Is Invisalign suitable for children? Are you a parent worried about your child’s misaligned teeth? While Invisalign is a popular option among adults for discreetly straightening teeth, you might be wondering if it’s the right choice for your child.
In this blog, we’ll help you understand whether Invisalign is suitable for children by exploring how it works, its benefits, and what you should consider before making a decision.
How Does Invisalign Work For Children?
To answer the question, “Is Invisalign suitable for children?” it’s important to understand how invisalign treatment works for children. Invisalign works similarly for children and adults. The treatment involves the use of a series of customized, clear plastic aligners that shift the teeth into their desired positions.
Since children’s teeth and jaws are still growing, the treatment is done in such a way that it doesn’t affect their ongoing development. The Invisalign for children applies gentle pressure and guides the teeth into proper alignment.
There is a special feature of Invisalign for children called Invisalign First, which is specifically designed for younger kids who still have baby teeth. This treatment can address early orthodontic issues, such as overcrowding or spacing. Additionally, Invisalign aligners for children come with compliance indicators, i.e., small blue dots on the aligners that fade over time to help parents and orthodontists ensure the child is wearing them as recommended.
At What Age Is Invisalign Suitable For Children?
The best age for children to get Invisalign is 7 years and above. At this age, most kids have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, which is an ideal time for orthodontic evaluation.
Timing is important in orthodontic treatment because early intervention can prevent more serious dental issues from developing later on. If a child starts Invisalign during their growth phase, orthodontists can guide the teeth into the correct positions while the jaw is still developing. This helps correct problems like overcrowding, spacing, or bite alignment before they become more complicated to fix in the future.
However, some children benefit from waiting until most of their permanent teeth have come in, which usually happens around the ages of 12-13. In these cases, Invisalign may be more effective, as the orthodontist can work with a fully developed set of permanent teeth.
Is Invisalign Suitable For Children?
Advantages of Invisalign
- It is aesthetically pleasing for children who are self-conscious about wearing braces.
- These are more comfortable than metal braces.
- Aligners can be easily removed, and thus, it is easy to maintain oral hygiene.
- It doesn’t restrict children from eating any food as it is removed before a meal.
- It requires fewer orthodontic visits than traditional braces.
Disadvantages of Invisalign
- Children may forget or resist wearing their aligners for 20-22 hours a day.
- It may not be effective for orthodontic issues like extreme misalignment or jaw correction.
- It can be lost, misplaced, or damaged because the aligners are removable.
- Parents must see if their children are wearing Invisalign or not.
- These are more expensive than traditional braces.
Comparing Invisalign to Traditional Braces for Children
| Aspect | Invisalign | Braces |
| Appearance | These are invisible and more popular among children. | These are highly visible and makes children uncomfortable. |
| Comfort | It has smooth plastic aligners that are gentle on gums and cheeks with no sharp edges or wires. | It has wires and brackets that may irritate the mouth and require adjustments. |
| Oral Hygiene | Removable aligners make brushing and flossing easy. | Brackets and wires can make brushing and flossing more difficult. |
| Compliance | Children have to wear it for 20-22 hours. | Children have to wear it permanently. |
| Cost | The cost of Invisalign treatment ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. | Traditional braces are more affordable, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $6,000. |
Is Your Child A Good Candidate For Invisalign?
There are several factors that determine if Invisalign is good for your children.
Age and Dental Development
Invisalign is recommended for children who have most or all of their permanent teeth. This happens around ages 12-13. Younger children with baby teeth may not be ideal candidates for Invisalign, as their dental structure is still developing.
Orthodontic Issues
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic problems, such as crowding or spacing. However, more complex bite issues may require traditional braces for better results. An orthodontist can help determine if Invisalign will meet your child’s specific needs.
Responsibility and Commitment
Since Invisalign aligners are removable, they need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day. If your child is forgetful or struggles with responsibility, treatment might take longer.
Active Lifestyle
Invisalign is a great option for children involved in sports. It’s comfortable and causes fewer mouth injuries than traditional braces. The nearly invisible design also appeals to children who are concerned about their appearance during treatment.
Takeaway
Invisalign can be a great option for children with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, especially for those who are responsible enough to follow the treatment plan. While it offers many benefits, such as comfort, aesthetics, and flexibility, it’s important to consider whether your child is ready for the commitment required for successful results.
Schedule Your Child’s Invisalign Consultation
If you think Invisalign might be right for your child, schedule a consultation with Palisades Dental Care in Dumont, NJ. New patients can call us at (201) 279-0440, and all other callers can reach us at (201) 568-9811.
FAQs
How long does Invisalign treatment take for children?
The duration of Invisalign treatment for children can last between 12 to 18 months.
Is Invisalign suitable for children?
Invisalign works even better in kids because they are more adaptable to having something in their mouth and not constantly removing it.
Is Invisalign painful for kids?
Invisalign is not as painful as traditional braces, but they may experience mild discomfort when wearing them.
