Invisalign aligners are a modern and reliable way to improve teeth alignment without using traditional braces. It uses clear, custom-made aligner trays that fit snugly over one’s teeth, providing a discreet and comfortable way to achieve straighter teeth. The detachable aligners allow patients to maintain their usual brushing and flossing routine. However, it’s not for everyone.
So, when is the best time for young children to get Invisalign aligners?
Ideal Age for Children to Wear Invisalign Aligners
Children can start wearing Invisalign aligners when all their grown-up teeth have come out, between 12 to 14 years old. Most dentists don’t endorse this treatment to those without a complete set of adult teeth. It’s because they do not know the exact position of the incoming permanent teeth. Also, as an alternative to braces, it requires wearing the Invisalign trays for 22 hours daily, which may be a concern with small children that 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 old, making them eligible for this dental procedure. However, you need to closely supervise them to make sure they wear their aligners as prescribed, or the treatment may end up being ineffective.
The Best Age to Wear Aligners for Optimal Success
The ideal age to get this treatment is from teenage to young adulthood, when the jaw and teeth have just completed growing. Compared to middle-aged and senior patients, younger patients have better odds of achieving their preferred results because their teeth are still very malleable and can be moved a lot easier.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t have Invisalign in your 40s or 50s. There’s no maximum age limit for this procedure as long as all the adult teeth have come in place and you have no hidden medical conditions that could affect your dental health. But you may expect that your treatment time is longer and that you may require to wear more sets of aligners for optimal results. Meanwhile, if you are in search of a local dental office that provides all the dental services you need, such as Invisalign, teeth bleaching, and more, going online is your best tool.
What Are the Dental Issues That Invisalign Can Address?
Invisalign treatment simply cannot correct severe dental issues. Listed below are dental concerns this procedure 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 moderately misaligned teeth
Note that Invisalign can not correct tooth shape or damaged and tarnished teeth. If you wish to improve your or your child’s discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening procedures can help.
Oral Hygiene During Your Child’s Invisalign Treatment
It may be difficult for children to maintain good dental hygiene when wearing Invisalign aligners. Since the trays are removable, they need to brush and floss their teeth twice daily and regularly clean their aligners. This will help prevent plaque accumulation and tooth decay, which can lead to treatment failure.
To ensure that your child is brushing correctly, use apps or timers to track the length of time they spend on each oral hygiene step. Motivating them with prizes can also make the procedure much easier and more enjoyable, which are important steps for children’s dental health. Ultimately, take them to the dentist regularly to ensure their teeth remain healthy and monitor 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 is essential to remember that they should be old and responsible enough to wear their aligners correctly and exercise good dental hygiene. Otherwise, the treatment might end up being ineffective.
Ultimately, visit your child’s dentist to ensure that the Invisalign treatment does the job as expected and that their teeth are in good health.
