It is natural to want your child to have a healthy, beautiful smile. Award-winning orthodontist Dr. Chung, Dr. Epshteyn, and the team at Smile Solutions Orthodontics proudly provide customized treatments like Invisalign® for kids to address various orthodontic issues with primary and permanent teeth.
We help families throughout Edison, Millburn, and Union, NJ, achieve stunning smiles. If your child needs a discreet appliance to correct an orthodontic problem, Invisalign for kids from our orthodontic practice is an excellent option.
What Is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that uses medical-grade polyurethane plastic aligners or trays instead of traditional metal braces to straighten teeth. Each tray gently moves the teeth into a more desirable position by applying gradual pressure on specific teeth.
Though metal braces are ideal for some children whose teeth need to shift in a specific way, the brackets and wires can make it difficult to eat and brush and floss teeth. Invisalign snaps onto the surface of teeth on the upper and lower jaws, but they are removable for eating, drinking, and practicing oral hygiene.
Is Invisalign for Kids Different Than Invisalign for Adults?
Invisalign for kids is similar to Invisalign for adults. Both treatments help straighten teeth to make a patient’s bite more even and improve their smile within one to three years. Both groups would need to wear their aligners for at least 20 hours a day to achieve the desired effect quickly and safely.
The primary difference between Invisalign for children and adults is jaw growth. Your child’s mouth is still growing, while an adult jaw does not grow anymore. As a result, Invisalign treatment for kids takes your child’s oral changes into account.
The clear aligners will help develop young jaws and oral arches to ensure that permanent teeth erupt into the proper positions while keeping existing teeth in the right places. Some children as young as six may be eligible for the treatment. However, our orthodontists carefully evaluate each patient’s orthodontic situation to determine the most suitable orthodontic treatment for them.
How Can Children Benefit From Invisalign?
Invisalign offers many benefits to children, with the primary advantage of improving their smiles. The treatment can address several orthodontic issues, such as jaw misalignment, overcrowding teeth, teeth gaps, and teeth misalignment. Your child’s smile will change dramatically with straighter, evenly spaced teeth.
The treatment also provides oral health benefits. Some orthodontic issues like jaw misalignment and overcrowding teeth can lead to other problems, like orthodontic pain, tooth decay, and problems biting and speaking. Dr. Chung or Dr. Epshteyn can address these issues with the Invisalign treatment and improve your child’s overall health.
Most parents and children like Invisalign for their flexibility. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners are removable, so kids can eat the foods they love without worrying about damaging their orthodontic appliances.
The removable trays also make it easy to properly care for teeth and gums. They can brush and floss their teeth without restrictions, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Why You Should Consider Pediatric Invisalign
Sometimes, children can be self-conscious about their smiles and how they affect their appearance. If your child needs orthodontic treatment, Invisalign can give them the adjustment they require without noticeable orthodontic hardware. The trays are almost invisible when they’re in the mouth.
Comfort is another reason to consider Invisalign for children. The trays have a smooth surface, so you don’t have to worry about broken wires and braces irritating the inside of your child’s mouth and causing discomfort.
How Should Your Child Care for Clear Aligners?
Caring for clear aligners is relatively straightforward. Our orthodontists at Smile Solutions Orthodontics recommend a daily cleaning using warm water and a toothbrush to eliminate food particles and harmful bacteria. It may be challenging for a child to commit to an extra step in their oral hygiene routine, but it will become easier with time.
Can Your Child Still Participate in Sports With Invisalign?
Your child can be as active as they desire with Invisalign. The device will not interfere with their ability to play or participate in sports.
Since the aligners consist of durable yet flexible plastic, they can act as a mouthguard that protects your kid’s teeth while they practice their game. However, your child can temporarily remove them if they feel more comfortable playing without them.
