Invisalign for Kids: A Parent's Guide to Straightening Children's Teeth

We answer all the pressing questions you have about Invisalign for kids and teens

If you think your child may need braces in the near future, you may have already wondered if Invisalign is a good option. Invisalign straightens teeth using clear aligners that are worn all the time, except while eating and drinking. Clear aligners like Invisalign are virtually invisible, which makes them appealing to children and younger teens in need of orthodontic care. With the help of Invisalign for kids, your child could have a straighter and healthier smile without the hassle associated with metal braces. In this article, we answer some of the most important questions about Invisalign to help you decide if it is the right move for your child’s smile. Let’s learn a bit more about how Invisalign clear aligners can work for kids.

Is Invisalign as Effective for Straightening My Child’s Teeth?

When worn for the recommended 22+ hours a day, Invisalign for kids is just as effective as metal braces

Invisalign has straightened thousands of smiles in adults and teens just as well as metal braces.

Invisalign has become such a popular option for kids and teens because they are both invisible and just as effective as metal braces. Clear aligners are an excellent option for correcting mild cases of misalignment, crooked teeth, gaps, underbites, and overbites. Though not every child will be an excellent candidate for clear aligners depending on their orthodontic needs, Invisalign for kids can correct most of the same issues as metal braces. If you have questions about whether Invisalign is right for your child, schedule a free consultation with Dr. Jeff Lombard at Legacy Orthodontics and get the information you need to make an informed decision. 

How Long Will Invisalign Take Compared to Traditional Braces?

Invisalign requires fewer trips to the dentist and can straighten your child’s teeth in less time than traditional braces

Talk to your child’s dentist about exactly how long they will be wearing Invisalign.

Sometimes the last thing your child wants to do after a long day of school is go to the dentist for a braces adjustment. Kids usually have very little free time and want to enjoy their hobbies as much as possible. If you choose clear aligners to straighten your child’s smile, you can avoid making consistent trips to the dentist for adjustments. Invisalign clear aligners progress with each new aligner, shifting teeth slightly every time a new aligner is fit over the teeth. Because these adjustments are done at home simply by changing an aligner every few weeks, your child will spend much less time at the dentist than with metal braces. Your child will still need a monthly checkup to make sure their teeth are moving properly, but there is no need for any additional appointments. Invisalign can also take less time than metal braces if used properly, only lasting about a year depending on the amount of correction needed.

My Child is Embarrassed to Get Metal Braces, Is Invisalign a Good Option?

Having crooked teeth or metal braces can be hard on a teen’s self esteem

Don’t let your child be afraid to smile!

Being a teenager is hard, especially if your child feels insecure about their smile. While metal braces will correct their teeth, it is often hard for kids to feel confident when they know that there are metal wires blocking their smile. If your child is struggling with the idea of getting braces, Invisalign may be the best option. With Invisalign, your child can straighten their teeth and feel confident in their smile when they walk into school. Not to mention, without any metal wires, Invisalign greatly decreases the chance of getting food stuck in your teen’s teeth while they are eating lunch.

Will I Have to Change My Child’s Diet for Invisalign Treatment?

You won’t have to worry about Invisalign for kids affecting the foods your child can eat

For many kids, dietary restrictions are one of the worst parts of corrective dentistry.

Many young children are picky eaters or may have dietary restrictions that limit the types of food they can enjoy. When metal braces are put on for the first time, they come with a list of foods and drinks to avoid. If these foods are consumed, it leads to excess plaque buildup around the braces. For example, foods like popcorn and other crunchy foods are usually off limits while wearing metal braces. If these dietary restrictions are not closely followed, it could lead to tooth decay around the braces. 

With Invisalign for kids, you and your child don’t have to worry about any dietary restrictions or special cleaning instructions. Invisalign clear aligners can be removed and replaced after each meal, meaning that your child can enjoy the foods they love as long as they brush their teeth thoroughly and clean their aligners before replacing them.

What Do I Do if My Child Loses One of Their Clear Aligners?

If your child loses their current aligner, don’t fret! There are several easy ways to stay on track with Invisalign

Losing an Invisalign tray is common, just make sure it doesn’t become a habit for your child.

Kids are often disorganized and are prone to losing their belongings, no matter how many times they are reminded. The same is true for the clear aligners used to straighten teeth. Keeping track of these aligners is especially important because it is required to wear retainers 22+ hours per day to effectively straighten your child’s teeth.

However, should your child lose their clear aligner, there are a few ways you can easily remedy the situation. Some dentists will offer discounts on single aligners, since losing them is a pretty common occurrence for young kids using Invisalign. If your child has lost their aligner just before it is time to change aligner trays, you may be able to use the next aligner a bit earlier. 

It is also important for your child to save their last aligner, just in case they lose their current one. If your child has lost their current aligner, it is alright to temporarily use one of the previous aligners to keep their teeth in the right position until you receive a replacement. As with any form of orthodontic care, you should always contact your dentist or orthodontist before making any changes to your Invisalign plan.

There are lots of reasons Invisalign is a great option for kids and teens. If your child has expressed interest in using Invisalign for kids to straighten their smile, they may be on the right track. If you are still unsure whether Invisalign is right for your child, you can always contact Legacy Orthodontics for more information about making the best choice for your child’s smile.