Invisalign is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments among adults because of its comfort and discretion.
Based on removable transparent splints, it allows the correction of the bite and alignment of the teeth without interfering with day-to-day life or personal image.
In recent years it has been in such high demand that there is even a version for younger patients who need to improve their teeth: Invisalign First.
In this article, we tell you about the advantages of this system for children and what parents should bear in mind for orthodontic treatment to be successful.
Children’s orthodontics and its phases
Invisalign First is placed on children between the ages of 6 and 10 as part of their interceptive orthodontic treatment.
At this age, the bones of the mandible and maxilla are malleable, so it is possible to guide their growth to achieve optimal occlusion.
Only in this way, the pieces will fit as they should and will be in a correct position with respect to their bony bases.
That is why it is much simpler and cheaper to start orthodontic treatment in childhood than in adulthood, when it is no longer possible to act on the bones.
From the age of 6 – when the first visit with an orthodontist is indicated – the interceptive orthodontic phase can begin.
There is a wide variety of braces for children that aim to harmonize the size and position of the child’s bones, including Invisalign First.
Once this process is completed, if necessary, the specialist may prescribe functional orthodontics, the orthodontic treatment traditionally used for adults.
This other treatment acts on the teeth once the development of the bones has concluded, generally around 10 or 11 years of age.
Invisalign First splints
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INVISALIGN FIRST SPLINT
How does Invisalign First work?
Invisalign First works in the same way as any clear aligner-based orthodontics intended for adult patients.
That is to say, it is based on splints that must be changed every two weeks so that, little by little, micro dental movements are made.
This is achieved thanks to the attachments: small reliefs made of composite that stick to the tooth and allow the aligner to have sufficient grip.
All orthodontics is planned through computer software known as ClinCheck.
This program is used by the orthodontist to design all the splints the patient will need to achieve the desired bite, alignment and smile leveling.
However, the version of Invisalign for children has some peculiarities that parents should take into account.
In all interceptive orthodontic treatment, parental involvement is essential to achieve the desired results.
When they are so young, children may not be aware of the need to comply with the dentist’s instructions, so it is important for parents to be vigilant at home.
Invisalign First allows for bite correction in children between the ages of 6 and 10 through a removable system.
Features of Invisalign First
A child’s teeth are constantly changing: tooth replacement is not yet complete and it is normal for some teeth to be missing until the permanent teeth erupt.
For this reason, Invisalign First has a number of special features and requirements designed specifically for young patients:
The splints have eruption compensators, i.e., gaps that allow the eruption of the definitive teeth.
For this reason, they are used for children with mixed dentition: baby teeth that have not yet fallen out and permanent teeth that have erupted or are in the process of erupting.
The design of the clear aligners is intended to exert force on the erupting teeth as well.
What are the advantages of this system over traditional braces?
Invisalign First offers a number of benefits for patients who opt for this method:
The adaptation period is faster than if we are talking about a fixed bracket system, since Invisalign is the orthodontic that generates less discomfort.
Since it has no metal parts, there is no need to worry about sores or abrasions on the tongue, lips or mucosa.
Dental emergencies are minimal because, as there are no brackets or archwires, they do not stick or come off.
As it is a removable orthodontic, the child can clean his teeth normally and reach the nooks and crannies of the mouth without hindrance.
There are no dietary restrictions, as the splints are also removed from the mouth when eating.
The aligners are transparent, so they do not interfere with the child’s image.
Progress in orthodontics is visible to the naked eye thanks to the change of the splints, which encourages the child to continue the treatment with more enthusiasm.
Girl with braces
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CHILDREN’S BRACES
What precautions and care should be taken into account?
Although Invisalign Firts has many advantages, a series of care and precautions must be taken for the treatment to be successful.
As it is a removable system, it ceases to have any effect when it is not placed in the mouth.
Therefore, it is essential that the child wears the aligners for at least 22 hours a day.
Appeals to responsibility
Invisalign First is a system that offers very good results as long as the orthodontist’s instructions are followed.
This means that the appliance can only be removed for eating and brushing teeth.
On the other hand, when they are removed from the mouth, it is important that they are properly stored to avoid loss or breakage.
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Thus, at school or when the child is away from home, it is essential that he or she always carries a box with him or her to ensure that the splints are protected.
They should also be cleaned with a brush and water every time they are removed from the mouth to prevent them from acquiring bad odors or tartar build-up.
Now that you know about Invisalign First, you can choose this system for your child so that he or she can achieve an esthetic and functional smile.
Remember that at this age, parental involvement is very important, as well as attending the check-ups prescribed by the orthodontist.
Therefore, it requires the participation of parents so that the child complies with his or her hygiene routines at home and wears the splints for the stipulated number of hours per day.
