Ask a Family Dentist: Can Children Get Invisalign®?

One of the questions people often ask a family dentist is whether children are eligible for Invisalign® treatment. Invisalign is a discreet way to straighten teeth and it uses clear aligner trays to get the job done. It is a more comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces, which can take some time to get used to.

A family dentist discusses children and Invisalign®

According to our family dentist, figuring out if Invisalign® is right for your child comes down to how responsible the child is. Most children would pick Invisalign over traditional metal braces given how conspicuous the latter can be. Children are more likely to tease their peers, and many people who wore braces as children report getting bullied because of it.

Invisalign treatments work by gradually pushing the patient's teeth into a better alignment. It involves a series of trays, each worn for a period of about two weeks. Each tray further down the line pushes the patient's teeth closer to the desired position. The benefits of choosing Invisalign for kids and adults alike include:

• Provides a discreet way to straighten teeth
• More comfortable experience
• Can be removed for meals and oral hygiene
• Less of an adjustment period
• Reduces the risk of bullying
• Does not prevent children from participating in extracurricular activities
• Does not get in the way of oral hygiene like braces do
• Invisalign aligners are less likely to irritate the soft tissues in the mouth

What you need to know about Invisalign® treatment

To be effective, Invisalign aligner trays must be worn for a total of 20 hours each day. Getting a child to commit to this routine for the length of the treatment (which can be up to two years) can be a tricky feat. That requires a lot of discipline on the child's part. It is up to the parent to determine whether they think their child will be responsible enough to stick to their Invisalign routine. There are other discreet ways to straighten teeth for children who might not be responsible enough for Invisalign.

Another important fact parents should consider prior to choosing Invisalign for their child is how good the child is at safeguarding their things. Since Invisalign aligners are removable, a child could easily lose it after taking it out at school. Parents should consider little things like these when trying to figure out the best teeth straightening solution for their kids.

Get your child the treatment they need

If you think your child is responsible enough to wear their Invisalign aligners as recommended by a dentist each day, our family dentist can get the process started. Our dentist will educate you about Invisalign and other ways to straighten teeth that are more permanent, like tooth-colored braces. Permanently fixed appliances might be the best option for younger children who are yet to exhibit discipline. Call or visit our Chicago clinic to set up an appointment.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesonmichigan.com or call Smiles On Michigan at (312) 509-9492 for an appointment in our Chicago office.

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