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How Old Does My Child Have to Be to Start Invisalign?


Dr. John Walker and the professionals at Walker Orthodontics have the skill and experience to treat their younger patients who live in or near Shirley MA with Invisalign for their orthodontic treatment needs.

Opportunity

If a child has not yet lost all of their baby teeth, treatment with Invisalign clear aligners is not needed.  Only when a child’s full set of adult teeth typically is in position by the ages of 12 or 13. For those ages and older, treatment with Dr. Walker with Invisalign can be a convenient and effective method of orthodontic treatment.

Responsibility

Parents and treatment providers must always consider the maturity and ability level of a child when prescribing treatment with Invisalign. The clear aligners are removable by the wearer for eating, brushing, flossing, and cleaning. That makes it easy to wear and maintain. On the other hand, it is also a responsibility for the child to keep track of the tray when it is not being worn. The professionals at Walker Orthodontics may be able to make replacement aligner trays, but they are expensive and the wait may delay the course of treatment.

Treatment

Invisalign clear aligner trays are virtually invisible to the casual observer. They fit snugly over the wearer’s teeth and are made of a thermoplastic material. They exert a gentle pressure to gradually and progressively move the teeth into a more natural position. A child being treated by Dr. Walker with Invisalign may experience less discomfort than with traditional braces. Children in Shirley MA can be active and social and not feel self-conscious that they are being treated for their orthodontic issues.

Support

Dr. Walker and the team at Walker Orthodontics in Shirley MA are sensitive to the needs and lifestyles of all their active young patients.They understand the commitment required from a child toward their treatment. For example, they know that Invisalign clear aligners need to be worn 22 hours each day to be effective.

Outcomes

Results vary with each patient. Typically, treatment with the clear aligners provides approximately 43% improvement compared to treatment with traditional braces, which has the potential to show a 90-95% improvement. Also, Invisalign is not indicated in all cases of  malocclusions (e.g., crossbites). Depending on the treatment needs and goals of the patient, the clear aligners are a manageable and comfortable method of orthodontic treatment for children.

Dr. Walker knows that treatment may be a necessity for a child. Yet, it’s also an opportunity for them to learn responsibility and self-confidence while correcting their smiles. With that said, Invisalign may be the right treatment for your child.

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic-related topics, feel free to contact Walker Orthodontics, with convenient orthodontic offices in Harvard & Lunenburg, by calling 978.345.7988 or clicking here to request your complimentary, no-obligation Walker Orthodontics Smile Assessment.

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