Teenagers today are more active, socially connected, and image-conscious than ever before. For many, traditional metal braces can feel uncomfortable, inconvenient, or even embarrassing. That’s why more teens — and their parents — are turning to Invisalign Teen, a clear, comfortable, and discreet alternative to braces.
At Scott Orthodontics in Mitchellville, MD, we specialize in helping teens straighten their smiles without disrupting their lifestyle. Led by Dr. Stuart A. Scott, a Platinum Plus+ Invisalign Provider, our team provides personalized, compassionate care backed by years of orthodontic experience.
Let’s explore how Invisalign Teen works, what it costs, and why it may be the perfect solution for your teen’s orthodontic needs.
What Are Invisalign Clear Aligners?
Invisalign is a system of transparent, removable aligners custom-designed to gradually shift teeth into alignment over time. Unlike braces, which use brackets and wires, Invisalign uses smooth plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth.
Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for growing smiles and active lifestyles. The aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed for meals, brushing, flossing, sports, or school events — making them ideal for self-conscious or busy teens.
Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks, with gradual improvements visible along the way. Since they’re made of flexible BPA-free plastic, they offer a more comfortable and low-profile experience compared to metal braces.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign Teen works by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth using a series of custom-made aligners.
Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
- Step 1: Consultation and Digital Scans — We begin with a free consultation and 3D digital imaging at our Mitchellville office. This scan creates a precise model of your teen’s smile.
- Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan — Dr. Scott creates a detailed treatment roadmap using the scans, mapping out how each tooth will shift.
- Step 3: Aligner Fabrication — A series of aligners is created specifically for your teen, each designed to move the teeth incrementally.
- Step 4: Wearing the Aligners — Your teen will wear their aligners 20–22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
- Step 5: Progress Check-ins — Every few weeks, your teen will visit Scott Orthodontics to monitor progress and receive their next sets of aligners.
Invisalign Teen also includes compliance indicators — small blue dots that fade as the aligners are worn — helping parents and providers ensure consistent wear time.
Cost of Invisalign Clear Aligners in Mitchellville, MD
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How much does Invisalign for teens cost?”
At Scott Orthodontics, the cost of Invisalign Teen typically ranges between $3,500 and $7,000, depending on factors like:
- The complexity of the case
- Length of treatment
- Whether upper and lower teeth are treated together
- Patient compliance and any mid-treatment adjustments
We believe in transparent pricing, and every consultation includes a full breakdown of expected costs with no hidden fees.
We also make Invisalign affordable with:
- Flexible payment plans
- Low monthly installments
- Low down payments
- Insurance coordination
- FSA/HSA payment options
- Third-party financing through CareCredit and Lending Club
Why Choose Invisalign For Your Teen?
For many families, Invisalign Teen is the best of both worlds — offering the results of braces with added comfort, convenience, and confidence.
Here’s why parents and teens love it:
- Discreet Appearance — Aligners are nearly invisible, so your teen can smile confidently.
- More Freedom — No food restrictions or special tools for brushing/flossing.
- Comfort — No metal brackets to irritate the mouth.
- Fewer Emergencies — No broken wires or emergency visits for repairs.
- Great for Sports & Music — Safe for athletes and musicians who play wind/brass instruments.
- Better Oral Hygiene — Removable trays allow for easier brushing and flossing.
- Monitoring Tools — Compliance indicators help ensure your teen stays on track.
When Should Your Teen See an Orthodontist?
While every teen’s development is different, many orthodontic issues become noticeable between ages 11 and 14. If your teen is experiencing any of the following, it may be time to schedule an orthodontic consultation:
- Crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth
- Bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Thumb-sucking past early childhood
- Shifting or clicking of the jaw
- Self-consciousness about smiling
Starting orthodontic treatment during the teenage years often leads to more efficient results, as the jaw is still growing and the teeth are easier to guide into place.
Mitchellville Teen Invisalign Specialist
At Scott Orthodontics, we specialize in teen-friendly care that gets results — while keeping your family’s needs in mind.
Dr. Stuart A. Scott is a Platinum Plus+ Invisalign Provider, placing him among the most experienced Invisalign doctors in the region. He has helped hundreds of teens across Mitchellville, Silver Spring, and Bowie achieve beautiful, healthy smiles using Invisalign.
Our practice combines high-tech tools like 3D scanning and digital monitoring with a warm, welcoming environment where teens feel supported every step of the way.
Why Choose Scott Orthodontics?
When it comes to your teen’s health and confidence, experience matters — and so does trust.
Here’s why families throughout Mitchellville choose us:
- 25+ years of orthodontic experience
- Platinum Plus+ Invisalign Provider
- Owner-operated practice — no rotating doctors or DSO ownership
- Named Top Doctor by Washingtonian Magazine
- Flexible appointments and scheduling options
- All-inclusive Invisalign pricing (scans, check-ins, retainers)
- A genuine, patient-first approach that prioritizes your teen’s comfort and outcome
We believe in providing the kind of care we’d want for our own family — and it shows in every detail of your experience at Scott Orthodontics.
Teen Invisalign FAQs For Mitchellville Residents
Q: How long does Invisalign take for teens?
A: Most Invisalign Teen treatments take between 12 and 18 months. Treatment length depends on the severity of misalignment and how consistently aligners are worn.
Q: Does Invisalign work as well as braces?
A: Yes! For many teens, Invisalign is just as effective as braces at treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues — including spacing, crowding, and bite problems.
Q: What happens if my teen loses an aligner?
A: If an aligner is lost, let us know right away. We’ll help determine if your teen should move to the next set or order a replacement.
Q: Can my teen eat with Invisalign?
A: Invisalign trays should be removed during meals. This allows your teen to eat all their favorite foods without restrictions.
Q: Are Invisalign aligners painful?
A: Most teens experience mild pressure or discomfort when switching to a new set of aligners. This typically fades after a day or two.
Give Your Teen a Smile They’ll Love
Ready to explore Invisalign for your teen? Schedule a free consultation at our Mitchellville office today. Dr. Scott and our team will guide you through every step, answer your questions, and help your teen achieve a confident, healthy smile — without the hassle of braces.