Invisalign First – It’s Not Just for Teenagers Anymore
Kids are more savvy and better informed now than they were in the past. They know that there are many more options for their orthodontic treatment than traditional metal braces. Luckily, the makers of Invisalign understand that pre-teens and younger children want the same choices that their older siblings have enjoyed. Invisalign First is the newest option that younger patients have to straighten their teeth, correct their bite and help create space for crowded teeth without the use of traditional metal braces or palatal expanders.
Phase One, or early intervention orthodontic treatment, is sometimes recommended for children ages 8-12 who have severe crowding, narrow dental arches and other orthodontic issues associated with growth and development. Phase One treatment occurs before all of the permanent teeth have erupted and often includes expansion of the dental arches and/or partial braces to create space and align teeth.
Palatal expanders are often associated with Phase One treatment. These appliances are affixed to the upper part of a child’s mouth (the palate) with metal bands that wrap around the permanent molars. The expander is then widened by using a key and lock system, which is completed daily while the child wears the device. A traditional palate expansion takes approximately 6 months to achieve the correction. Partial metal braces are placed during the course of Phase One treatment to take advantage of the space created through expansion and help to position the rest of the permanent teeth as they grow in.
Invisalign First offers parents the option of using a removable, clear aligner that is custom designed to widen your child’s arch while also shifting permanent teeth into place. This provides for a more precise movement of the palate and may reduce the need for more invasive orthodontic procedures as your child ages.
Invisalign First benefits include:
- Allowing younger children to experience treatment without braces.
- Custom design for your child’s unique treatment needs
- Option to treat a range of issues, including spacing, crowding and arch expansion
- Creating space for incoming teeth without the need for extraction
- Ability to remove the device to eat, drink, and brush & floss comfortably
Customizable treatment plans with Invisalign First
One of the key advantages of Invisalign First is the ability to create highly customized treatment plans for younger children. Every child’s orthodontic needs are unique, and Invisalign First allows orthodontists to tailor the treatment to address specific issues such as crowding, spacing, or bite misalignment. The flexibility of this system means that treatment can be adjusted as needed throughout the process, ensuring that your child’s developing teeth are guided into the proper positions with precision. This personalized approach helps to deliver the most effective results while minimizing discomfort.
Faster, more predictable results
Invisalign First is designed to achieve efficient tooth movement, often resulting in faster and more predictable results compared to traditional braces. With the ability to control the rate of movement and the sequence of tooth adjustments, Invisalign First allows orthodontists to carefully plan each step of the process. This level of control helps reduce the overall treatment time, making it a convenient option for both parents and children. In many cases, the aligners can achieve the desired outcomes in a shorter timeframe, giving children their ideal smile sooner.
Encouraging responsibility and independence
For younger children, Invisalign First presents a unique opportunity to foster responsibility and independence. Since the aligners are removable, children are tasked with the responsibility of wearing them for the recommended 20-22 hours a day. This helps develop good habits early on, as they learn to care for their aligners, take them out for meals, and clean them regularly. These responsibilities encourage children to take an active role in their oral health, setting the foundation for maintaining healthy teeth and gums as they grow.
Support for long-term oral health
Invisalign First not only addresses immediate orthodontic concerns but also sets the stage for long-term oral health. By correcting alignment and spacing issues early, Invisalign First helps prevent more severe problems down the road. Early intervention can reduce the need for more extensive treatment in adolescence or adulthood, such as tooth extractions or jaw surgery. This proactive approach to orthodontic care not only gives children a healthier smile in the short term but also contributes to the lifelong health and function of their teeth and jaws.
Invisalign First: Contact Us Today
Receiving orthodontic treatment at a younger age has been shown to help improve self-esteem, reduce the risk of trauma and guide the eruption of adult teeth. Invisalign First early intervention treatment is a great first step in your child’s journey to a healthy, confident smile! Dr. Holbert of Holbert Family Orthodontics invites you to schedule your child’s complimentary consultation and find out if Invisalign First is the best option for your child’s early intervention treatment.
