Young patients are all smiles because, with Invisalign® First, they can remove the clear aligners to eat candy, popcorn, and bubble gum and never worry about poking wires or brackets. Invisalign® First lets kids continue to enjoy their favorite meals and keep active at the games they love – sports, Choir, or wrestling with their friends— because, with Invisalign® First, no timeouts are needed. Children at this age are eager to please adults and do very well wearing aligners.
Invisalign® First is an easy, comfortable option for children who might need that early, Phase 1 treatment. Dr. Carr is happy to speak with you and your pre-teen to determine if Invisalign® First aligners are the correct orthodontic treatment plan and lifestyle choice for your child with fewer visits and fewer emergency visits. Invisalign® First treatment typically lasts less than a year and is the same easy, comfortable experience as Invisalign® Teen and Invisalign® treatment for adults.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that every child see an orthodontist for an initial evaluation at the age of seven. This is because your child’s teeth and skeletal structure are continually changing and may require early intervention for correction. Not all 7- or 8-year-olds need orthodontic treatment, but there is a short list of reasons to have phase 1 orthodontic treatment:
- Lack of space for future adult tooth eruption. If untreated this can lead to extraction (removal of teeth) or impaction (teeth don’t come in) of permanent teeth.
- Bite problems that can affect the growth pattern of your child. If NOT treated early, treatment options may be limited in the future and lead to the need for possible orthognathic (jaw) surgery.
- To correct oral habits such as thumb-sucking, dependence on pacifiers past age one, and tongue thrust habits that can lead to improper development of your child’s teeth, palate, and bite.
- Airway issues can also be improved with Phase 1 treatment.
- If necessary, we may recommend braces, Invisalign® First, or expansion to intercept any potential issues that could lead to greater problems in the future.
- The goal of the 1st phase of treatment is to get “in and out” as quickly as possible so that there is a nice break in treatment to allow the child to continue to develop before they are ready for their 2nd phase of treatment. Having a 1st phase of treatment, if needed, typically cuts down on the length and cost of the 2nd phase of treatment.
Call our office to schedule your complimentary evaluation today.
Click here to learn more about Invisalign First for children and phase 1 treatment.