Invisalign is a great orthodontic treatment option that can also provide great benefits for children. Our BC orthodontists share how and when Invisalign can be an ideal orthodontic treatment option for children.
Can Kids Get Invisalign? Understanding Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, custom-made aligners to help correct crooked teeth and fix misalignment issues. They also have the added bonus of being much more discrete compared to traditional braces. Invisalign is a series of gradually changing mouthpieces that fit over the teeth and are gradually adjusted until they achieve the desired smile. Invisalign is a relatively new orthodontic treatment, but it is becoming quite popular due to its many benefits.
Aligners can preserve or increase space for new teeth and also guide erupting teeth into their ideal position. When children have new teeth emerging, it is relatively simple for new trays to be made to accommodate their progressing smiles. Many parents are unsure as to whether kids can get Invisalign, but with our Invisalign First option, even children can reap the benefits of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners.
Invisible Braces for Kids: Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
The most obvious benefit that Invisalign has over invisible braces for kids, is that the clear aligners are virtually invisible. Your child won't have people commenting on their braces, and they can have a large impact on your child maintaining their self-consciousness.
Since clear aligners are removable, it should be much easier for your child to eat, brush, and floss during treatment. Patients often find that there is less pain associated with moving between Invisalign trays when compared to having adjustments made with traditional braces. Invisalign also tends to be more comfortable than braces, leaving patients without having to deal with discomfort including cuts on the insides of the cheeks that are often caused by braces.
Invisalign can be beneficial for you and your child because it requires fewer visits to the dentist. You will have to check in every so often, but your child will receive multiple trays at once, switching to the next set every two weeks or so.
When Can Kids Start Using Invisalign Aligners?
It is often recommended that children begin Invisalign treatment after all of their adult teeth have come in, around 12 to 13 years of old (this age can vary depending on the child). At My ORTHODONTIST, our Invisalign First program allows younger children to benefit from Invisalign even though their smiles are still developing.
The maturity of your child can play a large role in whether Invisalign is ideal. Since these aligners are removable, the success of the treatment can depend heavily on the user. Invisalign is required to be worn for about 22 hours each day, so there is a lot of discipline needed throughout the treatment process. The aligners need to be worn as directed, so children need to be responsible enough to ensure they are only removed to eat, brush, and floss. It is also important to brush and floss thoroughly after eating so that food is not trapped between the teeth and aligners, resulting in stains, as well as a surplus of plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth.
If a child is undergoing Invisalign treatment, it is also important that they do not lose any sets of their trays. Skipping trays or moving to the next one because the current set goes missing can be detrimental to the outcome of the treatment. This can also cause significant pain and discomfort if the teeth are forced to shift before the previous set has had time to finish adjusting them as desired.
Aligners for Kids: Invisalign Treatment at My ORTHODONTIST
Our BC orthodontists realize that Invisalign may be an ideal solution, but clear aligners are not always the best option depending on your child's needs and maturity. When you visit our orthodontists, we can work with you to determine whether Invisalign is right for your child. If not, we can walk you through our recommended options and discuss a treatment plan.
If you are considering Invisalign orthodontic treatment for your child, our dentists will be happy to examine them to see if they're an ideal candidate. We can also answer any questions you have and walk you and your child through the treatment process to ensure you are informed and know what to expect.