Invisalign for Children

Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to move a child’s teeth into position. It corrects many of the same crowding, spacing, and bite problems as traditional braces, without brackets or wires.

Treatment usually starts once most permanent teeth have come in, and a separate program exists for younger children. How well it works depends on how consistently your child wears the aligners.

Below, you’ll find how the aligners work, which orthodontic issues they treat, and what to weigh before starting.

Can Children Get Invisalign?

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

Younger children have their own option. Invisalign First is designed for kids between the ages of 6 and 10. It addresses minor orthodontic problems while the jaw is still growing.

Straighten your teeth at a fraction of the cost. Learn about clear aligners.

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 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?

The plan starts with a digital scan. Your orthodontist scans the teeth with an iTero scanner or similar device, which replaces the putty of a conventional impression and records the shape far faster.

That scan builds a precise 3D model of your child’s mouth. From it, the orthodontist maps the tooth movement at each stage and shows you a preview of the expected final result.

The plan then drives fabrication of a custom aligner series. The aligners are made from SmartTrack, Align’s proprietary clear plastic, designed to move teeth more predictably and comfortably.

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:

• Wear time: Your child wears each set 20 to 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat, drink, brush, and floss.
• A new set on schedule: Align now supplies aligners on a weekly schedule, though your orthodontist sets the pace your child actually follows. Each set differs slightly from the last, applying gentle pressure to specific teeth.
• SmartForce attachments: These are small, tooth-colored pieces bonded to certain teeth when the plan calls for them. They help the aligners move those teeth more effectively.

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 treatment is complete, your child will need a retainer. It holds the teeth in their new positions so they do not drift back.

Find the best at-home clear aligners for mild misalignment. See our expert recommendations.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign for Children?

Invisalign offers several benefits over traditional braces for children:

• Discreet appearance: Invisalign uses clear, nearly invisible aligners that fit snugly over the teeth. This can be a major benefit for children who feel self-conscious about their smile during orthodontic treatment.
• Enhanced comfort: The aligners are smooth plastic shells shaped to the teeth, so there are no brackets or wires to irritate the cheeks and lips.
• 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, Invisalign treatment takes less time than traditional braces. This depends on the complexity of the case and how consistently your child wears the aligners.
• Fewer chair-side adjustments: Your child swaps in each new set at home, so appointments focus on checking progress rather than tightening wires.

Alternatives to Invisalign for Kids

Invisalign is a popular choice, but several other effective alternatives exist for children’s orthodontic treatment.

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.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check-up by age 7, and some airway-focused practices screen for jaw growth at ages 3 to 4. A child who snores or breathes through the mouth may be evaluated for sleep apnea in children before aligner treatment is planned.