Invisalign aligners are a modern and reliable way to improve teeth alignment without using traditional dental braces. It uses clear, personalized aligner trays that fit snugly over one’s teeth, providing a discreet and comfortable way to achieve straighter teeth. The removable aligners allow patients to maintain their usual brushing and flossing routine. However, it’s not for everyone.
So, when is the best time for children to get Invisalign aligners?
Ideal Age for Children to Wear Invisalign Aligners
Kids can start wearing Invisalign aligners when all their adult teeth have appeared between 12 to 14 years of age. Most dentists don’t recommend this treatment to those without a complete set of adult teeth. It’s because they do not know the precise position of the incoming permanent teeth. Also, as an alternative to dental braces, it requires wearing the Invisalign trays for 22 hours per day, which may be an issue with small children that may not be responsible enough to commit to this routine.
It’s essential to keep in mind, though, that children are different. Some may grow their adult teeth earlier than 12, making them qualified for this oral procedure. However, you need to closely supervise them to ensure they wear their aligners as prescribed, or the treatment may end up being ineffective.
The Best Age to Wear Aligners for Optimal Success
The best age to get this treatment is from teenage to young adulthood when the jaw and teeth have just finished growing. Compared to middle-aged and senior patients, younger patients have better chances of obtaining their desired results since their teeth are still very malleable and can be moved much easier. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t have Invisalign in your 40s or 50s.
There’s no maximum age restriction for this procedure as long as all the adult teeth have come in place and you have no hidden medical problems that can affect your oral health. But you may expect that your treatment time is much longer and that you may need to wear more sets of aligners for the best results. On the other hand, if you’re in need of urgent dental care due to underlying oral problems, there are clinics that offer services for a wide range of dental emergencies, treating patients of all ages.
What Are the Dental Issues That Invisalign Can Address?
Invisalign treatment simply cannot fix severe dental issues. Below are dental concerns this treatment can attend to:
- Mild to moderate teeth misalignment
- Mild to moderate teeth crowding or spacing
- Mild to moderate malocclusion (overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite)
- Mild to moderate crooked teeth
Keep in mind that Invisalign can not correct tooth shape or damaged and tarnished teeth. But, professional teeth whitening treatments can help improve the look of discolored teeth, creating the teeth whitening effect that can improve your or your child’s confidence and smile.
Oral Hygiene During Your Child’s Invisalign Treatment
When it comes to caring for children during Invisalign treatment, it may be challenging to maintain their good dental hygiene when wearing Invisalign aligners. Given that the trays are removable, they need to brush and floss their teeth two times daily and clean their aligners regularly. This will help protect against plaque accumulation and tooth decay, which can result in treatment failure.
To make sure that your child is brushing correctly, use apps or timers to track how long they spend on each oral hygiene step. Encouraging them with rewards can also make the procedure much easier and a lot more enjoyable. Ultimately, take them to the dentist regularly to ensure their teeth stay healthy and check their Invisalign treatment progress.
To End
Invisalign aligners are an excellent option for kids to achieve straighter teeth without the hassles of traditional metal braces. But it’s important to remember that they should be old and accountable enough to wear their aligners correctly and practice good dental hygiene. Otherwise, the treatment may become ineffective.
Ultimately, visit your child’s dentist to make sure that the Invisalign treatment does the job as expected and that their teeth are in good health.
