CONTENTS: 2-PART GUIDE TO INVISALIGN FOR A 12-YEAR-OLD

+ Part 1: Introduction, Invisalign Teen & benefits + Part 2: Why many orthodontists do not recommend Invisalign for a 12-year-old

For many 12-year-olds, the idea of using clear, removable, Invisalign retainers to straighten their teeth – instead of the more noticeable fixed metal braces – is an attractive one.

As with any profession, different teeth straightening dentists and orthodontists have different opinions about particular treatments.

DOES INVISALIGN WORK FOR 12 YEAR OLDS?

Some dentists and orthodontists – depending on the requirements of the individual – would prescribe Invisalign for a 12-year-old.

But, as we will go on to discuss, there are many who would not.

Advantages of Invisalign include:

+ People will often have no idea you are having teeth straightening treatment + You can take them when you are eating + You can take them out to clean them

Where dentists are happy to prescribe Invisalign for a 12-year-old this will typically be “Invisalign Teen” treatment.

Can kids get Invisalign instead of braces?

Invisalign Teen works in the same way as standard Invisalign – the patient will change their set of plastic retainers every couple of weeks or so.

Each set pushes the teeth towards their final straight position.

Invisalign says its Teen treatment is designed specifically for adoloscents – to take into account the continuing development of their teeth and gums.

WHAT IS INVISALIGN TEEN?

Invisalign Teen includes “compliance indicators” – dots on the back of the retainers that slowly fade to prove your child has been wearing them for the required amount of time.

Invisalign Teen also includes “eruption tabs, which act as space holders to allow for the growth of new teeth.

Fans of Invisalign Teen say other benefits include a reduction in the likelihood of an emergency visit  to the orthodontist –because there are no wires or brackets to break.

Braces and musical instruments

Invisalign Teen fans also say this treatment makes it easier to play brass or wind musical instruments, such as the trumpet or the saxophone, because the young musician can simply take their retainers out.

Playing a brass or wind instrument with fixed braces can take some getting used to in the first instance.

Similarly, Invisalign wearers can take their retainers out to play contact sports such as rugby.

Please join us next time for part two when we will  discuss why many dentists may not recommend Invisalign for a 12 year old.