Invisalign aligners are a modern and effective method to improve teeth alignment without using 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 detachable aligners allow patients to keep their usual brushing and flossing routine. However, it’s not for everybody.
So, when is the best time for young children to get Invisalign aligners?
Ideal Age for Children to Wear Invisalign Aligners
Children can start wearing Invisalign aligners when all their grown-up teeth have come out, between 12 to 14 years old. Most dental experts don’t endorse this treatment for those without a complete set of adult teeth. It’s because they don’t know the precise position of the incoming permanent teeth. Also, as an alternative to braces, it requires wearing the Invisalign trays for 22 hours daily, which may be a concern with small children that may not be responsible enough to commit to this routine.
It’s important to remember, though, that children are different. Some may grow their adult teeth earlier than 12 years of age, which can make them qualified for this oral treatment. However, you need to closely monitor them to make sure they wear their aligners as prescribed, or the treatment may end up being ineffective.
The Best Age to Wear Aligners for Optimal Success
The ideal age to get this treatment is from teenage to young adulthood, when the jaw and teeth have just completed growing. Compared to middle-aged and senior patients, Invisalign can help younger patients have far better odds of obtaining their desired results because their teeth are still very flexible and can be moved a lot 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 have no hidden medical conditions that can affect your dental health. But you may expect that your treatment time is much 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 fix severe dental issues. Listed 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 can not correct tooth shape or damaged and tarnished teeth. If you want to enhance your own or your child’s discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening treatments at Azarko Dental Group can help.
Oral Hygiene During Your Child’s Invisalign Treatment
Children may struggle to maintain good oral hygiene when wearing Invisalign aligners. Since the trays are removable, you need to establish a routine of good oral hygiene practices tailored to meet your child’s oral health needs and regularly clean their aligners. This will help protect against plaque buildup and tooth decay, which can lead to treatment failure.
To ensure your child is brushing properly, use apps or timers to track how long they spend on each oral hygiene step. Encouraging them with prizes can also make the procedure much easier and more enjoyable. Most importantly, 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 kids to achieve straighter teeth without the inconveniences of traditional metal braces. But it is essential to remember that they should be old and responsible enough to wear their aligners the right way and exercise good oral hygiene. Otherwise, the treatment might become ineffective.
Ultimately, visit your child’s dentist to make sure that the Invisalign treatment does the job as expected and that their teeth are in good health.