Invisalign aligners are a cutting-edge and reliable method to improve teeth alignment without wearing traditional braces. It uses clear, personalized aligner trays that fit comfortably over one’s teeth, providing a discreet and comfy way to achieve straighter teeth. The removable aligners allow patients to keep their usual brushing and flossing routine. However, it’s not for everybody.
So, when is the best time for young children to obtain Invisalign aligners?
Ideal Age for Children to Wear Invisalign Aligners
In general, children become a candidate for Invisalign braces when all their adult teeth have appeared between 12 to 14 years of age. Most dentists don’t endorse this procedure to those without a full 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 daily, which may be a concern with small children who may not be liable enough to commit to this routine.
It’s important to remember, though, that kids are different. Some may grow their adult teeth earlier than 12 years of age, which can make them eligible for this oral treatment. However, you must closely supervise them to ensure they use their aligners as prescribed, or the treatment may be ineffective.
The Best Age to Wear Aligners for Optimal Success
The best age to get this treatment method is from teenage to young adulthood when the jaw and teeth have just completed growing. Compared to middle-aged and elderly patients, younger patients have far better chances of achieving their preferred results because 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 fully grown teeth have come in place and you don’t have any hidden medical problems that could affect your dental health. But you may expect that your treatment time is much longer and that you may require to wear more sets of aligners for the best results.
What Are the Dental Issues That Invisalign Can Address?
Invisalign treatment simply cannot fix severe dental issues. Listed below are dental concerns this procedure can address:
- Mild to moderate teeth misalignment
- Mild to moderate teeth crowding or spacing
- Mild to moderate malocclusion (overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite)
- Mild to moderately misaligned teeth
Note that Invisalign can not correct tooth shape or damaged and stained teeth. If you wish to improve your own or your child’s discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening treatments can serve to help, or you can ask your dentist about take home trays that can help whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.
Oral Hygiene During Your Child’s Invisalign Treatment
Kids may struggle to maintain good dental hygiene when using 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 prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay, which can result in treatment failure.
To ensure that your child is brushing properly, use apps or timers to track how long they spend on each oral hygiene step. Encouraging them with prizes 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 monitor their Invisalign treatment progress or if you need other dental treatment options for your child.
To End
Invisalign aligners are a great alternative for children to obtain 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 oral hygiene. Otherwise, the treatment might become ineffective.
Ultimately, see your child’s dentist to ensure that the Invisalign treatment works as expected and their teeth are in good health.