What Is Invisalign for Kids?
Invisalign for kids is designed for patients ages 6 to 10 and is considered a phase one treatment. Phase one treatment shapes and prepares a young smile so that new teeth don’t create significant orthodontic issues. While phase one treatment may not be the only time your child undergoes orthodontic treatment, it prepares a child’s smile for more efficient treatment during their teens.
Invisalign for kids is a great option that, in many cases, can replace traditional braces. It can still be extremely effective in resolving issues like crowding, spacing, and narrow dental arches. With your child’s specific needs in mind, Dr. Evan carefully customizes the treatment plan from the very start. We want your child’s orthodontic experience to start out excellent, so our custom treatment plans are designed to correct their smile efficiently while keeping your child as comfortable as possible throughout.
Benefits of Invisalign for Kids
Invisalign provides many benefits that make it an attractive treatment plan for younger patients. First, because of the discrete nature of the clear aligners, people may not even notice that your child is undergoing orthodontic treatment. Additionally, Invisalign doesn’t require any metal, eliminating the chance that broken brackets or wires could disrupt treatment.
Invisalign for kids can also streamline your treatment. Braces require routine checkups, tightening, and adjustments. The frequent appointments necessary to maintain braces can be a hassle for those with busier schedules. However, accountability is still vital to maintaining treatment progress. Compliance indicators on the back of the aligners help keep your child accountable and provide evidence that they are wearing their Invisalign for the recommended amount of time each day.
Invisalign for kids also has benefits for a child’s oral health. Because it’s essential to keep the aligners clean, your child will be encouraged to floss and brush their teeth after every meal. Additionally, as the aligners move their teeth, your child will avoid major orthodontic issues that can prolong treatment in their teenage years.
How Will Invisalign Affect My Child’s Lifestyle?
Invisalign for kids will have minimal effects on your child’s lifestyle. Many parents are concerned that Invisalign will prohibit their kids from participating in extracurriculars like sports and band. Luckily, because your child can remove their aligners whenever necessary, Invisalign will not impact their ability to participate in all their favorite activities. Most kids even leave in their Invisalign during games since the aligners can act as a mouthguard.
Because your child will be required to remove their aligners to eat and drink, Invisalign for kids won’t force them to stop eating any of their favorite foods. While sticky and crunchy foods can prove challenging for patients with braces, Invisalign will help correct your child’s smile while keeping their tummy happy!
Finally, because your child will have to brush their teeth more often to keep their aligners clean, Invisalign for kids will encourage better oral care habits that can last a lifetime.
The benefits to your child’s teeth and lifestyle make Invisalign a fantastic option. With Invisalign for kids, it’s never too early to improve your child’s smile!
The Foothills Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics team is here to answer any further questions about Invisalign for kids, your child’s overall orthodontic treatment, and alternative treatment options.