You have almost certainly heard of Invisalign, the invisible alternative to traditional braces.

This revolutionary new way of straightening teeth is effective, removable and invisible, making it ideal for children and self-conscious teens.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign consists of thin, removable, clear plastic aligners that are worn over your teeth. They are custom-made aligners, designed from precise impressions of your teeth so they will fit perfectly.

The aligners apply pressure to your teeth, gently encouraging them into the desired position.

You will switch to a new aligner every one to two weeks; this allows your teeth to change position gradually and comfortably.

One of the great things about Invisalign is that the aligners can be removed for up to four hours daily.

This gives children enough time to eat and take care of their usual dental care routine, ensuring their oral health is protected throughout the treatment.

Flossing and brushing are no problem with Invisalign braces, so you can be confident your child won’t fall into bad habits with regard to dental hygiene.

Invisalign braces for children

Invisalign has become a household name, thanks to the huge improvements they are making to people’s teeth.

One of the things people love most about Invisalign is that the aligners are invisible, which means you can straighten your teeth effectively without anybody knowing you’re using them.

This is a particular advantage for older children and teens, who might be self-conscious about wearing braces at school.

Now, your child can have picture-perfect teeth without the mean kids at school even noticing.

How long does Invisalign take?

There is no set time for Invisalign to work; this depends on the teeth and what you hope the treatment will achieve.

It could take as little as six months to correct your child’s teeth; a complex case, however, might need as long as two years.

The best thing to do is speak to your dentist to find out how long Invisalign would take to work and whether it’s recommended for your child.

Your child might receive a number of aligners to wear throughout the treatment. This depends on the nature of the treatment; you will usually be required to change them every week or two.

Usually, the more complicated the dental work, the more aligners you will need.

Can Invisalign be used for complex cases?

Yes. Invisalign can help even in complex dental cases. Invisalign technology can move teeth into the proper position.

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that it allows greater predictability of tooth movement, allowing your dentist to plan your child’s dental changes carefully.

In some cases, however, traditional metal braces might work better, so you will need to seek the advice of a dental expert.

Speak to your child’s dentist to find out whether Invisalign is suitable for your child’s teeth.

Does Invisalign hurt?

No. Invisalign braces do not hurt. They can be a little uncomfortable, though, when worn for the first time.

Each new aligner might take a short while to get used to, but users typically don’t describe them as painful.

Invisalign aligners are designed to be comfortable so your child can carry on their hobbies while wearing them.

People often complain of pain when the wires on their traditional metal braces snap or break; this isn’t a risk with Invisalign braces.

When you use durable plastic Invisalign braces, you won’t need to make emergency dental trips for broken wires.

Can teenagers use Invisalign?

Yes, Invisalign is safe and effective for teens. Over 14 million people worldwide have used Invisalign and 2 million were teens.

Why do teens love Invisalign? Because it’s a discreet and effective treatment that won’t ruin their photos or leave them self-conscious.

Your teen will need to wear their aligners for at least 20-22 hours per day, so they’ll need to be disciplined at putting them in again after eating.

If your teen would like to try Invisalign, organise a consultation with your nearest Invisalign provider to find out whether this treatment option is right for your child.