While braces can often be a catch-all solution for many patients of a variety of ages looking to correct their smile, many parents wonder if their child qualifies for treatment with Invisalign clear aligners. Here are some of the factors that may make your child a good candidate for Invisalign.
Your Child Takes Direction Well and Will Be Compliant With Aligners
While braces are more like a fixed appliance that is applied by an orthodontist and also has to be removed by the orthodontist upon completion of treatment, Invisalign offers patients flexibility, and the ability to remove the aligners when needed.
Adults are able to handle this responsibility very well and are able to understand the repercussions of failing to wear their Invisalign trays and delaying treatment. However, a child may not be capable of understanding the consequences and is more likely to remove the aligners due to annoyance or discomfort.
There’s a responsibility part that comes with clear aligners. If you think that your child is able to adapt to new habits of wearing their aligners for 22 hours a day and keeping them safe when removing them for eating or drinking easily, then they’re great candidates for Invisalign treatment. We’ll be able to nail down the specifics in the office, while you offer guidance and encouragement from the sidelines at home. However, if your child is very young and doesn’t understand directions well, Invisalign may not be a good fit just yet.
Your Child’s Oral Malocclusions Align With What Invisalign Can Fix
While clear aligners are capable of tackling mild to severe orthodontic issues such as crowding, overbites, and underbites, sometimes more comprehensive treatment is needed. This is something we would assess and monitor at the office to see if Invisalign would be a good fit. If not, we may be able to recommend something to supplement Invisalign or pursue a different method of treatment, such as traditional metal or clear braces. We will only recommend Invisalign for your child if we’re confident clear aligners can fix their smile and bite.
Why Should I Consider Invisalign For My Child?
Invisalign has become popular among patients of all ages due to the unique benefits of having clear aligners. Here are some of the reasons we recommend Invisalign:
Clear Aligners are Comfortable and Discreet
Patients often report that Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional treatment methods, like braces. Clear aligners are highly customized to each individual patient’s needs, allowing them to be tightly fitted. There are no tightening appointments or elastic bands involved. You simply switch out your current set for the next ones every two weeks. The next set will always fit a little tighter and take a little time to adjust to, but won’t ever be as uncomfortable as braces tend to be for some patients. They may be easier on your child for long-term orthodontic treatment.
Discretion is also very important to our younger patients who place a lot of worth on their self-image. Invisalign clear aligners are almost completely transparent, making Invisalign hardly noticeable when it’s being worn. This may help maintain your child’s self-esteem while getting them one of the highest levels of orthodontic treatment available. Win-win!
They Won’t Need to Change Their Diet
We know that it can be difficult to get children to eat certain foods as is. When pursuing orthodontic treatment through braces, there’s often a long list of restricted foods over a long period of time, which really restrict what your child is able to eat for 1-2 years.
Because Invisalign can be easily removed and stored away when needed, your child won’t have to change anything about their diet or snacking routine. This will definitely make treatment go more smoothly and eliminate unnecessary meal time stress.
During the first few weeks, you may want to feed them mostly soft foods, as their teeth and jaw will be a little sore in the early stages of treatment. Foods like mashed potatoes and other soft-cooked vegetables, fruits, soups, stews, and ice cream are all good choices.
Invisalign May Even Work Better at a Young Age
There’s a reason many parents choose to fix their child’s smile at a young age – it’s easier to do the younger you are. This is because children tend to be more compliant with having things in their mouths, and they’re less inclined to remove them. As long as your child sticks to the 22 hours per day rule, clear aligners may be the best route for solving their orthodontic needs.
Contact us here for more information about Invisalign, and a no-obligation assessment.
