Teens and adults can use Invisalign, but can kids use Invisalign too? Yes kids are candidates for Invisalign at Blue Wave Orthodontics!
Not every orthodontist offers Invisalign for kids, but due to our orthodontists’ level of skill and experience with Invisalign, we’re able to offer clear aligners in early orthodontic treatment for our youngest patients.
Invisalign First clear aligners for kids are specially designed for small, growing mouths. Invisalign treatment works with your child’s natural smile growth to support proper jaw bone development and create a healthy alignment of beautiful, straight teeth.
How to Tell if Your Child is a Good Candidate for Invisalign
The best way to tell whether your child is a good candidate for Invisalign is by visiting us for a complimentary consultation. Our experienced orthodontists will perform a smile exam to determine if Invisalign is best for your child’s case!
In the meantime, there are a few signs that may indicate a need for Invisalign treatment, including:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Teeth growing crowded or crooked
- Biting cheeks
- Facial asymmetries
- Speech difficulties
- Mouth-breathing
- Habits, such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
- Overbite, underbite, cross bite or open bite condition
- Teeth don’t meet evenly when the mouth is closed
To be a candidate for Invisalign treatment, kids must reach a few milestones:
- Must already have permanent first molars erupting
- Two or more incisors (permanent or primary) must be two-thirds of the way erupted or more
- At least two primary (C or D or E) or unerupted permanent teeth per quadrant in at least three quadrants
Many children reach these milestones by age 8 or 9, which is the ideal time to begin interceptive early orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign First clear aligners are designed to develop a healthy dental arch for young patients, by creating the necessary space for permanent teeth to erupt in alignment.
Creating a healthy dental arch may require expansion of the upper jaw to treat teeth spacing or impending crowding. Invisalign may be used as either phase I or phase II of treatment, depending on your child’s unique case.
Some children require a space maintainer or palatal expander appliance to widen the jaw bones and hold/create the necessary space for permanent teeth to erupt, before beginning Invisalign treatment.
When you and your child visit us for their consultation, one of our orthodontists will perform a detailed exam to gain an understanding of your child’s current smile, and determine the best treatment route moving forward.
Why Early Orthodontic Treatment is Ideal
The AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) advises that children receive their first orthodontic exam by age 7. At this age, orthodontic treatment can intervene with any problematic conditions while the permanent teeth are emerging and the jaw bones are still developing. Braces or Invisalign for kids can efficiently guide the teeth and jaw bones into a healthy alignment as they grow.
Early treatment can eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment or reduce the severity of treatment required. With Invisalign for kids, we can help your child establish a strong foundation for a beautiful set of permanent teeth to grow!
If conditions are left untreated into adulthood, a more complex treatment (like orthognathic jaw surgery) may be necessary to treat challenging symptoms.
Still have questions about Invisalign First for kids?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re proud to be the most experienced Invisalign practice in Tampa Bay. We would love to chat about the benefits of Invisalign kids treatment.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa or East Bradenton, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
If you’re looking for a top orthodontist in Wesley Chapel, North Tampa, South Tampa or East Bradenton, we’d love to meet you! Request a complimentary exam for you or your child today.
