What Age Can My Child Start the Invisalign Treatment?

Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment using clear aligners to straighten teeth. Unlike conventional metal braces, clear aligners are virtually invisible. Also, kids can remove them for eating, brushing, and flossing. So then, when can your child start Invisalign treatment?

 

What Is Invisalign?

 

This orthodontic treatment uses clear, removable aligners to shift teeth into the correct positions. Each set of aligners fits the patient's teeth. They are wearable for about two weeks before they’re replaced with the next set in the series.

 

What Age Can a Child Start Invisalign Treatment?

 

Generally, this treatment is suitable for children and teenagers with all their permanent teeth. This will usually be around the time they are 12 or 13 but can vary based on the growth and development of each child. It is important to note that younger children may not be good candidates because their teeth and jaw are still growing and changing.

 

What Are the Benefits?

 

Invisalign treatment offers several benefits for children, including the following:
 

  • Improved self-esteem - These clear aligners are virtually invisible. This can help kids and teens feel more confident about their smiles during treatment
     

  • Better oral hygiene - These aligners are removable. This makes brushing and flossing easier and more effective than with traditional braces
     

  • No dietary restrictions - Clear aligners, unlike traditional braces, are removable for eating and drinking. So, there are no restrictions on what children can eat
     

  • More comfortable - The smooth plastic used to make the aligners are more comfortable than the brackets and wires of traditional braces
     

  • Less time-consuming - Invisalign appointments are typically shorter and less frequent than those for traditional braces
     

  • Effective treatment - Invisalign treatment can effectively fix many orthodontic issues. These include crowded teeth, gaps, overbites, and underbites
     

  • Customizable - These aligners fit each patient's teeth, ensuring a comfortable and effective treatment

 

What Are the Risks?

 

Although receiving this treatment is largely risk-free for kids, being mindful of some of the following situations is crucial to setting realistic expectations for the treatment length and effectiveness.
 

  • Children may forget to wear their aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. This can prolong the treatment time and reduce its effectiveness
     

  • Kids may accidentally damage or lose their aligners. This can also prolong the treatment time and increase the treatment cost
     

  • Not all orthodontic problems are treatable with Invisalign. Some kids might need traditional braces or other kinds of orthodontic care
     

  • This treatment can be more expensive than traditional braces. Cost may be a factor for some families

 

What Is the Treatment Process?

 

A dentist or orthodontist evaluation is necessary to establish whether a child is a good candidate. If so, a dentist will create a customized treatment based on their orthodontic needs. 


The child then wears a series of custom-made, clear aligners for about two weeks each until they achieve the desired results. Regular checkups are necessary to track their progress and make any necessary adjustments. 

 

Conclusion

 

Although this treatment has many advantages, it still comes with risks. Do you need help determining whether Invisalign is necessary for your little one? If so, consult your child's dentist or orthodontist. With proper compliance, this treatment can help kids achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
 

For more on Invisalign, contact Rudell Gary S. Jacinto, DMD, General and Cosmetic Dentistry, at our office in Los Angeles, California. Call (323) 405-9428 to book an appointment today.

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