According to the National Library of Medicine, most patients now prefer being exclusively treated using aligners. But the question many parents still have is – can kids get Invisalign?

Well, yes, kids can get Invisalign, and there are many reasons why it’s an excellent option for addressing issues such as malocclusion or misalignment.

The introduction of Invisalign in orthodontics revolutionized the treatment of misaligned teeth. You can get peace of mind by consulting an orthodontist about Invisalign for kids in Little Rock, AR.

Uncover seven facts about Invisalign every parent needs to know.

1. Treatment Can Begin as Early as Six Years Old

Invisalign treatment can begin quite early when your kids still have baby teeth. If you notice that your child needs orthodontic care, a certified Invisalign specialist can help you understand if they’re eligible for treatment.

Some of the common issues clear aligners can treat for children include:

Crossbite
Overbite and underbite
Crowded teeth cause overlaps or gaps

Your child may also need Invisalign if they have prolonged pacifier use or thumb-sucking. Another sign that you can check to determine if Invisalign treatment is necessary is speech issues, jaw pain, or mouth-breathing.

The earlier your child gets the treatment, the better. This is because the teeth and jaw structure are still developing, making it easier to achieve optimal results in a shorter period. Besides, the first Invisalign program helps prepare your child’s dental structure for permanent teeth.

2. Kids Have to Wear Invisalign Aligners for 20 to 22 Hours

The treatment process for clear aligners requires wearing them for 20 to 22 hours each day. While the initial period of treatment may be uncomfortable, your child will get used to it quickly.

Moreover, your child can remove the clear aligners when brushing teeth. They can be without Invisalign for about four hours each day. This means they have the time to play sports or participate in other physical activities.

The convenience of using Invisalign allows your child to maintain their routine. However, they must wear the aligners for the recommended time frame each day for optimal results.

3. Invisalign Needs Fewer Orthodontist Appointments

According to Business Insider, Invisalign has already helped more than four million teenagers. This is mainly because, unlike other orthodontic treatments, Invisalign only needs a little time.

You’ll visit the dentist’s office once every four or six weeks. However, the appointments may vary depending on the severity of your child’s needs. Kids orthodontic treatment usually involves the following steps:

The first consultation entails assessing your child’s dental health
Comprehensive evaluation, including digital scans and X-rays
Creating an individualized treatment plan
Building custom-made aligners
Fitting the aligners

Invisalign are child-friendly braces because they have little to no pain. The discomfort your child may feel initially will dissipate as they get used to their aligners.

4. Invisalign Is Discreet

Invisalign is one of the most popular Little Rock orthodontic options due to its discreet nature. Children can wear them confidently because they’re invisible, and there is no risk of feeling self-conscious. This encourages your child to wear clear aligners with little to no supervision.

The custom-made feature of aligners also means that your child can pursue the perfect smile without the attention of metal braces. Also, the aesthetic appeal of Invisalign and its subtle approach makes it perfect for kids and teens who want to achieve their dream smile.

5. Invisalign Is Effective and Efficient

One of the pros of Invisalign is that it’s as effective as traditional braces. An orthodontist in Little Rock, AR, will monitor your progress and provide multiple sets of aligners as the teeth gradually shift in place.

The period of treatment will vary depending on your child’s discipline to wear them the recommended number of hours. Further, lost or broken aligners will be replaced, ensuring an uninterrupted treatment period.

Invisalign for teens and kids is ideal due to its customizable feature, which makes it practical to align teeth in developing jaws.

6. Invisalign Enhances Oral Hygiene

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, about 90% of Americans have tooth decay. The majority of dental problems and diseases are preventable with proper oral hygiene. However, oral health is often neglected, leading to the build-up of plaque over time, beginning from childhood.

One of the pediatric Invisalign benefits is that it enhances your child’s oral hygiene. With Invisalign, your child can:

Brush their teeth
Remove the aligners while eating, reducing the risk of plaque build-up
Decrease the risk of cavities by eliminating the food getting trapped

Clear aligners are removable, which makes them easy to clean and maintain. Using Invisalign ensures that your child continues to follow their oral hygiene routine.

7. Invisalign Treatment Period Is Comparable to Traditional Braces

The main reason behind the question “Can kids get Invisalign?” is concern about the duration of the treatment. The treatment period for Invisalign is similar to that for traditional braces, but it can vary depending on the nature of the problems it’s addressing.

The standard duration is usually six months to two years. An orthodontist in Little Rock, AR, will provide you with a guide to help your child understand how they can fast-track the treatment process. The cost of Invisalign is similar to that of traditional braces.

Nevertheless, you may get variations in cost due to factors such as:

The severity of the orthodontic issue
Treatment period
Location of orthodontic practice

Most insurance policies also cover the cost of Invisalign treatment. It would help if you talked to your orthodontist about a flexible payment plan that allows you to get this revolutionary treatment for your kid.