If your child has crooked, overcrowded, or slightly shifted teeth, it’s best to visit an orthodontist in Pearl City as soon as possible. Even if they dislike the idea of metal braces, Invisalign® can be an effective way to straighten their smile with no brackets and wires.
Still, while it is advised to get Invisalign sooner rather than later to avoid dental health issues, patients often wonder about the effectiveness of this treatment in young children. We created this guide to help you understand all the available options for you and your family.
What’s Invisalign for Kids?
Invisalign® is a great option for people of all ages who experience mild to moderate malocclusion. During this procedure, your orthodontist will provide a set of clear, removable aligners that need to be worn daily for at least 20 hours. Each of these trays applies pressure to your teeth, slowly moving them to the desired position.
After approximately one month, you’ll have to change to the next trays. Progressively, they will achieve moving all your teeth to the desired position.
What Benefits Does Invisalign Have to Offer?
Invisalign is barely visible and much more comfortable to wear than metal braces. Moreover, it prevents the dietary restrictions associated with braces, as it can be removed for eating or drinking anything other than water.
Invisalign has many other benefits for kids who undergo treatment:
- The trays are difficult to detect, making children less self-conscious of their smiles.
- Kids can still eat all their favorite foods simply by removing the aligners.
- Invisalign is easy to clean and care for. Your kid doesn’t need floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean between their teeth and ensure their braces don’t cause tooth decay.
What’s The Ideal Age for Getting Invisalign?
Many people believe there’s an age limit for getting Invisalign, but that’s not true. They’re often the preferred orthodontic method for teenagers and adults, partly due to their enhanced comfort and invisible appearance. However, there is an age requirement.
While you can’t be too old for Invisalign, you can be too young. There are two distinct stages of orthodontic therapy for kids and teens.
- The goal of phase I treatment is to steer development and prevent problems in the future. Palatal expanders, space maintainers, customized retainers, and restricted braces are a few of the therapies employed.
- When most or all of the permanent teeth have firmly established themselves, phase II therapy can address crowding, jaw development, biting abnormalities, and other concerns. The most popular kind of phase II therapy is traditional braces.
Invisalign is often effective for phase II treatment in children, but they’re not ideal for phase I. Even though Invisalign developed a specific treatment for phase I, called Invisalign First, the results it can achieve are limited.
Your child may be too young for Invisalign if they require phase I treatment and are under the age of eleven. You will need to look for another workable treatment option for their particular orthodontic demands.
The Challenges of Invisalign for Kids
Despite its benefits, Invisalign for kids has its own challenges, too
To be effective, consistent Invisalign wear is fundamental. This can be hard to ensure with younger kids—especially if they’re in school for most of the day. You can’t always monitor if they’re wearing their Invisalign as they should or taking it out to eat and drink.
If your kids don’t follow these guidelines, the clear aligners could become damaged, leading to costly replacements. Additionally, neglecting proper hygiene can result in dirty trays that harbor bacteria. Wearing contaminated trays for long periods can increase their risk of tooth decay and cavities, compromising both their oral health and the Invisalign treatment’s success.
To ensure the success of their treatment, parents should create new routines with their children that allow them to understand the benefits of following the orthodontist’s recommendations.
Why Is it Better to Start Orthodontics Treatment Early?
If your kid has an orthodontic-related issue, they might be ready for treatment, including Invisalign or braces, as early as age seven years. Parents often feel hesitant about starting treatment early, worrying about their child’s comfort or whether braces are necessary. Nonetheless, early orthodontic treatment is optimal for their general dental health.
Faster Treatment
Orthodontic treatments work thanks to a biological phenomenon called bone remodeling. In this process, bone breaks down, releasing the minerals and calcium it contains into the bloodstream. Afterward, it rebuilds itself.
Bone rebuilding happens more quickly in children than bone breakdown, which is why orthodontic treatment is more efficient at a young age.
Health and Long-Term Benefits
Straighter teeth are easier to clean, making early intervention essential for long-term oral health. Additionally, early intervention can help prevent issues like TMJ disorders (TMJ) that can impair jaw joint function and bruxism (tooth grinding).
Social Comfort and Adjustment
It’s often easier for kids to adjust and endure the treatment if they’re surrounded by other kids going through the same experience. Starting orthodontic treatment can sometimes be socially uncomfortable for teens or adults, so early treatment has its advantages.
This shouldn’t dissuade adults from getting orthodontic treatments! Properly aligned teeth are beneficial to health and well-being at any stage of life.
Get Invisalign with an Orthodontist in Pearl City
When it comes to orthodontic issues, early treatment is always the best. If your kid needs orthodontic treatment but hates the idea of braces, there are other options to explore.
Here at Kidshine Pediatric Dental Group, we’ll work together to find the ideal treatment for your young ones and give you professional advice on maintaining their oral health for years to come. Schedule a consultation right away to learn more!
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
