Invisalign is an innovative way of straightening teeth, all without the brackets, wires, and discomfort of metal braces. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is made of clear plastic that is virtually invisible when worn on your teeth. These clear aligners fit comfortably on your teeth, and they can be easily removed and put back on at your convenience.
Given the subtlety, comfort of Invisalign, it appeals to people of all ages. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of our most frequently asked questions for those who are interested. These include queries from parents and those concerned that they may not be eligible for Invisalign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is appropriate for Invisalign?
Generally speaking, Invisalign is just as effective and safe for children as it is for adults. However, different orthodontists may have different opinions on what age is appropriate for Invisalign to get the best possible results.
Though some will provide the treatment for kids aged 6-10, many prefer to wait until the child’s baby teeth have all fallen out, which is usually around 12 or 13 years old.
Is Invisalign for all ages?
As stated above, you can be too young for Invisalign if you have too many of your baby teeth. You can’t, however, be too old for Invisalign. If you’re an adult who’d like to have straighter teeth or your gaps closed, you can count on the Smile Team to help.
Can you get Invisalign with a baby tooth?
Some providers don’t need clients to have lost every single baby tooth to begin Invisalign. If a child only has one or two baby teeth left, they may still be suitable for the treatment. In this case, your orthodontist will design the Invisalign in such a way that the baby tooth won’t be affected and will still be able to fall out naturally.
Who is not suitable for Invisalign?
While Invisalign is fully capable of correcting crowded and gapped teeth, along with underbite, overbite, and crossbite, it may not be suitable for more severe cases. Younger patients whose teeth are still growing may also be ineligible.
Invisalign also isn’t recommended for those regular smokers. The reason for this is that smoking can alter the colour of the aligners, making your teeth appear stained.
Can Invisalign cause problems for kids?
Invisalign is completely safe, so long as you get your Invisalign from a professional, certified, Specialist Orthodontist. Not all kids are suitable for Invisalign, but it is typically a case by case basis depending on the child’s age and the number of baby teeth they have. To get a clearer answer, we recommend scheduling a free assessment with our team.
Contact Smile Team for a complimentary assessment
If you have any other questions or would like to book a free assessment, please don’t hesitate to contact us at one of our four practices.
You can reach us by calling (02) 4220 5300 for Wollongong, (02) 4295 9100 for Shellharbour, (02) 4861 7076 for the Southern Highlands, and (02) 9688 3588 for Parramatta. You can also fill out our online form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
We hope to hear from you soon!