Written by: Dr Rothman • June 15, 2021• Dental Health

Straight Talk: Invisalign First for Early Orthodontic Treatment

Did you know that Invisalign is now an orthodontic treatment option for young children? One of the coolest products that I currently offer for kids in my practice is Invisalign First. It embodies the same impressive technology as Invisalign for adults and teens but is specifically geared towards younger children who have a mix of baby and adult teeth.

Invisalign First is indicated for children typically aged 7 to 10 who present with specific issues requiring early orthodontic intervention. These include problems such as crossbites, crowding, spacing or overbite. When indicated, phase 1 or early interceptive treatment with Invisalign First is advantageous for several reasons:

Allows for arch and/or jaw development to create space for the future eruption of additional permanent teeth
Prevents pre-existing bite problems from getting worse
Improves the aesthetic appearance of a child’s growing smile
Improves self-esteem
Makes phase 2 treatment shorter and easier

In the past, early orthodontic treatment was less common, as its benefits were not fully realized. Additionally, braces and bulky appliances were the only treatment modalities available. It is incredible that now the use of clear plastic aligners is a comfortable and effective alternative to those options of the past.

The process to begin Invisalign First treatment is simple and painless. In my practice, our digital scanner captures an accurate 3D picture of the teeth and bite, comfortably replacing the need for gooey impressions. The Invisalign First aligners are fabricated from the digital imaging scan. Tooth-colored attachments are placed on some teeth to help hold the aligners in place, and patients are instructed to change them weekly according to a schedule. They are comfortable and aesthetic and easily removed for eating and brushing teeth.

Invisalign First clear aligners are designed specifically to address a broad range of younger patients’ problems. They expand on key innovations and have been purposely designed for growing patients with new and unique features and functionality. At the same time, the technology has the same benefits Invisalign has always offered: no food restrictions, no change in brushing or cleaning and less chance of emergency visits. I have also found that young children are surprisingly compliant when it comes to wearing the aligners (even more so than older children and adults in many cases)!

If your child is approaching his or her seventh birthday, please call Pinecrest Orthodontics to set up a complimentary initial consultation. If early orthodontic treatment is indicated, Invisalign First treatment may be a great option!

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