How Do Invisalign First™ Clear Aligners Straighten Children's Teeth For Ages 6-10?

As a parent, you might be surprised that Invisalign has a special orthodontic system for children as young as 6. In fact, you might be downright sceptical — after all, when you picture orthodontics, you would usually think of teens with braces or even clear aligners. So why start so young, and how does Invisalign First fit into this?

The reason for starting orthodontics so early is based on advice from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), which states that children should have an orthodontic screening by age 7¹. This recommendation may surprise some parents, as it challenges the conventional timing associated with orthodontic care. However, there are compelling reasons for this early intervention.

At age 7, your child’s orthodontic development is at a stage where potential problems such as misalignments, crowding, or bite problems become noticeable². This allows orthodontists to identify these issues and plan early interventions that guide the jaw and teeth as they grow, preventing more complex problems later on. This proactive approach can mean shorter treatment times, less invasive treatment, and more predictable outcomes for your child³.

So with that in mind, let’s dive deep into what Invisalign First is, how it works, and the life-long benefits it can bring your child.

What is Invisalign First — Fixing Little Smiles

Invisalign First treatment is the first clear aligner product designed with features specifically for younger patients aged 6 to 10⁴. It’s designed specifically for the unique needs of growing mouths, during the short period of mixed dentition, or when your child has a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. The treatment uses clear, removable aligners tailored to each child's dental structure. These aligners are designed to straighten teeth with more predictability⁵, gentleness⁶, and less pain⁷ than traditional braces.

While orthodontics for teens and adults is to “straighten teeth”, the focus of Invisalign First is slightly different. It can get crowded inside a little mouth, so there isn’t always room for adult teeth to erupt, or come through correctly. When it comes to Invisalign First for children, the overall focus is actually on expanding the mouth arches, providing adequate room for those permanent teeth to erupt correctly.

The end goal of Invisalign First is to prevent problems that might require more invasive treatment methods later on in life, such as tooth extractions or surgery⁸. Ultimately, Invisalign First treatment is designed for predictable results and a positive experience for kids, while addressing the unique needs of growing children⁹, setting them up for the life-long benefits of more confidence and better oral health¹⁰.

What is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign First?

Phase 1 treatment with Invisalign First is a proactive approach to orthodontics, focusing on getting an early start to tackle and prevent complex dental issues. This phase usually begins when a child is between six and ten years old and can last anywhere from 9 to 12 months¹¹, depending on the individual needs of the child.

The main goal of Phase 1 is to make sure there’s enough room in your child’s mouth for all their permanent teeth to come in properly, and to start fixing any big issues with how their teeth are lined up or how their bite is coming together. Think of it like laying the groundwork for a healthier smile as they grow.

The treatment uses Invisalign clear aligners, which are made of our advanced SmartTrack™ material that fit snugly over your child’s teeth to ensure better predictability¹². They’re specifically designed for your child’s mouth using our advanced digital iTero scanning system™ by creating accurate 3D images of your child's teeth and mouth. iTero’s precision allows for a custom fit of the Invisalign aligners, with scientifically proven accuracy¹³ for your child.

Kids wear these aligners most of the day and night – they only take them out to eat, brush, and floss.

A great feature of these aligners for kids is the Invisalign compliance indicators. These are small blue dots on the aligners that fade as the aligners are worn as directed. This helps parents and orthodontists ensure that kids are wearing their aligners enough to be effective, as the aligners can only move teeth if they're worn consistently.

Ultimately, Phase 1 treatment is designed to help avoid bigger dental problems later on. By guiding the growth of the jaw and making sure there’s enough space for adult teeth, many issues can be fixed before they start problems. This proactive approach can mean less invasive treatment, shorter treatment times, and more predictable outcomes for your child¹⁴.

What is Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment with Invisalign First?

Once Phase 1 is complete, and your child has had a little break, it's time for Phase 2. This usually starts from when they're about 11-12 years old, which is typically when most of their permanent teeth have come in¹⁵. While not all kids will need Phase 2 treatment, we’ve found that once Phase 1 patients experience how easy and comfortable our process is¹⁶, they want their Phase 2 treatment to include Invisalign First aligners as well.

Phase 2 with Invisalign First is all about the details. It's like the finishing touches to your child's smile. The main focus here is on making sure each tooth is in just the right spot, ensuring a good bite (which is how the teeth come together), and creating a smile that looks great and works well.

During this phase, your child will get a new set of Invisalign aligners. These are similar to the ones in Phase 1, but they're designed to fine-tune the position of the now mostly grown-in permanent teeth. Your child will need to wear these aligners most of the day, just like before, for about 12 to 18¹⁷ months, depending on their needs. Better yet, if your child has a relatively simple case, it may take as little as six months¹⁸.

Families often share stories about how Phase 2 made a big difference. Parents notice how their child’s smile has not just improved in looks but also how well their teeth fit together when they bite. This phase is about making sure everything in the mouth works smoothly and looks good, setting up your child for a lifetime of healthier, more confident smiles¹⁹.

What’s the Difference Between Phase 1 and Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment?

Understanding the differences between Phase 1 and Phase 2 treatments in Invisalign First is kind of like knowing the difference between setting up a foundation for a house and then actually building the house. Both phases are important (and not every child needs phase two), but they have different jobs.

Phase 1: Laying the Groundwork

Phase 1 is like the groundwork phase. It starts when kids are younger, usually between 6 and 10 years old²⁰. The big idea here is to make sure there’s enough room in the mouth for all the adult teeth to come in properly and to start addressing any major issues with how the teeth are lining up or the way the bite is developing. It's all about getting things ready and set up for the future, and preventing bigger problems before they start.

Phase 2: Improving the Smile

Phase 2, on the other hand, is like the building phase. It usually begins when most of the permanent teeth are in place, around age 12 onwards²¹. This is where the orthodontist fine-tunes the position of each tooth and makes sure the bite is just right. It's like adding the final touches to make sure everything looks great and works well. In essence, Phase 2 builds on the work done in Phase 1 to perfect your child's smile.

It's important to remember that these two phases are parts of a complete journey. Phase 1 sets things up, and Phase 2 (if your child needs it) finishes them off. They work together to make sure your child ends up with a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile. It's not about choosing one phase over the other – it's about following through the whole process to get the best results.

What Kind of Dental Issues Can Invisalign First Treat?

Invisalign First can treat a wide range of dental issues in children aged 6 to 10, including²²:

• 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
• Crowded teeth
• Teeth that meet abnormally or don’t meet at all
• Functional shift – when the jaw shifts to one side
• Gap Teeth
• 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-qualified orthodontist.

Where to Next With Invisalign First

Invisalign First offers a revolutionary approach to early orthodontic care, tailored to address the unique dental needs of children aged 6 to 10. Whether it’s correcting crossbites, crowded teeth, or guiding jaw growth, Invisalign First is designed to set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy and confident smiles. If you’ve noticed any dental issues in your child, or simply want to ensure their oral development is on track, please visit our Find a Doctor page today to schedule an appointment with an Invisalign-qualified professional.

FAQ

What age range is ideal for starting Invisalign First?

Invisalign First is specifically designed for children aged 6 to 10, focusing on early intervention to address and prevent dental issues.

Can Invisalign First correct bite issues in children?

Yes, Invisalign First can effectively correct various bite issues in children, such as crossbites, underbites, and issues caused by thumb or finger sucking.

How long does Phase 1 of Invisalign First treatment typically last?

Phase 1 treatment with Invisalign First generally lasts between 9 to 12 months, depending on the individual dental needs of the child.

What distinguishes Phase 2 of Invisalign First from Phase 1?

Phase 2, typically starting around age 12 onwards, focuses on fine-tuning teeth alignment and bite correction, building upon the foundational work done in Phase 1.

Is Invisalign First treatment noticeable when worn?

Invisalign First aligners are clear and less noticeable than traditional braces, making them a discreet option for children’s orthodontic treatment.