The Pros and Cons of Invisalign for Kids

At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics in Falls Church, Virginia, Nathalie Phaeton, DDS, Ki Youn Kil, DDS, and our team offer a range of options for pediatric dentistry and orthodontic treatment.

The basics of Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are clear and removable, and they can correct a number of orthodontic issues, such as the following:

• Crowded teeth
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Crooked teeth
• Overbite
• Open bite
• Gaps between teeth

To get the aligners, your child’s mouth is scanned, which generates digital images of your child’s teeth and mouth. Your child’s provider then uses these images to map out your child’s treatment plan.

Then, this information is sent to a lab, where your child’s aligners are made. When the aligners are ready, they’re given to you and your child. Then, every two weeks or so, your child replaces one set of aligners with another set. Each time they put in another set, their teeth move more and more to their correct positions. And when they take out their last set, they have the smile they desire.

The pros and cons of Invisalign for kids

Like any dental treatment, Invisalign isn’t right for everyone. Here’s what you need to know about the main pros and cons of Invisalign, and whether this system might be a good fit for your kids.

Pros of Invisalign

Invisalign’s clear aligner trays have many benefits that make them an ideal choice for older kids and adults. For starters, the trays are made out of clear plastic, which looks virtually invisible when worn. 

And, since the trays are removable, there are no dietary restrictions, and the wearer can keep up with their normal oral hygiene routine during the course of treatment. Furthermore, some kids find Invisalign more comfortable to wear than traditional braces, which have brackets and wires.

In some cases, the treatment period with Invisalign can be shorter than with traditional braces, depending on how responsible the person is and what’s being treated.

Cons of Invisalign

In order to qualify for Invisalign, your child must have all of their permanent teeth. Every child is different, but in general, most children’s permanent teeth don’t fully erupt until around age 12. Since many children begin orthodontic treatment at a much younger age, this can make them ineligible for Invisalign.

Another potential issue is the fact that they’re removable. While many people value the convenience and flexibility of having removable trays, this adds a layer of responsibility to the wearer. In order for the treatment to be successful, the trays must be worn for 20-22 hours a day. Leaving them off for longer than this can make the treatment time take longer. 

Furthermore, Invisalign may not work for every situation. For example, Invisalign may not be able to treat extreme overbites or large gaps. Before recommending Invisalign, your provider will perform a thorough evaluation and discuss the best treatment options.

To learn more about Invisalign and to see if this treatment could help your child get the smile of their dreams, call 703-483-9933 or book an appointment online with Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics today.