Invisalign is a popular option for kids and teens who need braces. Many parents are wondering if it is the right choice for their child. At Children’s Dental FunZone, our pediatric professionals offer Invisalign® as a comfortable way to help straighten teeth. If you are thinking about Invisalign for your child, here is some helpful information about things parents should know about Invisalign for kids.
What Are Invisalign Aligners and How Do They Work?
Invisalign uses clear, removable plastic aligners that slowly move your child’s teeth into the correct position. Each aligner is worn for about two weeks before switching to the next one in the series. With each new aligner, the teeth move a little bit more.
Our orthodontists use special 3D imaging technology to plan out the treatment for the Invisalign aligner trays that fit your kid’s teeth. This helps make sure the aligners work well and feel comfortable.
Is Invisalign Right for Your Child?
Invisalign can be a good option for pre-teens, teens, and even some younger children. Kids as young as seven can sometimes use Invisalign First™, which is made for kids with growing teeth.
Invisalign can help fix crooked teeth, spaces between teeth, crowding, and even problems like overbites and underbites. However, the aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day to work properly, which can be hard for some younger kids.
During a consultation, our pediatric orthodontists will look at their teeth to see if Invisalign is the best choice or if traditional braces might work better.
Why Do Parents and Kids Like Invisalign?
There are several reasons why Invisalign is popular:
- Looks: The clear aligners are almost invisible, so kids do not have to worry about how they look.
- Removable: Your child can take the aligners out while eating, so they do not have to avoid any foods.
- Comfort: The aligners are made of smooth plastic, so they do not irritate the mouth like metal braces can.
- Easier cleaning: Since the aligners can be taken out, it is easier to brush and floss teeth.
- Fewer emergency visits: There are no wires or brackets to break, so there are fewer trips to the orthodontist.
Invisalign gives kids a more comfortable and less noticeable way to straighten their teeth.
How Do Aligners Compare to Braces?
Both Invisalign and traditional braces can straighten teeth, but there are some key differences:
- Looks: Invisalign aligners are clear and hard to see, while braces are made of metal brackets and wires.
- Comfort: Aligners are smoother and do not cause as much irritation as braces can.
- Care: Invisalign aligners need to be removed for eating and cleaning, while braces stay on all the time. However, aligners need to be properly cared for in order to work effectively.
Both options can work well when used as directed. Our orthodontists will help you decide which option is best for your child.
Taking Care of Invisalign Aligners
It is important to take care of the aligners so they stay clean and work well. Here are some simple tips:
- Rinse the aligners before putting them back in after eating.
- Clean the aligners every day with special cleaning products.
- Make sure your child wears the aligners for the right amount of time and keeps them in a protective case when not wearing them.
- Visit the Children’s Dental FunZone to check progress.
We will give you and your child all the information you need to take care of the aligners.
Invisalign Costs and Insurance
The cost of Invisalign is usually about the same as traditional braces. Many dental insurance plans will help cover some of the cost. We can help check your insurance and find payment options that work for you.
Should You Choose Invisalign for Your Child?
When considering things parents should know about Invisalign for kids, it is clear that Invisalign offers a more comfortable and less noticeable way to straighten teeth. It also helps make oral care easier during treatment, which is important for maintaining good dental hygiene.
If you are thinking about Invisalign for your child, schedule a free consultation at Children’s Dental FunZone. We will help determine if Invisalign is the right choice for your child’s smile.
To learn more about Invisalign and how it can help your child achieve a straighter smile, or to ask any questions about caring for their teeth during treatment, contact us for a consultation today.
