At McClaran Orthodontics, we believe great oral health starts early. This is why we are excited to partner with our younger generation of patients and guide them to a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Invisalign First for kids is a great way for your child to have the flexibility they need while getting the amazing results they deserve. Every child deserves to look in the mirror and see a smile they love, and we want to help them achieve that.
What Is Invisalign First?
Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that are formed with a thermoplastic material called SmartTrack. These aligners are virtually invisible to everyone but the wearer, making them a great option for those looking for more discreet treatment. When your child comes in for their appointment, we will use a 3D imaging system to take a picture that captures every groove of every tooth. With this picture, Dr. McClaran can create an effective treatment plan and show you a projection of what your child’s smile will look like after Invisalign.
We then take the image and have the aligners printed in a thermoplastic material that is designed for patient comfort. The aligners should fit snugly over the patient’s teeth so that there is no wiggle room. Every week until the end of treatment, your child will receive a new set of aligners that have been slightly adjusted to move their teeth closer to the desired goal.
How Is Invisalign First for Kids Different than Invisalign for Adults?
One of the biggest concerns parents have when considering Invisalign First for their kids is that they won’t wear the aligners. If your child will wear them consistently, Invisalign can work even better on children than adults. Children are typically more adaptable to change and many get used to the feeling of the aligners quicker than older patients. Invisalign is so comfortable that many times children will forget they are wearing them. For maximum efficiency, we suggest your child wears their aligners for at least 20 to 22 hours per day.
Invisalign First for kids is designed to correct a large variety of issues that may arise in your child’s mouth. From simple issues such as straightening teeth to more complex fixes like dental arch expansion. While the mouth is still forming, it can be easier to make shifts and adjustments that have a lasting impact.
What Are the Benefits of Invisalign for Children?
Invisalign has quickly become a patient-favorite because it allows patients freedom and flexibility. Invisalign only has to be worn 20 to 22 hours per day, which allows at least a few hours of freedom to eat whatever you want or play your favorite sport. The aligners are easily removable, so your child can enjoy all of their favorite treats without worrying about breaking a bracket or pulling a wire loose.
The lack of brackets and wires involved eliminates the possibility of having to come in for an emergency appointment because of poking wires or damaged brackets. We know that children can play hard, so one less item they have to worry about breaking is good for them and you.
One of the best parts about Invisalign First for kids is that it simplifies their oral healthcare routine. They don’t have to maneuver around any metal to keep their smile nice and clean. It can be a challenge for children to keep their mouth as clean as it needs to be when they have an appliance in the way. Food particles can hide behind brackets and lead to unwanted results such as tooth decay. Your child can easily remove the clear aligners so they can brush and floss as they normally would.
How Should My Child Care for Their Invisalign Aligners?
Caring for aligners is very simple and your child can do it all by themselves! Just have them brush their teeth as they normally would and then brush their aligners before replacing them in their mouths. To do this, all they need to do is take their toothbrush and warm water to clean out any bacteria before they put them back on their clean teeth.
Can My Child Still Participate in Sports?
Yes! Your child can enjoy all the sports they love while in Invisalign. The aligner itself acts as a kind of mouthguard, but if your kid decides they’d rather play without their Invisalign they can easily remove it. If they do decide to play without their aligners, it’s important they remember to replace them as soon as their game or practice is finished so no unwanted shifting occurs.
