Why Early Orthodontic Treatment At Age 7 Sets Your Child's Smile Up For Success

When we think about orthodontic treatment, we often picture teenagers with braces or clear aligners, but the foundation for a healthy, beautiful smile begins much earlier. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children receive an orthodontic screening by age 7¹ — and yes, that might seem surprisingly early for some parents, but there are compelling reasons for this advice.

At this age, children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which actually makes it an ideal time to correct and guide the development of their jaw and teeth². We’re sure you’ve got a ton of questions about why this is the case, so this article delves into the rationale behind early orthodontic care for your child.

Early detection leads to more effective treatment: Why age 7 is key

The AAO's recommendation to have children screened by age 7 is grounded in the principle that early detection leads to more effective treatment³. At this age, your child’s dental development reaches a stage where potential issues such as crowding, misalignments, or bite problems become noticeable⁴.

Generally speaking, some issues may be obvious, like a protruding upper front teeth or underbite. It may even come in the form of or a pronounced lisp, like difficulty pronouncing the letters “S” or “Z”, but there may also be other issues that are not so obvious — so it is always prudent to see your orthodontist to be sure.

This orthodontic care between the ages of 6 and 10 is called interceptive orthodontics, which is during the mixed dentition phase, or when children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth⁵.

This early screening allows orthodontists to identify these issues and plan interventions that guide the jaw and teeth as they grow, preventing more complex problems later on. This proactive approach can mean less invasive treatment, shorter treatment times, and more predictable outcomes for your child⁶.

Debunking Common Misconceptions about Early Orthodontic Treatment

Is Age 7 Too Early for Orthodontic Work?

A common myth is that age 7 is too early for orthodontic treatment, and that’s totally understandable. But as we mentioned earlier, this is actually the ideal time to begin because the jaw is still growing, making it more responsive to treatment⁷. Addressing issues at this stage can often simplify or even eliminate the need for extensive orthodontic treatment in the teen years⁸.

My Child Still Has Baby Teeth — Shouldn’t I Wait?

Some parents might wonder why they should consider treatment when their child still has baby teeth — after all, surely those little baby teeth don’t need fixing, right? In reality, it’s not really about “fixing” those baby teeth; it’s about laying the foundation for your child’s permanent teeth to grow nicely in place.

Invisalign aligners are a tailor-made guide for your child's teeth. They are clear trays made from a patented multi-layered material that snugly fits over the teeth. As your child is in the mixed dentition phase — a blend of baby and emerging adult teeth — these aligners play a pivotal role. Invisalign aligners move existing teeth in the mouth to create enough space for the un-erupted teeth to come in, avoiding overcrowding. If your child has partially erupted teeth, Invisalign aligners are able to gently guide them into the correct position.

This guiding process ensures that as the permanent teeth emerge, they do so in an alignment that is more favorable. Ultimately, early intervention in this phase can be crucial in reducing the complexity of any future orthodontic treatments⁹.

Prevention is better than cure: The role of early intervention

The goal of early orthodontic intervention involves more than just straightening teeth. In fact, you can think of early orthodontic treatment as preparing a garden. Just like a gardener shapes the garden early on to ensure plants have room to grow and are well-aligned, early orthodontics guides jaw growth, ensures space for new teeth, and corrects bites. Early treatment can therefore prevent more severe issues in the future and make further orthodontic treatment (if required) simpler and less extensive¹⁰.

As an added bonus, well-aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease¹¹. This early intervention is ultimately all about setting your child up not only for a beautiful smile but also for improved overall oral health.

Dental issues that may be treatable at a young age

The AAO suggests that a variety of dental issues may be well-suited to early treatment¹², including:

• Crossbites – when the upper teeth are inside of the lower teeth
• Underbites – when the lower front teeth are in front of the upper front teeth
• Very crowded teeth
• Excessively gapped Teeth
• Teeth that meet abnormally or don’t meet at all
• Functional shift – when the jaw shifts to one side
• Extra or missing teeth
• Thumb, finger, or pacifier-sucking that is affecting the teeth or jaw growth

Of course, with any dental issue, it’s best to check with a qualified dental or orthodontic professional — if you have any questions about your child’s dental health, you can book an appointment with an Invisalign doctor.

What is Phase 1 orthodontic treatment?

Phase 1 treatment: Laying the groundwork for future dental health

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment, or interceptive orthodontics, usually starts between the ages of 6 to 10 when your child has mixed dentition, or in other words, a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. As we mentioned earlier, the AAO recommends all children see an orthodontist at age 7¹³, as this is the best time to find out if there are any quirks in jaw growth or tooth development¹⁴. It's also the easiest time to make any adjustments for future oral health¹⁵.

The main goal here, is if needed, to make enough space in the mouth for permanent teeth to come through correctly¹⁶, often involving using appliances like braces or clear aligners. This phase usually takes about 9 to 12 months¹⁷.

In essence, this early phase lays the groundwork for the child’s permanent teeth to come in properly aligned. It’s a very important piece of groundwork, as it can prevent more severe problems that might require more invasive treatment methods, such as tooth extractions or surgery, later on¹⁸.

Invisalign First in Phase 1: Setting the Stage

So how does Invisalign First help in Phase 1? Invisalign First aligners make this early orthodontic phase much more personalised¹⁹ and comfortable²⁰ for kids compared to traditional methods. With Align Technology's tools like our iTero™ scanner, kids can see their teeth and the planned treatment plan on-screen — as you can imagine, that’s a whole lot of peace of mind for both parents and kids, especially compared to the traditional approach where you have to imagine the results.

Read on to find out more about the benefits of Invisalign first. You may also refer to our article 6 Reasons Why You Should Choose Invisalign First for Your Child’s Teeth.

And as far as kids are concerned, teeth straightening doesn’t have to be all serious business — Invisalign Stickables engage younger children in their treatment, allowing them to customise their aligners and express their bright personalities. And if they want their aligners to stay discreet, that’s no problem either — Invisalign clear aligners are otherwise virtually invisible, so most people won’t even know they have them on.

What is Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment?

Phase 2 Treatment: Finalising the Orthodontic Journey

Following a rest period after Phase 1, Phase 2 of orthodontic treatment usually begins when most permanent teeth have come through around age 12²¹, focusing on the exact alignment of each tooth in their proper places for good function, a healthy bite and a pleasing appearance²². This phase, often involving Invisalign aligners, builds upon Phase 1's foundational corrections, enhancing facial symmetry, preventing future dental issues, and reducing the need for tooth extractions²³.

Phase 2 treatment plays a crucial role in boosting a child's self-esteem by delivering a well-aligned, attractive smile, marking the completion of a comprehensive orthodontic journey that ensures long-term oral health and functionality.

Invisalign First in Phase 2: Continuation of Comfort and Ease

While not all kids will need Phase 2 treatment, we’ve found that once Phase 1 patients experience how easy and comfortable²⁴ our process is, they want their Phase 2 treatment to include Invisalign aligners as well. This makes a lot of sense given that 90% of Invisalign orthodontists agree that Invisalign First treatment is not as painful for Phase 1 patients as traditional functional appliances like braces²⁵.

For Phase 2, Invisalign still takes advantage of iTero scanner technology, SmartTrack™ technology and other virtual tools from Align Technology, ensuring a comfortable²⁶ and convenient treatment process. To learn more, check out our article What Is Invisalign First^™ and How Does It Work. The result is a complete, digitally-led orthodontic journey that sets your child up for a beautiful smile and better oral health for many years to come.

Introducing Invisalign First: A Foundation for Future Smiles

Invisalign First treatment is the first clear aligner product designed with features specifically for younger children aged 6 to 10²⁷.

Utilising custom-made, clear aligners, it gently guides the growth and alignment of young teeth and jaws. The beauty of Invisalign First is that it not only addresses immediate dental alignment needs but also sets the stage for a healthier, more beautiful smile as your child grows.

It's a comfortable²⁸, kid-friendly solution designed specifically to address the unique needs of growing children, making it an ideal choice for parents who want to give their child the best start in life with a confident and healthy smile.

Benefits of Invisalign First for Early Orthodontic Treatment

Tailored for Growing Smiles

As a parent, you always want what's best for your child, especially when it comes to their health and confidence. With Phase 1 treatment, Phase 2 treatment can be easier and take a shorter time if your child requires it. Crafted specifically for ages 6-10, these aligners are like superheroes for growing smiles. The secret? SmartTrack^™ Technology – for super comfy, predictable, and precise treatment. Say goodbye to wires and worries; these clear aligners make braces a breeze, ensuring your kiddo's comfort and keeping their dental hygiene on point.

What's even cooler? They're as flexible as your child's lifestyle – easily removable for meals, special occasions, and, of course, brushing and flossing. No food restrictions here – let your child enjoy all their favorites! Plus, fewer dental visits mean more quality family time. Invisalign First isn't just about straightening teeth; it's about embracing a dental journey that's easy, breezy, and filled with smiles. Your child deserves the best, and Invisalign First is here to make those growing-up years a joyous adventure!

Where To Next With Invisalign First For Your Child

Starting the journey of early orthodontic treatment is a big step towards securing your child's dental health and confidence. With Invisalign First, this process is not only effective but also tailored to the comfort and needs of growing children. The combination SmartTrack technology, fewer dental visits, and the freedom to enjoy their favourite foods makes Invisalign First an ideal choice for early orthodontic care.

If you're considering orthodontic treatment for your child, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Visit our Find a Doctor page to book a consultation with you Smile Concierge and discover if Invisalign First is the right path for your child's confident smile.

FAQs

Why is age 7 recommended for an orthodontic screening?

Age 7 is ideal for orthodontic screening as most children would have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, allowing orthodontists to effectively identify and treat dental development issues early²⁹.

What are the benefits of Invisalign First for young children?

Invisalign First offers a comfortable, customised solution for early dental care, with benefits like SmartTrack^™ technology for a more precise and predictable results³⁰. With Invisalign aligners, you can also expect fewer dental visits as compared to braces³¹, with no compromises to their lifestyle as aligners are removable so your child can continue to enjoy all the foods, sports and hobbies they love.

Can Invisalign First treat dental issues like crossbites or crowded teeth in children?

Yes, Invisalign First is designed to address a variety of dental issues in young children, including crossbites, crowded teeth, and other alignment problems.

Is Invisalign First treatment visible to others?

Invisalign First aligners are virtually invisible, making them a discreet option for children who are conscious about their appearance during treatment.

Are there any diet or lifestyle restrictions for children with Invisalign First?

No significant diet or lifestyle restrictions are necessary with Invisalign First. The aligners are removable, allowing children to eat their favorite foods and maintain normal oral hygiene practices. They should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, but can be taken out for eating and brushing.

How can I find out if Invisalign First is right for my child?

To determine if Invisalign First is suitable for your child, visit our Find a Doctor page to book a consultation with an Invisalign orthodontist or speak to our Smile Concierge team to find out more.