Is Your Child Ready for Invisalign?

Straightening your kid’s smile is an excellent way to restore their confidence and self-esteem. The benefits including improved oral health, better facial structure, and correcting malocclusions, are life-long. It is no wonder why kids and teens across the nation start wearing braces each year.

Concerns Over Traditional Braces

Sadly, most teens are at a critical stage where they are constantly battling with self-esteem issues. They may be self-conscious about how they look with the metal braces on. Your child may remain dead set against the idea of having wires and brackets running across their mouth, despite the clear need for orthodontic treatment.

Invisalign is an ideal alternative, utilizing clear aligners to push the teeth to their correct positions gradually. A Teen Confidence Survey conducted by Kelton indicates 96% of US teens who are not satisfied with their smile are insecure about their appearance. The study also found out that 47% of Invisalign Teen users reported a boost of self-esteem in the treatment process compared to 22% of those in traditional metal braces.

Is Your Kid an Ideal Candidate for Invisalign?

As parents explore the different alternatives to the wires and brackets, they often question the suitability of Invisalign clear braces for their children. Here are some of the concerns addressed.

1. The Right Age for Invisalign Aligners

One of the most asked questions is whether there is an age requirement to wearing Invisalign aligners. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that your child has their first orthodontic appointment by age seven. However, your kid may not necessarily be ready for Invisalign. Most orthodontic practices will recommend that your child loses all the primary teeth first.

2. Effectiveness of Invisalign

Another concern for most parents is the effectiveness of the clear braces. Invisalign operates on a similar principle to the traditional metal braces, gently placing pressure on the teeth, pushing them to the correct position. Your child may have to switch to a new set of trays every two weeks, which works similarly to the orthodontist tightening the wires. It’s important to note that Invisalign is ideal for mild and moderate malocclusion treatment. With severe cases, your orthodontist may recommend traditional treatment methods.

3. Responsibility That Comes With Wearing Clear Braces

Your child may have to wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours every day for the treatment to work. You may need to ensure that your child is mature enough to understand the need to observe this rule. Invisalign Teen users love these orthodontic devices as the trays are easily removable. They can take them off while eating or brushing their teeth. However, your child may need to be responsible enough to place them back when done to ensure the time threshold is met. Invisalign Teen aligners have a blue spot that can help orthodontists determine if your child is wearing the braces as recommended.

Invisalign braces for kids are subtle alternatives to traditional metal braces. However, you may need to determine if your child is mature and responsible enough to wear and take care of the aligners. If you are still unsure if Invisalign is the right option for your child, reach out to Orthodontics LA.