When Is the Best Time for Children to Get Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign aligners are a modern and effective way to improve teeth alignment without wearing 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 removable aligners allow patients to maintain their usual brushing and flossing routine. However, it’s not for everybody.

So, when is the best time for children to get Invisalign aligners?

Ideal Age for Children to Wear Invisalign Aligners

Children can start wearing Invisalign aligners when all their adult teeth have come out, between 12 to 14 years of age. Most dentists don’t recommend this treatment to those without a complete set of adult teeth. It’s because they don’t know the exact position of the incoming permanent teeth. Also, as an alternative to braces, it requires wearing the Invisalign trays for 22 hours per day, which may be an issue with small children who may not be responsible 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, which may make them eligible for this dental procedure. However, you must closely supervise them to ensure they wear their aligners as prescribed, or the treatment may become ineffective.

The Best Age to Wear Aligners for Optimal Success

The best age to get this treatment is from teenage to young adulthood when the jaw and teeth have just finished growing. Compared to middle-aged and senior patients, younger patients have better chances of achieving their desired 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 limit for this treatment as long as all the adult teeth have come in place and you don’t have any underlying medical conditions that could affect your dental health. But you may expect that your treatment time is longer and that you may need to wear more sets of aligners for optimal results.

What Are the Dental Issues That Invisalign Can Address?

Invisalign treatment can’t correct severe dental issues. 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 moderate crooked teeth

Note that Invisalign cannot correct tooth shape or damaged and stained teeth. If you want to improve your or your child’s discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening procedures can help lighten the colour of your natural tooth enamel.

Oral Hygiene During Your Child’s Invisalign Treatment

It may be difficult for children to maintain good oral hygiene when wearing Invisalign aligners. Since the trays are removable, they should brush and floss their teeth twice daily and clean their aligners regularly. This will help prevent plaque buildup and tooth decay, which can lead to treatment failure. 

To ensure that your child is brushing correctly, use apps or timers to track how long they spend on each oral hygiene step. Encouraging them with rewards can also make the process much easier and more enjoyable. Ultimately, take them to the dentist regularly to ensure their teeth stay healthy and monitor their Invisalign treatment progress.

To End

Invisalign aligners are an excellent option for children to achieve straighter teeth without the inconveniences of traditional metal braces. But it’s important to remember that they should be old and responsible enough to wear their aligners correctly and practice good oral hygiene. Otherwise, the treatment may become ineffective. 

Ultimately, visit your child’s dentist to ensure that the Invisalign treatment works as expected and their teeth are healthy.