Northeast Children’s Dentistry offers Invisalign® in San Antonio for children and teens with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, using a series of nearly invisible, removable trays instead of brackets and wires. Treatment is led by Dr. Kevin Coppola, who lectures for Invisalign and serves on the advisory committee of Clearly Aligned.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign uses a series of custom, clear plastic aligners that look a bit like a thin retainer. Each set is shaped to move the teeth a small step using gentle, even pressure. Your child switches to a new set on a schedule we provide, and each one picks up where the last left off. Many treatments use around 20 to 24 sets, and treatment often takes about a year, though every child’s plan is different.
We start with a digital scan, so there are no messy impressions, and you can preview how your child’s teeth are planned to move before treatment begins.
Invisalign for kids and teens
Invisalign isn’t just for adults. Depending on your child’s age and needs:
- Invisalign Teen is designed for teens with a full set of permanent teeth, with features that help them, and you, keep track of wear time.
- Invisalign First is designed for younger children, usually with a mix of baby and adult teeth, to help guide early bite and jaw development.
For younger children, aligners are one of several early treatment options we may discuss at an Early Orthodontic Evaluations visit, along with Palatal Expanders. Before we recommend a plan, we look at how your child breathes and how the jaws are growing, not only at how the teeth line up.
Is Invisalign right for my child?
Invisalign works well for:
- Mildly to moderately crooked teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Some crowding and bite concerns
Severe overbites or underbites, and teeth that are very crowded or rotated, may be better treated another way. We’ll tell you honestly whether aligners are a good fit for your child, and if they aren’t, we’ll explain the alternatives.
Aligners also work best for kids who are ready for the responsibility. Because they come out, success depends on wearing them.
Tips to get the most out of Invisalign treatment
- Wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. Take aligners out only to eat, drink anything other than water, brush, and floss. Missed hours can push treatment back.
- Brush before putting them back in. Food trapped under an aligner sits against the teeth. Many kids carry a small kit with their case, a travel toothbrush, and toothpaste.
- Use chewies. Biting on a small foam “chewie” for a few minutes helps the aligners seat fully, which keeps treatment on track. We give your child one at the start, and some families like to keep extras on hand.
- Keep aligners clean. Rinse them each time they come out, brush them gently, and use aligner cleaning tablets or foam to keep them clear and fresh.
- Always use the case. Most lost aligners end up wrapped in a napkin on a lunch tray.
- Expect a little pressure with each new set. It usually fades in a day or two.
Invisalign FAQs
What age can my child start Invisalign?
It depends on your child’s teeth and growth. Teens with their permanent teeth are often good candidates, and some younger children may benefit from early aligner treatment. An evaluation is the best way to find out.
Is Invisalign better than braces for kids?
Neither is better for everyone. Aligners are more discreet, come out for eating and brushing, and have no wires to break, but they need steady wear. We’ll help you weigh the options for your child.
Are clear aligners uncomfortable?
Most kids feel some pressure for a day or two with each new set. Chewies and soft foods help during those first days.
Does dental insurance cover Invisalign?
Some PPO plans include orthodontic benefits that may apply to Invisalign. We’ll look over your plan with you before treatment begins.
Related: Early Orthodontic Evaluations, Palatal Expanders, Teen Dentistry, Mouth Guards