For children and teens, Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces, particularly because it is nearly invisible when worn. However, Invisalign treatment is not ideal for all children’s orthodontic treatments.
In this post, our orthodontists at Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry review the advantages and possible drawbacks of Invisalign treatment for children.
If you are considering Invisalign for your child, please call us at (480) 422-4544 to speak with one of our orthodontic specialists.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners are custom-made, plastic trays designed to fit snugly over your child’s teeth. Unlike braces, the patient can remove Invisalign aligners.
Treatment consists of wearing sets of aligners, each designed to gradually move teeth based on the results achieved by the previous set of aligners.
Advantages of Invisalign Treatment
As long as they are appropriate for your child’s orthodontic treatment needs, Invisalign aligners provide several advantages over braces.
Invisalign is Nearly Invisible When Worn
Invisalign SmartTrack plastic is nearly transparent. This can enhance your child’s confidence and willingness to undergo orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign is Effective in Many Cases
Invisalign aligners work in correcting many kinds of orthodontic problems, including:
- Crowded teeth
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Open bite
- Gaps between teeth
Invisalign is Safe to Use
Invisalign aligners are made of smooth plastic, so wearing Invisalign is less likely to cause irritation or injuries to the gums and cheeks compared to metal braces. Also, because they do not rely on wires like metal braces and are not brittle like ceramic braces can be, Invisalign aligners avoid the possible problems that can happen when wires or metal brackets break.
Invisalign is Convenient and Easy to Use
Aside from their near invisibility when worn, another advantage of Invisalign aligners is that they can be removed, unlike traditional braces. This eliminates one of the most common drawbacks of braces: food particles getting stuck in the brackets, wires, and elastic bands.
Removable aligners also make brushing easier and can lead to a lower risk of cavities and gum disease during treatment.
Invisalign Creates No Dietary Restrictions
Because your child can remove Invisalign aligners when eating, favorite foods like corn on the cob, or foods that are hard, crunchy, chewy, or sticky, are not a problem with Invisalign.
Invisalign is Affordable
You can pay for Invisalign aligners in whole or in part through many dental insurance plans, Flexible Spending Accounts or Health Savings Accounts, or through out-of-pocket monthly payment plans.
We can help you arrange a monthly payment plan if you do not have insurance or if your insurance will not pay the whole cost of Invisalign treatment.
Possible Disadvantages of Invisalign Treatment
There are situations in which Invisalign treatment may not be the best choice for your child, and your doctor will cover those, but we find that almost any child is eligible for invisalign treatment.
Invisalign May Not Be Suitable for Complex Corrections
Invisalign aligners are best suited for children with mild to moderate orthodontic needs, such as minor straightening of crooked teeth or minor bite issues.
For more complex orthodontic issues, braces may be the better choice.
Invisalign Can Require an Adjustment Period
While Invisalign is generally more comfortable than braces, there may be an initial adjustment period during which children could experience minor discomfort or pressure.
Also, some children may experience temporary speech issues, such as a slight lisp, when they first start wearing the aligners.
Invisalign Aligners Can Be Lost
The removability of Invisalign aligners can sometimes be a disadvantage. Children may lose or damage their aligners when they are not being worn, which can disrupt the treatment process and incur additional costs.
Talk With an Orthodontist About Invisalign for Your Child
At Ironwood Pediatric Dentistry, our orthodontists are trained in using Invisalign to create a customized tooth alignment and smile recovery plan for your child.
However, if braces are the better choice for your child, we will let you know and create an appropriate plan.
There is no reason why you cannot discover how much Invisalign aligners or braces can help your child enjoy all the health-improving and confidence-building benefits that come with straight teeth and a healthy smile.
Call us today at (480) 422-4544 or reach out to us online to set up your free initial consultation with an experienced orthodontist.