Invisalign is hugely popular among teens, particularly because it offers a treatment that won’t be visible on social media and in yearbook photos, or even noticeable by their peers. Invisalign Teen is the dedicated Invisalign treatment for patients in this age group, and it can be a great option for teens and young adults. As more teens ask for Invisalign over traditional braces treatments, it’s only natural that preteens follow suit. This begs the question, can preteens get Invisalign Teen?
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Invisalign Teen?
It’s true that Invisalign Teen is designed for patients in their teenage years – specifically, those who are aged 13 to 19. However, Invisalign Teen is also appropriate for patients as young as the age of 12. This means that preteens can be a good candidate for Invisalign Teen, as long as they are at least 12 years old. Furthermore, younger patients will need to receive a full oral exam to ensure that Invisalign Teen is a good treatment option. Patients who are younger than 12 years old or have not experienced enough development in the mouth may not be a good fit for the Invisalign Teen treatment.
Is Invisalign Teen Appropriate for My Preteen?
Whether the patient is a preteen or well into their teenage years, there are some important considerations before choosing Invisalign as a treatment option. The primary consideration is whether the patient will be able to adhere to the recommended Invisalign treatment plan. The use of Invisalign requires a lot of responsibility. Patients must remember to remove their aligners when eating, store them properly when not in use and wear their aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day. While parents can help their children stay accountable throughout treatment, it is inevitable that some of the responsibility will fall onto the child. If they are unable to follow these requirements, Invisalign may not be a good fit.
Can All Teens Get Invisalign Teen?
Although the treatment is designed for teens, there are some situations where Invisalign Teen may not be the best treatment option. For example, patients with moderate to severe orthodontic cases may experience greater benefits from traditional braces or other treatments. In these cases, Invisalign would not be able to address the full needs of the patient, or may take too long to be an optimal treatment.
To learn more about Invisalign Teen or determine if your child is a good candidate for treatment, contact us today. Drs. Savage, Sabol and Visser are ready to help your family achieve and maintain a beautiful smile!
