My daughter will be 13 next year. We are considering Invisalign for her because it worked so well for me. We hope to start treatment soon so that she can be finished with orthodontics before age 15. Our dentist is pushing braces instead. Is she too young for Invisalign? Thanks. Jasmyn
Jasmyn,
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment for your teenager is an important decision. Let’s discuss some key factors to consider regarding Invisalign for a 13-year-old.
Can a Pre-Teen Get Invisalign?
For Invisalign to be highly effective, many providers prefer that a teen’s teeth be mostly or entirely erupted. This means the permanent teeth should be in their final positions. It’s important to understand that:
- Some 13-year-olds have all their permanent teeth fully erupted, making them suitable candidates.
- However, others may have teeth that are still emerging, which may affect the aligners’ fit and effectiveness.
Growth and Treatment Adjustments
Another factor to consider is your daughter’s ongoing growth. Teenagers’ jaws continue to develop for several years. Therefore, it is important to understand:
- With conventional braces, adjustments can be made throughout treatment to accommodate growth.
- Invisalign relies on a pre-planned series of aligners, which may not ideally account for future growth changes.
- While Invisalign can be effective, there is an element of predicting growth patterns.
Patient Compliance and Consistent Wear
Invisalign requires patient commitment and compliance. The aligners must be worn for approximately 22 hours per day. Consistent wear is crucial for successful treatment. It is worth noting:
- Inconsistency can lead to teeth moving back and forth, compromising dental health.
- Teenagers may sometimes forget or neglect to wear their aligners as required.
- To help with this, Invisalign includes a blue dot indicator in the aligners, which fades with consistent wear, allowing parents to monitor compliance.
Potential for Lost or Damaged Aligners
Like many adults, teenagers may misplace or damage personal items. It is essential to know:
- Losing aligners can disrupt treatment and require replacements.
- Invisalign provides six free replacement aligner sets for teen cases.
- Consistent monitoring and safekeeping of the aligners are essential.
Making an Informed Decision
You know your daughter best. Have an open conversation with your Invisalign dentist to weigh these factors. While Invisalign is possible, conventional braces may offer more flexibility and control during growth. Your Invisalign dentist can help you determine the most suitable treatment plan for your daughter’s needs and circumstances.
