Can children get Invisalign
When it’s time to get started on your child’s orthodontic treatment, you might be wondering, “Which is better – braces or Invisalign?” Without meeting your child in person, we can’t tell you which one is right for your child. So we put together this comparative list to help you weigh your options for your child’s orthodontic treatment. Curious about orthodontic options? If you’re wondering, Does Invisalign work? rest assured that Invisalign has proven to be effective in straightening teeth discreetly and comfortably.
After you read through this list, you’ll probably have some questions. We’re always happy to help. Give our office a call to schedule a consultation, and we’ll help you decide whether braces or Invisalign are the right choice for your child.
Yes, your child can get Invisalign
As long as your child’s adult teeth have mostly come in, your child can get Invisalign. But just because your child can get Invisalign doesn’t mean they should. Read on to find out about the pros and cons of Invisalign for children.
Invisalign is faster than braces
Most people wear braces for between 18 and 24 months, whereas Invisalign can straighten teeth in as little as 6 to 12 months. Invisalign generally straightens teeth faster, but only if there is 100% compliance from the patient. We’ll talk more about that below.
Invisalign is nearly invisible
If your child is self-conscious about wearing braces, you may want to consider clear aligners like Invisalign instead. Clear aligners are nearly invisible and most people won’t even notice that your child is wearing them.
However, you should understand that braces are a regular fact of life for kids.Though your child may express some hesitancy about how they’ll look in braces, they may find that, once they actually have them, they enjoy matching their friends and picking out fun new colored rubber bands every month.
Invisalign aligners can get lost
One of the biggest benefits of wearing braces is that braces are permanently fixed to the teeth. Braces can’t get lost. They won’t be taken off and forgotten on a school lunch table. Invisalign aligners are both removable AND transparent – making them very easy to misplace.
Invisalign has to actually be worn to work
Braces straighten your child’s teeth 24/7/365. Clear aligners like Invisalign only do straighten teeth when your child is wearing them. Invisalign must be worn 20-22 hours every day to complete treatment on the right schedule. The only time they should be off is when your child is eating, brushing or flossing. If your child’s aligners get lost or are forgotten at night next to the bathroom sink, your child is missing out on critical straightening time that could set them back on their treatment schedule.
100% compliance is necessary to finish Invisalign treatment on time. If you can trust your child to wear the aligners like they are supposed to, this isn’t an issue. But many children are not yet mature enough to handle that responsibility, making braces a better bet.
Invisalign is more expensive than braces
In the United States, treatment with braces typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000. The average treatment cost for Invisalign is between $3,000 and $8,000. Costs for both vary depending on the length of treatment, which tends to correspond with the amount of movement the teeth need to end up in their correct position.
Need help choosing between braces and Invisalign?
Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists helps children all over the Atlanta metro area achieve the great smiles they deserve. Schedule your Invisalign or braces consultation today!
