Did you know getting your child’s teeth aligned can play a large role in maintaining good oral hygiene and health? Misaligned teeth can cause difficulty speaking, chewing, and even bad breath. By getting your child’s teeth aligned at an early age, you’re resolving such problems and preparing to avoid future ones!
There are many different ways to get your child’s teeth and jaw aligned, but one of the best ways to get this done effectively is by using Invisalign. With Invisalign First and Invisalign Teens available for your child, teeth and jaw alignment can be an easy and comfortable process. So be sure to read on – because yes, your child can definitely use Invisalign!
But First, What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a computer engineered, clear and removable alternative to braces for straightening teeth. However, instead of metal wires and brackets, Invisalign uses 3D computer imaging technology and its patented multi-layer SmartTrack™ material to create an entire customised treatment plan for each individual.
This involves using a series of custom-made, clear aligners that are each to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. The Invisalign aligners can then move teeth incrementally into the right positions, before being replaced by the next aligner in the planned series. This happens until the final position of your teeth is achieved.
For Ages 6 & Up: Invisalign First
If you’re getting the treatment for a child who’s 6-10 years old (when their new permanent teeth are starting to erupt), Invisalign First is the way to go. It’s designed for early interceptive treatment, making it perfect for young children who have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Not only does it help to develop young jaws and arches by making room for any existing teeth, it also helps to correct the jaw, arches, and teeth for incoming permanent teeth to erupt into a proper position.
By using Invisalign First, your orthodontist can help your child:
- Prevent pre-existing bite issues from getting worse
- Fix existing teeth-straightening conditions
- Improve the appearance of a growing child’s smile
- Make Phase 2 (Invisalign Teens) treatment shorter and easier
Perfect for: Ages 6-10 (for early interceptive treatment)
Est. Treatment Duration: Depending on case complexity
Est. Costs: Refer to TLC Pricing Guide
For Ages 11 & Up: Invisalign Teens
A smile is one of the first facial features we notice in another person – it affects first impressions, and can help said person be seen as sincere, relaxed, reliable, and more likeable.
That being said, with the teen years being known as a tumultuous time, a smile can become your teen’s source of confidence or insecurity. Fortunately, all types of available orthodontic treatment tools are suitable for teens, and this includes Invisalign.
Invisalign Teen is designed specifically for growing patients from ages 11-18. It focuses not only on aligning teeth, but is also able to modify underlying jaw growth problems (such as small lower jaw) with their mandibular advancement feature. This offers just the right amount of power to push jaws forward to alter the jaw growth, while still allowing for the continual eruption of new adult teeth into the right position.
Perfect for: 11-18 years old
Est. Treatment Duration: Depending on case complexity
Est. Costs: TLC Pricing Guide
How Do I Know If My Child Is Suitable For Invisalign?
While getting Invisalign is ideal for most children and teens looking to get their teeth aligned, there are some exceptions. Those with excessive lower jaw growth will have to wait until their jaw growth stabilises (around 18-21 years old). Children and teens with active tooth decay or poor oral hygiene will also have to take steps to managing their oral health before getting a set of Invisalign aligners.
Duration Of Your Child’s Invisalign Treatment
Since Invisalign’s aligners are custom-made from a mould of your child’s teeth, each fitting and treatment duration will be unique to each patient. It depends on the complexity of their case, and their dedication to wearing the aligners for 22 hours a day. Here are a few main factors that affect the time required:
1. Teeth Crowding
Teeth crowding occurs when there is a disharmony between the tooth-to-jaw size. This can happen due to:
● The early or late loss of primary teeth,
● The improper growth of teeth,
● Having a smaller jaw,
● Having larger teeth (too little room).
The more dental crowding your child has, the more their teeth will require moving. This makes the duration required to wear Invisalign much longer.
2. Gaps In Teeth
Gaps in teeth have many causes. From missing teeth and large jaws to extra teeth or small teeth. You might be required to use other forms of treatment after Invisalign to fully close your gaps, such as via bonding or veneers. This can affect the time needed to fully straighten your teeth.
3. Age
While Invisalign works well for people of all ages, your age can still affect the duration of treatment! This is because teenagers’ teeth tend to move much easier and faster than adults. Some teeth also just move faster than others, regardless of age.
4. Amount of Hours Worn
In order for Invisalign to be fully effective, your child or teen will need to wear it for 22 hours a day. It can be taken out for meals, brushing of teeth, or when the aligners are being cleaned.
If the aligners aren’t worn for the recommended time, there is a high chance that their teeth will move back to their original positions / state, leading to the process taking much longer than expected. This is why it is important not to force your child or teen into wearing Invisalign if they are unwilling or uninterested.
Where To Get Invisalign For Kids & Teens
If your child has jaw or teeth alignment issues, Invisalign is definitely something you should consider! At TLC Dental Centre, our orthodontist is highly experienced in providing the Invisalign treatment for children and teens, especially for cases with varying complexities.
Feel free to drop us a message at enquiries@tlcdental.com.sg for a consultation. Alternatively, make an appointment with your preferred dental clinic for more information.