Can Invisalign® Treat Children and Teens?

Not everyone is born with a perfect smile. That’s no surprise, really, and why there are plenty of options for improving the health and appearance of one’s teeth. Some issues involving crooked teeth or uneven teeth can be addressed through simple dental treatments, such as porcelain veneers. Other more involved matters will require orthodontic treatment of some kind. Our Coral Gables cosmetic dentist and the staff here have been very enthusiastic to offer patients Invisalign® in order to straighten teeth and enhance smiles. The Invisalign® system uses clear plastic aligners to straighten the smile rather than the brackets and wires of metal braces.

Since Invisalign® uses plastic retainers, it is less likely that people will notice them while you are in public. Many people have enjoyed this subtle sort of orthodontic treatment since their friends and people on the street don’t notice the treatment taking place.

That said, you may wonder if Invisalign® is the right option for teenagers and younger children. Some teens are quite self-conscious about having braces in place. They may be made fun of or they may be particularly sensitive to how the braces affect their appearance. For those reasons, many have considered getting Coral Gables Invisalign® during high school.

So is Invisalign® an option that’s ideal for that age range?

For young children and early teens, Invisalign® is not a good idea. The treatment should really only be used once a young person has all of his or her permanent teeth in. Some issues may also involve the continued growth of a child or young teen, which may affect the suitability for Invisalign® treatment. For older teens, Invisalign® is a much better option, though it should be said that not everyone is eligible for Invisalign® treatment. In order to find out if Invisalign® is right for you, you need to speak with a dental care specialist.

To schedule a consultation, contact our Coral Gables cosmetic dentistry office. We look forward to discussing your dental health with you in greater detail.