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Braces are often associated with children, and there’s a good reason. A straighter smile is easier to maintain and less prone to cavities, and, because a child’s bones are still growing, treatments are often faster. Therefore, any East Nashville family dentist will recommend orthodontics if they notice your child has malocclusion. 

Nevertheless, braces come with various challenges like dietary restrictions and the need for good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease. For that reason, Invisalign® poses an attractive alternative. Can children explore this discreet treatment?

What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option that is both safe and effective for straightening your teeth. The principle behind it is the same as braces.  

At our dental office, you’ll receive a series of customized trays mapped to plan each tooth’s movement. Each trait achieves this by placing subtle but constant pressure. If you wear them 20-22 hours a day, as indicated, your teeth will slowly shift to the right position.  

That way, Invisalign can successfully correct dental issues such as underbites, overbites, gaps, and crooked teeth.  

At What Age Can You Get Invisalign? 

While adults more commonly use it, Invisalign can also help children improve their smile and oral health. 

There isn’t really a specific age range for Invisalign. However, it’s best to begin once most of your child’s permanent teeth have erupted, usually around 12 to 14. 

However, Invisalign First is a solution for early treatment of minor orthodontic issues. It is especially made for kids aged six to ten, and it helps address severe issues and reduce treatment length in the long run.  

What Determines if a Child Can Get Invisalign? 

Before starting an orthodontic process, children must be mature enough to comply with its requirements. Invisalign is removable, so children will have no trouble brushing and flossing their teeth. There are also no dietary restrictions—children simply need to remove the trays every time they eat. 

However, Invisalign must be worn most of the day, so the child must be responsible enough to use the clear aligners as intended. Failure to comply can lengthen the process or even require new sets of trays, resulting in higher costs. 

Their eligibility is also based on how their mouth and teeth move. After evaluating their jaw and teeth, an orthodontist can decide if the patient is ready to begin wearing the aligners or if further development of the mouth is necessary before starting treatment.

Protect Your Child’s Oral Health with Our East Nashville Family Dentistry Services 

Orthodontic treatments do more than offer a straighter, more attractive smile. They fix bite issues and teeth overcrowding, making it easier for your child to brush their teeth, eat, and smile with confidence. 

While orthodontics is not very popular among children, the long-term benefits are often noticeable. Plus, they will save them both from discomfort and wasting money in the long run. Nowadays, options like clear aligners can also help make this process easier for them. If you’d like to learn more, contact Greenwood Local Dentistry, and let’s schedule a consultation! 

*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.