Is It Ok for Kids to Get Invisalign?

Are you considering braces for your child? Are you wondering if Invisalign for kids is safe and effective?

Many parents choose orthodontics for their kids for a number of reasons. It’s an investment that will result in better oral health, an improved appearance, and greater ease with talking and speaking. 

Yet what about Invisalign for children? Is there a minimum age for Invisalign, and when is it preferable to traditional braces?

Let’s take a look.

How Young Can Kids Be To Get Invisalign?

Generally speaking, Invisalign is designed for teens and adults who have the maturity to wear Invisalign for the required 20 to 22 hours per day. If you believe your child will be prone to removing the aligners when they shouldn’t be, you may want to opt for traditional braces.

However, children can actually start wearing Invisalign whenever their mouth is ready for braces. This usually happens between the ages of 8 and 14 years old. Children need to wait until the majority of their adult teeth have grown in. 

In addition, some orthodontists may recommend what is called an interception approach. With this, a child will get braces while they still have mostly baby teeth. There is then a second phase once the adult teeth grow in.

Still, many orthodontists still recommend a traditional approach. And it is believed that the level of responsibility is more important than age when it comes to Invisalign.

So, if you know your ten-year-old would be super-careful about only taking their Invisalign out to eat and brush their teeth, it may be a good solution. But if you know your thirteen-year-old would be constantly losing the aligners, you may want to opt for something more traditional. 

The American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist when they are around 7 years old. Some may have crowded or misaligned teeth. Others may have a lisp that can get corrected with braces.

Generally speaking, though, kids may have to wait a year or two before they actually begin orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will likely want to wait until more adult teeth are visible. 

What Are The Benefits of Invisalign?

When considering factors such as the cost of Invisalign, you may be wondering if it is worth the investment. Invisalign is more expensive than traditional metal or ceramic options. Yet there are ways that your dentist or employer-provided health plan can make it more affordable.

That being said, many parents consider that Invisalign is well worth the bit of extra cost. If your child is reluctant to wear braces because they are self-conscious about their appearance, for example, Invisalign could make the whole process a lot less painful.

Straight teeth are crucial for your child’s overall oral health. They can help make it easier for them to brush and floss, thus preventing plaque from getting stuck between teeth. This can help prevent things like cavities and gum disease both now and in the future.

In addition, your child’s confidence and self-esteem can get a boost with Invisalign, which will provide a straight and beautiful smile. And the treatment won’t be noticeable to most people.

With traditional braces, young people are limited in terms of what they can eat. This is because certain foods can dislodge brackets and wires. Your child may have to stay away from favorite foods like nuts, pizza, and apples for a while.

With Invisalign, however, your child will be able to remove their treatment while they eat. So they can still eat most of the foods they love.

Invisalign will also allow your child to brush and floss as usual. They won’t need to worry about getting around their traditional braces hardware. Invisalign is also easy to clean.

Many Invisalign users also find their aligners to be more comfortable than traditional braces. There are no wires cutting into their teeth and gums. If your child is sensitive, it could be a big benefit.

How Do I Find The Right Orthodontist?

If you’re considering Invisalign for your child, you may want to start by consulting your dental insurance company if you have one. They can let you know how much of the cost of braces they will cover. You can also find out which orthodontists close to you would be covered.

You can also reach out to friends-co-workers, or social media community groups to get recommendations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do some digging.

Was the orthodontist friendly and professional? Were they sensitive to their child’s needs? What was the cost like?

You can also take a look at online reviews and get an idea of what former clients are saying. Are there many similar positive comments about the staff or treatment? Or are there some negative ones that give you a reason for concern?

Once you’ve narrowed down your search, go ahead and call up local dental offices or visit them in person. Does it seem to be a clean, well-organized space? Does the office staff give you extra confidence?

Remember that it’s important to choose a local orthodontist as your child will probably be returning every few weeks for a check-up. And your child may know other kids who are going to the same office for their dental treatment!

Invisalign For Children

If your child is mature and ready for braces, you may be ready to consider Invisalign for children. With the right orthodontist and the right treatment, they could be on their way to a healthy smile in no time. 

Don’t stop getting smart about your health and lifestyle now. For more great advice, read our blog today.