In the past, the only way to get straight teeth was to be born with them or to use traditional metal or clear braces. Today, Invisalign© and Invisalign Teen are some of the most popular alternatives to braces available.
Instead of permanent braces cemented to one’s teeth, Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners that move the teeth over time.
Parents like Invisalign due to the flexibility of fewer office visits, no emergency appointments, and happier kids. Teenagers and kids love that it’s invisible and has much less discomfort than braces – making it a great choice for athletes or musicians. There’s no doubt that Invisalign is an effective alternative to metal braces when designed and implemented by a certified experienced orthodontist.
However, it’s important to understand that the results of clear aligners treatment can vary depending on the experience of the doctor designing your smile and bite. Invisalign provides the clear aligners but it’s up to your orthodontist to design each movement and timing to ensure success. And on that note, if you’re deciding on whether to get Invisalign for your child, there are a few things you should consider.
Is Invisalign the Best Option?
It depends on your child.
Because Invisalign is designed to be worn full time — at least 22 hours per day, your child needs to be responsible enough not to take it out except for tooth brushing and eating. Many young children take the aligners out because they can be uncomfortable, especially after getting a new set. It takes some maturity to understand the importance of keeping the aligners in, even if they’re a bit irritating.
Invisalign works great for children who are responsible and follow instructions well. If your child doesn’t yet have the maturity to keep the aligners in or is apt to misplace them, traditional braces might be the better choice.
In some instances, Invisalign may not be the best option or suitable for your child. Examples include impacted teeth or some severe alignment problems. Dr. Moody will do a comprehensive exam at your appointment and determine if Invisalign is right for your child.
When Can Your Child Start Invisalign?
Every child is different, so there’s no exact age to start Invisalign. The timing of treatment will be determined by your orthodontist and various factors.
Dr. Moody and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have an orthodontic exam by the age of 7. This exam is to evaluate the growth and development of the face and jaws and the position of the permanent teeth that have not yet erupted. These early exams are an important part of identifying current issues, preventing future problems, and determining the ideal timing for Invisalign treatment.
If you’re considering Invisalign treatment for yourself or your child, remember that the key to success is using a certified orthodontist with experience in clear aligner treatment. Dr. Moody is a platinum provider of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen and has done extensive additional training to become the premier Invisalign provider in Austin and Dripping Springs.
If you have any questions or are curious if Invisalign is right for your child, contact us today to schedule a free growth check. And if you’ve been told Invisalign isn’t an option, let us know and we’ll give you a complimentary second opinion.
