Invisalign for kids is hot lately. Is your kid begging for invisible braces? Yes, we get it. The thought of old-school metal mouth makes every kid cringe.
Luckily Invisalign aligners offer a comfy, discreet option to fix crooked smiles. Those clear removable trays are a total game-changer!
In this guide, we’ll talk about everything parents should know before getting their child Invisalign. Let’s start
FREE "Parents Guide to Invisalign"
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign straightens smiles using BPA-free clear plastic aligners customized to fit your kid’s teeth.
Each aligner set is worn for about one to two weeks before switching to the next. They use gentle force to gradually shift teeth into proper position over time.
Treatment is mapped out and monitored with 3D scanning tech. Pretty futuristic, right?
Kiddos wear aligners up to 22 hours daily, removing them to eat, brush, and for pics on special occasions. The orthodontist checks progress and doles out new aligners every 12 weeks.
After teeth reach perfect alignment, retainers keep them locked into position.
Since aligners are 100% clear and removable, nobody but your kiddo will know their secret teeth-straightening mission. Score!
No more brace face or shiny mouth metal. Invisalign lets them fix wonky teeth on the down low.
Why is Invisalign a Good Choice for Kids?
Brace yourself, the perks are plentiful! Here’s what makes Invisalign practically perfect over old-fashioned braces:
- Clear and discreet - friends won’t suspect a thing
- Removable for easy eating and brushing
- No messy wires or painful poking
- Smooth comfy plastic feels oh-so-nice
- Shorter treatment times to reach the finish line faster
- Fewer annoying emergency visits
- Allows better brushing and flossing
- Looks fab for school photos and events
- Boosts confidence during treatment
- Reduces teasing from classmates
For image-conscious tweens and teens, Invisalign is the obvi choice to boost smiles without drama.
Are Invisalign Braces For you?
Am I a Good Candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign can fix all kinds of bite and teeth malalignment quirks in kids, teens and adults like:
- Crowded crooked teeth
- Gappy wide-spaced teeth
- Underbites and overbites
- Crossbites with funky positioning
- Open bites with spaces when biting
It works best for mild, moderate and some severe cases and also with surgical cases. Some cases may need old-school braces first before Invisalign fine-tuning.
Invisalign can start as young as age 10 but every smile situation is different. Book a visit to see if it’s the right treatment for your kiddo’s unique dental dilemma.
If not, braces may come first - but Invisalign can likely swoop in later to perfect their grin. Don’t lose hope!
How Long Does the Invisalign Process Take?
Invisalign treatment times vary from 6 months to 2 years depending on your child’s smile needs. The average is around 12 months.
Here’s the general timeline from first visit to fab smile:
- Initial records and 3D scan – Visit 1
- Aligners designed and created – 3-4 weeks
- Aligner-wear phase – Switch every 1-2 weeks
- Refinements (if needed) – 2-4 months
- Retention phase – Customized for each patient
Because growing kids have rapidly shifting teeth, teens often zoom through aligners faster than adults.
You’ll visit the ortho every 8-12 weeks for progress checks and fresh aligners.
After aligners, retainers are required to preserve that perfect alignment. Don’t lose or break ‘em!
Thanks to Invisalign’s predictable timeline, you’ll spot a straighter grin sooner than you expected.
The Cost of Invisalign for Kids
Like most orthodontics, Invisalign is pricier upfront than traditional braces. But many parents say the benefits make it a worthy investment.
Here are typical kid Invisalign costs:
- Full treatment: $3,500 - $6,250
- Retainers: Included in our fee.
Many dental plans cover a portion of Invisalign for kids, teens and adults. Coverage ranges from $1,000 - $5,000 depending on the policy.
Chat with your ortho about payment plans like CareCredit to make the cost workable. Invisalign itself offers monthly financing too.
Remember - you’re paying for quality, comfort and faster alignment. Boosted confidence is priceless.
Get Your Child's Dream Smile with Invisalign
If you want an experienced, caring doctor for Invisalign, visit Dr. Amal Seifelnasr at Castle Hills 3D Orthodontics.
Dr. Seif takes time to explain each step clearly to kids and parents.
In addition to Invisalign, Castle Hills 3D Orthodontics offers metal, clear braces and dentofacial orthopedics. The flexible payment plans make care more affordable.
Ready to gain confidence with straightened teeth? Call 469-598-1700 or book online to request your child’s Invisalign consultation with Dr. Seif today!
Straight, Stunning Smiles
Smile with Confidence!
FAQs
Does Invisalign hurt?
Invisalign is much more comfortable than traditional braces overall. Unlike braces, there are no metal brackets or wires digging into the mouth.
Some mild soreness or pressure adjusting to each new set of aligners is normal in the first couple days. An over-the-counter pain reliever can provide relief until your mouth adjusts.
But in general, Invisalign patients experience minimal pain compared to braces since there is nothing abrasive rubbing inside the mouth. The aligners glide smoothly over the teeth.
How do I keep aligners from staining?
Keeping aligners clear and stain-free takes a little extra care:
- Rinse aligners with cool water each time you remove them to eat.
- Brush aligners with toothpaste and a soft brush at least once per day.
- Soak aligners weekly in denture cleaner. This helps remove bacteria and built-up plaque.
- Don’t soak aligners in mouthwash, as this can degrade the plastic over time.
Will Invisalign make my kid lisp?
Some minor lisping or slurring of words might happen when first starting Invisalign as your child adapts to having plastic in their mouth. This usually dissipates within few days with consistent aligner wear as mouth and tongue get conditioned.
Practice reading out loud or having short conversations to train their tongue to maneuver well with aligners in. The lisp typically goes away on its own with experience talking with the trays.
What if my child loses an aligner?
It's imperative that aligners be worn as directed to stay on track with the Invisalign treatment schedule. Skipping an aligner or wearing one too short can impair progress.
If your child loses an aligner, call the orthodontist's office immediately to order a replacement. There is often a replacement fee.
The office may recommend your child goes back to wearing the previous set of aligners until the new one arrives if they already progressed to the next tray. This prevents teeth from shifting off
track.
Does my child need retainers after Invisalign?
Yes, retainers are a must after Invisalign treatment to keep those beautifully aligned teeth locked into position.
After the alignment phase, teeth have a tendency to drift if not stabilized. Invisalign provides customized clear plastic retainers to be worn at night indefinitely to prevent shifting.