Is Invisalign Right for Your Child?

Does your child have crowded teeth, crooked teeth, or bite issues? Many children need orthodontic treatment, and it’s estimated that children ages 9-14 are the most likely to undergo such treatment. 

If your child is showing signs of needing orthodontics, an orthodontic evaluation can pinpoint your next steps. Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Roberto Palmieri is an experienced Invisalign® provider ready to help your child discover his or her best smile.

If you’re wondering whether Invisalign is right for your child, then this article is for you.

Can children wear Invisalign trays?

Yes! Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear BPA-free aligners to address a variety of orthodontic concerns. Invisalign is ideal for adults, teens, and even younger children.

Invisalign First® is suitable for younger children (ages 6-10). Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, or high school, there’s an Invisalign plan for them.

Here are five signs that Invisalign is a good fit for your child.

1. Invisalign can correct orthodontic issues early on

There isn’t one “start age” for orthodontic treatment. Some kids need earlier intervention to help create space for emerging adult teeth, while others may not need treatment until the pre-teen or teen years. 

Regardless, children should receive an orthodontic evaluation when their adult teeth start to emerge, usually around age 7.

Orthodontic treatment can correct current issues (like gap teeth or bad bites), but it can also be proactive. For example, Invisalign can fix a class II malocclusion (bad bite) in teens. Correcting a bad bite now can prevent future issues associated with bad bites.

Invisalign treatments — which can be as short as six months — address a variety of simple to complex concerns, including:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Open bite
• Crossbite
• Overcrowding
• Gap teeth

Your child’s jaw is still developing, so treatment now can prevent future discomfort and issues.

2. Treatment is relatively quick

The average length of treatment with traditional metal braces is two years. Invisalign treatments can deliver the results you want in as little as six months. Of course, this varies depending on the severity of the bite issues and other factors — like how long your child wears the trays.

3. Invisalign is comfortable

A negative aspect of wearing metal braces is the discomfort. The brackets themselves can be uncomfortable, and every six weeks, the wires and brackets are adjusted, resulting in discomfort for several days. At these times, many children can only tolerate smoothies, soups, and stews.

Invisalign is nothing like traditional braces. Free from wires and brackets, Invisalign works by gently shifting your child’s teeth with each new tray. The trays themselves are smooth, so your child won’t develop mouth sores or any lip/cheek lacerations.

4. Invisalign is discreet

With Invisalign, your child can feel confident going to school or spending time with friends. These clear trays are nearly invisible and won’t stick out when your child smiles.

5. Invisalign is easy to clean

Unlike braces, Invisalign trays are easy to keep clean. They’re removable, so your child can continue a normal oral hygiene routine without the hassle of flossing around brackets. 

Tip: You can promote good oral hygiene by sending your child to school with an Invisalign kit. Stock it with a travel toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a case to stow the trays when they eat. After lunch, they can brush and floss before placing the trays back into their mouth.

Feel confident with precise, predictable, and monitored care

Your child’s Invisalign trays are custom-made using advanced 3D images and cutting-edge software. Your child’s treatment plan is laid out clearly from the first tray to the last.

And the best part? You can monitor your child’s progress. A blue indicator dot ensures that your child wears their trays for the recommended 22 hours per day.

Making little smiles brighter and healthier 

At Palmieri Dentistry, we’re on a mission to support all of your family’s oral health needs, including orthodontic treatment with Invisalign.

To schedule an appointment and learn more about Invisalign, call our Mooresville, North Carolina, office at 704-247-6336 or book your appointment online.