Invisalign for Children
Invisalign for Children
Invisalign First is the next generation of Invisalign products and this addition is special. Invisalign First allows children whose teeth are still growing in to use the Invisalign system to straighten their teeth. Creating a healthy smile often involves treating several dental issues early in childhood, many before all the adult teeth have even erupted. Invisalign First is an early orthodontic treatment that will offer parents of children the option to avoid traditional metal braces. As every child grows, their smile grows with them.
Even with baby teeth still in place, it may be the perfect time for children ages 6 to 10 to start orthodontic treatment. At this stage, dentists can see issues that may need initial treatment to address a developing problem. Invisalign First clear aligner treatment is designed for easily obtainable results and a positive experience while addressing the unique needs of growing children.
Invisalign First is a unique orthodontic treatment especially designed for young children and can be used to correct issues with arch development and expansion, tooth protrusions, tooth crowding and spacing, and the overall appearance of a child’s smile. The custom designed trays can gradually expand the jawline of a growing child. By expanding the arch area over time, your trained dentist, can correct current issues as well as help prevent more serious problems in the immediate future.
Invisalign Can Correct These Conditions Early
Invisalign First can be used for making corrections in the positioning of a growing jaw with unique features for dental arch expansion and creating more room for incoming teeth. Invisalign First can be used to address various orthodontic conditions, such as:
* Arch development
* Spacing/crowding
* Expansion
* Tooth protrusions or interferences
* A-P correction
* Aesthetic alignment
Invisalign First is designed for growing children. For adults and teens who are seeking dental corrections, there are alternative Invisalign treatment products that are age appropriate.
The Benefits of Using Invisalign First
Invisalign First provides a variety of benefits to meet the needs of children with growing teeth. Some benefits of Invisalign First include:
* Treatment for a wide range of orthodontic malformations.
* Allowing younger children to receive a similar Invisalign experience to adults and teens.
* Custom personalized planning around your child’s unique dental needs.
* Providing room for incoming teeth without extracting teeth.
* Supporting teeth and jawline formation without traditional braces.
* Your child can remove the trays to maintain comfort while eating, drinking, brushing their teeth, or other activities.
How does Invisalign First work?
Invisalign First works by both subtly expanding and contouring your child’s jawline through dental arch expansion. Dental arch expansion involves moving your child’s teeth gently over time to increase the width of their dental arch.
The procedure for dental arch expansion begins with an initial consultation to determine if your child is a viable candidate for the treatment. If approved, the dentist will begin taking pictures, x-rays, and impressions of your child’s smile that same day. Digital information from the imaging, x-rays, and impressions will go to an Invisalign lab where a custom Invisalign First aligner or tray will be created for your child. Over time the device will shift your child’s teeth around as needed and new trays will be introduced for the continued stages of treatment.
Depending on your child’s needs, he or she may require a full pair of aligners, upper and lower, or just one aligner. Certain teeth might require attachments to be placed on their surface. Attachments will help direct pressure from the retainer device to the necessary teeth.
A Proactive Solution to Avoid Reactive Treatment
Early orthodontic treatment will not be for everyone but in certain cases, a child has moderate to severe orthodontic issues that just cannot wait for later treatment. This is referred to as Phase 1 treatment or early interceptive treatment and is performed before all permanent teeth have erupted, a situation called early mixed dentition, a combination of baby and permanent teeth.
Children ages 6-10 can now be treated with Invisalign First for issues usually solved with arch expanders, or partial metal braces. The new Invisalign First clear aligners are designed specifically to address a broad range of younger children’s problems. Early treatment can prevent problems or alignment issues that could get worse later while providing a foundation for the permanent teeth to begin to erupt.
Invisalign First uses the same comfortable clear aligner and scanning technology as adult and teen Invisalign treatment. The digital imaging scanner removes the need for the messy, slimy impressions and more precise treatment plans for your child. At the same time, Invisalign First clear aligners expand on key innovations and have been designed specifically for growing patients with unique features and functionality.
The Invisalign First corrective aligner system was created exclusively for younger patients with shorter tooth crowns and what is called the Eruption Compensation feature that makes it possible to treat erupting or changing dentition.
The technology offers the same benefits Invisalign has always offered: no food restrictions, no change in brushing or cleaning, and less chance of emergency visits. Your child’s health is precious which is why this technology was extensively evaluated prior to release.
One of the primary benefits of wearing the invisible retainers over metal braces is that you can remove them at any time. However, for the treatment plan to be effective, the retainers need to be worn for about 20 to 22 hours per day, every day.
When it comes to children, it is not unusual for them to want to remove the aligner trays. Whether that be out of curiosity, or from discomfort. And when they do that, they may forget to clean them and even put them back in. They could even forget where they put the trays. Any of these instances will significantly impact their treatment process. It might be challenging keeping up with the kids taking their trays out and misplacing them.
Clear aligners are certainly safe and effective for a child who has the right dental development. Provided they are cooperative and at an age where they are responsible enough to follow the treatment. If your child has reached the best age to get braces, they might be a candidate for clear aligners.