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Invisalign® for Kids in Germantown, MD

                     

 

What Is Invisalign for Kids?

Invisalign First is a treatment plan designed for children who are still growing and may have baby teeth that have yet to fall out. This system can be used as a phase one treatment to prevent certain orthodontic issues before they develop into more serious problems. Phase one treatments typically start anywhere from age 6 to 10, and prime the mouth for better results or faster treatment during phase two which occurs around age 10 to 14. Before Invisalign First, metal expanders and braces were used to achieve the same results. Though both systems work efficiently, Invisalign First is a great alternative to braces because the aligners are more comfortable and bring upon fewer lifestyle adjustments than braces.

What Is the Process Like?

Invisalign for kids is very similar to the process for adults. Children should be wearing their aligners at virtually all times, only taking them out to eat or clean the teeth. Every few weeks, a new set of aligners will be provided for your child to wear. Each aligner will make a small incremental change, moving the process along towards the desired result.

Is My Child a Candidate for Invisalign First Clear Aligners?

Invisalign First can be used to address many issues including crowding, spacing, underbites, overbites, and narrow dental arches. To be certain that Invisalign First is a good option for your child, book a consultation with our team. During this appointment, your orthodontist will perform an oral examination and take digital impressions to clarify if Invisalign First is right for your child.

Will Invisalign First Affect My Child’s Lifestyle?

In short, no. Invisalign is a great, non-invasive way to fix many orthodontic problems. Your child can continue to eat whatever they want as long as they remove their aligner while eating and make sure to brush their teeth before putting it back in. They can also continue living an active lifestyle playing outside or participating in sports, but make sure to get a mouthguard to protect the teeth especially for contact sports like football or lacrosse.

Invisalign vs. Braces

Invisalign First and braces both work to produce the same results, it is just the journey to this final endpoint that differs between the two. Invisalign First is a great option for kids because it means that they (and you as a parent) don’t have to make as many lifestyle changes. Invisalign is much more comfortable than braces, so your little ones won’t be dreading every visit to the orthodontist. The aligners are also invisible to others, so shy children that may not want the attention garnered by braces can feel calmer while undergoing treatment. Braces are certainly a more budget-friendly option, but they do not offer the same benefits that Invisalign does.

How Much Is Invisalign for Kids?

The cost of Invisalign treatment varies from child to child depending on what orthodontic issues they are experiencing. If the price seems like it may be a potential barrier when dealing with your child’s teeth, do not hesitate to ask about any payment plans that are available to you at our practice!

Does My Child Need a Referral for Invisalign?

Nope! You should alert your dentist to the fact that your child may be undergoing Invisalign treatment at some point just to make sure that your child is in good dental health and can proceed with the process. Most orthodontists recommend that you bring your child in by age 7 to make sure you are being proactive in tackling any orthodontic issues, but this does not require a referral, just a phone call!

What Should We Do If My Child Loses Their Current Aligner Set?

The first thing to do is not freak out! This happens all the time with children and adults, and it is not the end of the world (or your orthodontic progress). You can either have your child wear their most recent aligner, or switch to their next upcoming aligner. If your child had only been wearing this new aligner for a few days, it is a better idea to just wear the old one until a replacement can be made by your orthodontist. Alternatively, if your child was only days away from switching to a new aligner, they can likely make the change now and forget about requesting a replacement.