There comes a time in every child’s life when they need to start thinking about their oral health. For many, this means braces. But what if your child is too young for braces? Can kids get clear aligners? Invisalign in Morristown NJ can be a great option for children who are not quite ready for braces. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of Invisalign for kids and whether or not it is the right choice for your family!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Before we discuss whether clear aligners are recommended for kids, let’s first talk about how they work in the first place.
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that is used to straighten teeth. The aligners are made of a clear, flexible plastic material that is virtually invisible when worn. They are custom-made for each patient and are designed to gradually move the teeth into the desired position.
Invisalign in Morristown NJ typically takes anywhere from six months to a year, depending on the severity of the case. And unlike braces, there are no metal wires or brackets to worry about. You simply wear the aligners for 20-22 hours a day and remove them when you eat, brush your teeth, or floss.
Are Clear Aligners Recommended for Kids?
Now that we know how Invisalign works, let’s talk about whether or not it is recommended for kids.
The simple answer is yes, Invisalign can be used to treat children as young as six years old. However, the American Association of Orthodontists mostly recommends clear aligners for patients in their teenage years, beginning 13 or 14.
The reason for this is because the teeth and jaws of younger children are still growing and changing. Invisalign also requires a certain level of commitment and cooperation from the patient, which may be difficult for younger children.
That being said, every child is different and Invisalign may be the right choice for your family if your child is not quite ready for braces. The best thing you can do is ask what your orthodontist recommends.
The bottom-line is that, although Invisalign in Morristown NJ are not exactly recommended for young children, clear aligners are definitely an option.
Invisalign for Teens in Morristown NJ
While there may be some setbacks for younger kids, Invisalign is absolutely recommended for teens! In fact, Invisalign created a specialized program for patients 13 years and older called Invisalign Teens.
Invisalign Teens is a clear aligner system that is specifically designed for teenage patients. The Teen system includes special features, such as:
- Compliance Indicators: These blue dots fade over time to help parents and orthodontists know if the patient is wearing the aligners as directed.
- Eruption Tabs: As the name suggests, these tabs help guide the eruption of the patient’s adult teeth.
- Power Ridge: This feature helps to reduce the likelihood of aligner slippage and improve comfort.
Invisalign Teens is also a great option for kids who are not ready for braces but still need some kind of orthodontic treatment.
Benefits of Invisalign for Kids/Teens
First, as we mentioned before, the aligners are virtually invisible. This means that your child can straighten their teeth without anyone even knowing!
Another great benefit of Invisalign for kids is that they are removable. They can still eat all their favorite foods and brush and floss their teeth with ease. With braces, patients have to be careful about what they eat and how they brush their teeth to avoid damaging the wires and brackets.
Lastly, Invisalign in Morristown NJ is a more comfortable option. The aligners are made of a smooth, flexible plastic that is much more comfortable than the metal wires and brackets of braces.
Invisalign in Morristown NJ
If you are considering Invisalign for your child or other early orthodontic treatment in Morristown, be sure to visit an experienced orthodontist who can give you the best possible treatment.
Dr. Michael Goldkind is a board certified orthodontist in Morristown NJ who has been helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles for over 20 years. He is a family orthodontist who treats patients of all ages, from young children to adults.
In fact, Dr. Goldkind has been named one of the top orthodontists by the New Jersey Monthly Magazine. He has also been recognized as a New Jersey Favorite Kids’ Doctor by New Jersey Family Magazine.
If you are interested in Invisalign for adults in Morristown, braces in Morristown NJ, or braces for teens in Morristown NJ, be sure to check out our website to learn more.
Dr. Goldkind and his team at Goldkind Orthodontics would be more than happy to answer any of your questions and help you decide if Invisalign is right for your family. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!