Invisalign for Children

Is your child’s smile causing them concern? Many parents worry about misaligned teeth or malocclusions, which can impact confidence and oral health.

Fortunately, Invisalign offers a modern solution. These clear, removable aligners gently guide teeth into the correct position, providing a discreet and effective alternative to traditional braces.

In this article, we’ll explore how Invisalign works for children, its effectiveness for various orthodontic issues, and important considerations for parents seeking the best option for their child’s smile.

Can Children Get Invisalign?

If you’re concerned about your child’s misaligned teeth, Invisalign may be a great option to consider. They’re clear aligners that can help your child achieve a straighter, healthier smile.

Invisalign treatment can begin once most of your child’s permanent teeth have erupted, usually around ages 12 to 14.

However, there’s an option called Invisalign First to address minor orthodontic problems early on. It’s specifically designed for children between the ages of 6 and 10.

What to Consider Before Getting Invisalign for Your Child

There are a few things to keep in mind to see if Invisalign is right for your child:

• Permanent teeth — Invisalign works best when most of your child’s permanent teeth are in. This ensures the aligners can effectively move their teeth into the right position without baby teeth getting in the way.
• Treatable orthodontic issues — Invisalign can address many common orthodontic problems, such as crowding, gaps, and misaligned bites. It may not be suitable for very complex cases that require more advanced treatment.
• Responsibility — To be effective, Invisalign aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. It’s important for your child to be responsible enough to wear them as directed.
• Lifestyle — Active kids may find them convenient for sports and eating. However, responsibility is key for successful treatment.
• Cost — Similar to braces ($3,000 to $7,000) with some insurance coverage available.

What to Expect During an Invisalign Consultation

If you decide to get Invisalign for your child, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist experienced in Invisalign treatment.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Examination—The orthodontist will carefully examine your child’s teeth, mouth, jaws, and face. This may involve digital X-rays, impressions, or 3D scans of their teeth.
2. Assessment — The orthodontist will assess your child’s unique situation and determine if Invisalign is the right choice. They’ll consider factors like the number of permanent teeth, the severity of the orthodontic issues, and your child’s maturity level.
3. Treatment plan — If Invisalign is a good fit, the orthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan. This will outline the number of aligners needed, the treatment duration, and other necessary procedures.
4. Discussion — The orthodontist will explain the entire process, including how to wear and care for the aligners, and emphasize the importance of wearing them as instructed. They’ll also be happy to answer any questions you or your child may have.

How Is a Custom Treatment Plan Made?

If Invisalign is identified as an ideal solution for your child’s dental issues, the orthodontist will take digital scans of your child’s teeth will be taken using an iTero Element 5D Digital Scanner or similar technology.

This scanner creates a precise 3D image of the teeth, eliminating the need for traditional molds. The 3D images map out a detailed treatment plan, predicting the movement of the teeth at each stage of the treatment. It also provides a visual representation of the expected final result.

Based on the plan, a series of custom aligners will be fabricated. These aligners are made from a clear, medical-grade plastic called SmartTrack, which ensures a comfortable and precise fit.

How Do Invisalign Aligners Work?

Invisalign treatment involves using a series of aligners to gradually shift the teeth into their desired positions. Here’s how this process works:

• Wearing aligners — Your child will wear each set of aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing.
• Bi-weekly changes — Approximately every two weeks, your child will switch to a new set of aligners. Each new set slightly differs from the previous one, applying gentle, controlled pressure to specific teeth to move them progressively closer to their final positions.
• SmartForce attachments — In some cases, small, tooth-colored attachments called SmartForce may be placed on the teeth. These attachments act as handles, giving the aligners something to push against to achieve more complex tooth movements.

Follow-Up Appointments and Aftercare

Once treatment begins, regular check-ups with the orthodontist are important to monitor the progress. These appointments are typically scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks.

On average, Invisalign treatment for kids can take 12 to 18 months. However, the exact duration depends on the severity of the misalignment and the child’s compliance with wearing the aligners as directed.

The orthodontist will ensure that the teeth are moving as planned and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Once the treatment is complete, your child may need a retainer to prevent the teeth from shifting back to their original positions.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign for Children?

Invisalign offers several benefits over traditional braces for children, making it a compelling treatment option:

• Discreet appearance — Invisalign uses clear, nearly invisible aligners to fit snugly over the teeth. This can be a major benefit for children who may feel self-conscious about their smile during orthodontic treatment.
• Enhanced comfort — Invisalign uses smooth, medical-grade plastic aligners designed to fit comfortably over the teeth without causing such discomfort.
• Removable for convenience — Children don’t have to worry about food restrictions and can maintain their normal diet without damaging their braces. The ability to remove the aligners makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Potentially shorter treatment times — In some cases, the treatment duration with Invisalign can be shorter than that with traditional braces. This depends on the complexity of the case and the child’s compliance with wearing the aligners as prescribed.
• Fewer orthodontist visits — Invisalign treatments are designed to be replaced every two weeks, and the need for adjustments is minimized.

Alternatives to Invisalign for Kids

When considering orthodontic treatment for children, it’s important to explore all available options to find the best fit for their needs.

While Invisalign is a popular choice, there are several other effective alternatives. Let’s take a look at them.

Traditional Braces

Traditional metal braces are a tried-and-true option for children’s orthodontic treatment. They excel at correcting complex issues like severe misalignments, overcrowding, and bite problems.

Braces are also durable and can handle active lifestyles. However, they are more noticeable than clear aligners and may cause some discomfort. They also require regular adjustments by an orthodontist.

Other Clear Aligners

While Invisalign is a popular choice, there are other clear aligner brands that might be a better fit for your kids. These include:

• SureSmile — Known for shorter treatment durations and comfort. Designed to accommodate the dynamic dental landscape of children and teens.
• 3M Clarity Aligners — Tailored specifically for children, these aligners are designed to fit snugly and accommodate the growth and changes in a child’s mouth. They offer minimal speech disruption and are comfortable to wear.
• Spark Aligners — Suitable for children with crooked teeth, spacing issues, or bite problems. Designed to be comfortable and effective, helping children achieve a straighter smile with fewer disruptions to their daily activities.

Space Maintainers and Expanders

Space maintainers are orthodontic devices that preserve the space left by lost baby teeth until the permanent teeth erupt. They are crucial in preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting into the vacant space, which can lead to misalignment and crowding.

Conversely, expanders are devices used to widen the upper jaw to create more space for tooth alignment. They are particularly useful in treating crossbites and severe crowding by gradually expanding the palate over time.