Invisalign is a popular orthodontic treatment used to straighten teeth, improve dental health, and improve one’s overall appearance. It is a clear alternative to traditional braces that can be used on children and adults. While the treatment is similar in some ways, there are also key differences between Invisalign for kids and adults.
This article will discuss the differences between Invisalign for kids and adults and why choosing the right one is important.
Why Use Invisalign?
The main reason to use Invisalign over traditional braces is that it’s much more comfortable. With traditional braces, you must wear bulky metal wires, brackets, and wires daily. These can make it difficult to eat certain foods or talk without worrying about being poked by something sharp.
Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners that are almost invisible when worn, meaning you don’t have to worry about them getting stuck in your food or falling off while talking with friends. The only time they’re visible is when they’re being taken out at night and put back in the morning.
What is the Difference Between Kid’s and Adults’ Invisalign?:
1. Time Needed for Treatment
The time needed for the treatment in children is different from in adults, as children have a faster growth rate. The treatment for children is usually completed within six to 18 months, but it can take longer if there are issues with growing out the trays.
Children have a faster rate of growth than adults and tend to have more issues with growing out their trays. The treatment time will also vary based on how many aligners are needed. It’s important to discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment so they can give you an accurate estimate of how long it will take.
2. Dental Growth
Invisalign aligners are made from a plastic material that has been shaped into a tray that fits over your teeth. It is completely custom-made for each patient’s mouth and has no metal wires or brackets attached to it. This makes it ideal for children and adults because there aren’t any sharp edges that could hurt them in their mouths while they are wearing their trays.
So, when the human jaw and teeth are constantly growing, the treatment needs to be adjusted as the patient’s teeth grow and change shape. Dentists will use x-rays to determine how much space is left in a patient’s mouth for new aligners before placing them.
Changes in the growth curve may also require you to change your alignment treatment plan. This can be done by removing and replacing the current aligners with new ones based on the updated x-rays or by making adjustments to your treatment plan.
Cost of Treatment
If you are starting your treatment, you will need to pay for a series of aligners. These are the custom-made braces that correct your teeth’s alignment. The cost varies depending on what kind of treatment plan you choose and where you go.
The treatment will cost more for children than adults, requiring several sets of aligners. It also depends on how many teeth you want to straighten and your treatment plan. The cost will be higher if your dentist recommends a treatment plan requiring more than two aligners per year.
Conclusion
It’s important to understand the key differences between Invisalign for kids and adults to ensure that the patient receives the best care possible. While both adults and children benefit from the same advanced clear aligner system, the patient’s age determines how long the treatment can take, their overall comfort level, and the type of aligners used.
For your smile solutions, book a consultation with Solarte Orthodontics, your family orthodontist in Manassas, Virginia. Our team will help you determine whether Invisalign is the right treatment for your child or if another option would better suit their needs.
