Does Invisalign Work For Kids?

Invisalign is an innovative, new technique for treating alignment and bite problems with teeth. Conventional braces are well known for having a range of limitations that require patients to make many compromises. However, Invisalign eliminates all of these concerns and is largely considered to be superior in every way.
 

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-designed, clear plastic aligners that are worn over the top of the teeth encasing them completely inside. Many people liken them to the dental shields worn by those who grind their teeth. The purpose of these aligners is to gradually encourage teeth to move into a new position by exerting gentle force onto them.

Each Invisalign series of aligners is designed specifically for each individual patient and uses the latest mapping technology to produce them. This takes the initial position of the teeth, the preferred position for them to be in to eliminate alignment and bite problems and maps the journey that they would need to take to achieve the final position. This is then turned into stages, with an aligner being created for each individual stage of the treatment. Whereas someone with conventional braces would need to attend an appointment with their orthodontist to have their brace adjusted, with Invisalign you simply move on to the next aligner in the series.
 

Does Invisalign work for kids?

One of the most common questions we are asked is whether Invisalign is a suitable option for kids. In fact, although there are plenty of adults who choose Invisalign for their orthodontic treatment, it is just as successful and valuable for children. However, if you are intending that your child has Invisalign over conventional braces there are several important things that you will need to bear in mind.

Firstly, Invisalign aligners must be worn in order. Not doing so could cause the treatment program to fail. Secondly, Invisalign aligners must be worn for the recommended minimum of 22 hours each day and only removed for eating and brushing your teeth. If your child doesn’t wear them exactly as directed, the treatment may take much longer than it should, or fail to work properly altogether.
 

Benefits of Invisalign

Since the Invisalign aligners are made from clear, soft plastic, they are virtually invisible once they are in place. This alone helps to make them a more popular option with teenagers who are likely to already be feeling self-conscious about their appearance. However, there are also a number of other important advantages associated with Invisalign aligners, particularly for children. These include:

- No compromises on what you can eat since the aligners are removed at mealtimes. This is a distinct benefit for children who may be fussy about their food and means that they can still enjoy their favorite foods.

- It is much easier to clean your teeth. Since Invisalign aligners must be removed to clean them, you can also brush and floss your underlying teeth without needing to negotiate brackets, wires, and elastics. This enables your child to do a much better job at brushing their teeth, helping them to enjoy improved oral health.

- Fewer visits to the dentist. This can be very helpful when it comes to scheduling appointments around school and extra-curricular activities.

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of Invisalign for kids, please contact our experienced and knowledgeable dental team today.