In years past, orthodontic treatment was not recommended until all of the deciduous (baby) teeth had fallen out. Today, we know that early intervention can be beneficial. We call this Phase 1 treatment. Previously Phase 1 involved fixed appliances in a child’s (age 6-12) mouth. Invisalign First changes that. It is a clear set of aligners that are specially designed for younger kids to correct problems earlier and prevent them from becoming more serious.
Once we have decided together if your child can benefit from Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, is Invisalign First the right choice?
What is Invisalign First?
Invisalign® First is a clear aligner treatment tailored for young children who have a mixture of baby and permanent teeth. It aims to correct dental issues early, potentially avoiding more extensive treatments in the future. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® First uses a series of custom-made, removable aligners that gradually move teeth into the desired position.
Common Problems Fixed By Invisalign First
Invisalign First can offer great results for children who have alignment issues such as:
- Crowding
- Malocclusion (bite issues)
- Narrow arches
- Effects of thumb sucking
- Results of tongue thrusting
- Aesthetic alignment
Benefits of Invisalign First for Children
Invisalign First aligners offer several advantages over traditional, fixed (cemented in place), early interventions.
1. Comfort and Convenience:
- Invisalign First aligners are smooth and comfortable, with no metal brackets or wires that can cause irritation.
- They are removable, making it easier for children to maintain good oral hygiene and enjoy their favorite foods without restrictions.
2. Aesthetics:
- The clear aligners are nearly invisible, which can boost your child’s confidence and reduce self-consciousness during treatment.
3. Effective Early Treatment:
- By addressing dental issues early, Invisalign First can guide the development of your child’s jaw and teeth, potentially preventing more severe problems later on.
4. Customized Treatment:
- Each set of aligners is custom-made to fit your child’s mouth perfectly, ensuring optimal results.
Things to Consider with Invisalign for Kids
The challenge of removable aligners is that they are, after all, removable.
1. Compliance
Compliance with any orthodontic treatment can be a challenge with children. The aligners need to be worn 20-22 hours a day. You will need to help your child remember to take them out and put them back in when food is involved. The risk to non-compliance is added treatment time, but does not cause ill effects.
2. Easily Lost or Misplaced (or Eaten)
It’s very easy to forget an aligner on a lunch tray and accidentally throw it away. Or, to take it out before you eat and forget where you put it. Or, to find it in your dog’s mouth, as its new favorite chew toy. Therefore, the case is very important for protecting them when not in your child’s mouth.
3. Take into Account a Child’s Maturity or Attitude
You know your child better than anyone else. How is your child with following directions? Does your child keep up with what belongs to them? Will your child understand you are doing this to help them have a healthier mouth?
Walton & Maready Welcomes Children from the Age of Seven for Their First Visit
Your child’s initial visit is free and includes a comprehensive evaluation and x-rays. We look forward to meeting you both and helping your child have the healthiest and most natural smile possible. Come find out why Walton & Maready is proud to be a Platinum-level Invisalign provider and a winner of WRAL Voters Choice Award for Best Orthodontist. Schedule an appointment in our Raleigh office.