com