Invisalign First: Clear Aligners for Children with Mixed Dentition
Assessment of the bite, space for permanent teeth and jaw relationships while the teeth and jaws are still developing
A confident smile in the future may begin with an appropriate assessment in childhood, particularly during the mixed dentition stage, when primary and permanent teeth begin to erupt together and the jaws are still developing.
Invisalign First is a clear aligner option for children with mixed dentition. It is suitable for children with problems such as protruding teeth, an abnormal bite or insufficient space for permanent teeth. Treatment at this stage focuses on correcting bite problems and improving jaw balance by making use of growth (Growth Modification) to help correct the bite or disproportion between the jaws. If left untreated, these problems may become more severe and make treatment more complicated. An orthodontist will assess the suitability of each child before treatment begins.
Early assessment does not mean orthodontic treatment must begin immediately.
It helps parents understand how the problem may develop and plan care at the most appropriate time for each child.
Why should you bring your child for an assessment from an early age?
At around the age of 7, permanent teeth begin to erupt alongside primary teeth. An assessment at this stage helps the orthodontist identify potential problems earlier, such as permanent teeth erupting in the wrong position, a narrow jaw or an abnormal bite.
Some children may not need to begin orthodontic treatment immediately and may only require periodic monitoring of the development of their teeth and jaws. Other children may be suitable for early care to reduce the complexity of certain problems in the future, address problems that affect or interfere with the development of the teeth and jawbones, create an appropriate environment for the growth of the jaws and face, and help create space for permanent teeth to erupt. Whether early care is appropriate depends on an assessment by an orthodontist.
Signs that your child should be assessed
If parents notice any of the following, they should bring their child to see an orthodontist for an appropriate assessment.
- Crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, protruding teeth, or permanent teeth erupting out of alignment
- The upper and lower teeth meet abnormally, such as the lower teeth overlapping the upper teeth, or the teeth not meeting properly when biting
- The chin appears receded or protruding, or the face appears unbalanced when biting
- Primary teeth are lost prematurely, permanent teeth erupt later than expected, or there is concern that there may be insufficient space for permanent teeth
- Difficulty chewing, the teeth do not meet fully when biting, the teeth are difficult to clean, or food frequently becomes trapped between the teeth
- Concerns about a narrow jaw, mouth breathing or snoring, which should be assessed together with other factors; referral to an appropriate medical specialist may also be considered.
What is Invisalign First?
Invisalign First consists of clear orthodontic aligners designed for children with mixed dentition. The aligners are clear, removable and made according to an individual treatment plan for each child.
Before treatment begins, the orthodontist will assess the alignment of the teeth, the bite, space for permanent teeth and jaw development in order to plan care that is appropriate for each child.
The aim of Invisalign First is to address problems at an early stage, allowing care for the smile and oral health, as well as any subsequent treatment, to be planned more systematically. Treatment outcomes depend on the nature of the problem, the development of the teeth and jaws, and each child’s cooperation in wearing the aligners.
Why does Invisalign First meet the needs of children and parents?
Removable before eating
Children can remove the aligners before eating as advised, making it easier to eat and reducing restrictions on hard, sticky or crunchy foods compared with fixed braces, which may come loose or become damaged.
Easier to clean
As the aligners are removable, children can brush their teeth, floss and clean the aligners more easily, reducing areas where food particles and plaque may accumulate when care is carried out according to the dentist’s advice.
Comfortable to wear, with less interference in the mouth
The aligners have a smooth surface and no wires or brackets that may catch on the cheeks, lips or gums, helping children to speak, study, play sports, play musical instruments and carry out daily activities more easily.
Less visible, increasing confidence during the school years
The clear aligners are less visible, helping children to smile, talk and take part in activities with friends with greater confidence, while remaining under the care of an orthodontist.
Discipline in wearing the aligners is required
As the aligners are removable, children must be disciplined in wearing them for the number of hours advised by the orthodontist. They must also remove, store and clean the aligners regularly. Parents play an important role in helping to maintain continuity of treatment.
How is Invisalign First different from fixed braces?
Both Invisalign First and fixed braces aim to manage tooth alignment and the bite, but they differ in use, care and suitability for each case.
| Aspect | Invisalign First | Fixed braces |
|---|---|---|
| Eating | Can be removed before eating, making it easier to eat and reducing restrictions on certain foods | Care must be taken with hard, sticky or crunchy foods because they may cause the appliance to come loose or become damaged |
| Cleaning | Can be removed for brushing, flossing and cleaning the aligners, allowing more thorough cleaning | The areas around the brackets and wires, as well as between the teeth, must be cleaned thoroughly |
| Comfort | No wires or brackets, reducing irritation inside the mouth | The wires or brackets may sometimes irritate the cheeks or lips |
| Follow-up | Follow-up according to the treatment plan, with greater flexibility | Regular visits to the orthodontist are often required to adjust the wires or appliance |
| Child’s cooperation | The child must be disciplined in wearing the aligners as advised and storing them so that they are not lost | The appliance is attached to the teeth, but care must be taken with food and cleaning must be carried out regularly |
| Suitability | Discipline in wearing the aligners is essential | Suitable for certain cases requiring the control provided by a fixed appliance, or where there are specific indications at the orthodontist’s discretion |
A Systematic Approach to Invisalign First Care at BNH Dental Centre
Clear aligner treatment for children is not only about the appearance of the smile; it also involves tooth alignment, the bite, space for permanent teeth and jaw development while the child is still growing.
At BNH Dental Centre, an orthodontist will assess each child’s problems in detail in order to plan appropriate care. Information from the examination, photographs, X-rays, intraoral scans and ClinCheck software may be used to design a step-by-step approach to tooth movement and help parents understand the overall treatment plan before the child begins wearing the aligners.
Assessment while the child is still growing helps the orthodontist plan appropriate management of the bite, space for permanent teeth and jaw development according to the child’s age. This is known as planning for jaw growth management. Treatment outcomes depend on the nature of the problem, the development of the teeth and jaws, and the child’s cooperation in wearing the aligners.
Stages of Invisalign First care at BNH Dental Centre
- Assessment by an orthodontist
The orthodontist will examine the alignment of the teeth, the bite, jaw relationships, the development of the permanent teeth and the child’s oral health care habits.
- Additional examinations and individualised planning for each child
Photographs, X-rays or an intraoral scan may be taken as appropriate. Digital technology such as ClinCheck may also be used to help plan tooth movement and explain the approach to parents.
- Starting to Wear the Aligners, with Instructions
The dental team will explain how to insert, remove, clean and store the aligners, as well as the recommended number of hours of wear according to each child’s treatment plan.
- Periodic follow-up
The orthodontist will assess tooth movement, the bite, gum and dental health, the fit of the aligners and the child’s cooperation in wearing them, and will adjust the advice when necessary.
- Ongoing planning for complex cases
If a child has several problems, such as severe crowding, a narrow jaw or an abnormal bite, the orthodontist may plan treatment in stages, monitor jaw growth or consider using other appliances as appropriate.
Expected outcomes from appropriate planning
With appropriate assessment and planning, tooth alignment and the bite often improve in line with the treatment plan, more space becomes available for permanent teeth, and oral hygiene becomes easier as the teeth become better aligned.
However, outcomes vary from child to child and depend on growth and the development of the teeth and jaws. An assessment by an orthodontist should therefore be carried out before treatment begins in order to select an appropriate approach.
Frequently asked questions about Invisalign First
Do children aged 7 and over need to begin orthodontic treatment immediately?
Is Invisalign First suitable for every child?
How long should the aligners be worn each day?
How often are follow-up appointments required?
Will it be a problem if the child frequently loses the aligners?
Begin caring for your child’s smile with confidence at BNH Dental Centre
Bring your child for an assessment of tooth alignment, the bite and jaw development, starting at the mixed dentition stage. This allows Invisalign First care to be planned appropriately for each child.
Book an Invisalign First assessment for your child