Advanced Invisalign® for Teens

Pediatric orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that focuses on the growth and development of a child's teeth, jawbones, and maxillofacial structure to ensure proper alignment and function for life. While traditional orthodontic treatments and appliances are highly effective, Invisalign offers a more discreet and comfortable alternative for children and teens ages six and older. At Issaqueena Pediatric Dentistry, Invisalign treatment is available exclusively at our Powdersville location, and we gladly accept referrals from our other offices to ensure every patient has access to the care they need. 

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment option and a popular alternative to traditional metal braces. Instead of using a system of metal wires, brackets, and rubber bands to straighten crooked teeth and address bite problems, Invisalign uses aligner trays made of smooth, clear plastic.

The trays are custom-made with computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology. They fit snugly over your child's teeth, exerting gentle pressure at specific angles. This pressure gradually shifts the teeth into the proper arrangement, positioning, and alignment. Once your child has worn all of the trays in their set Invisalign treatment system, their teeth will be in proper alignment. 

What Orthodontic Issues Does Invisalign Address?

For children and teens, Invisalign can provide both phase one and phase two orthodontic treatment. It is designed to handle most mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including:

• Abnormal tooth eruption
• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Irregularly spaced teeth (gapped teeth)
• Impacted teeth
• Malocclusion (abnormal bite) 
  
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite
  • Protrusion
  • Deep bite

Invisalign offers a variety of treatment options designed to address orthodontic issues in children starting at age six. 

The Benefits of Pediatric Invisalign Treatment

Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign has several benefits and advantages for kids and teens over treatment with traditional metal braces.

• Comfortable - Invisalign is made of smooth plastic that doesn't rub against the soft tissues, causing sores the way metal braces often do. 
• Simple at Mealtimes - Invisalign aligner trays should be removed at mealtimes, and this means that kids can eat all of their favorite foods during orthodontic treatment. There's no need to avoid hard or sticky foods like you would have to with metal braces. 
• Discreet - Invisalign is virtually invisible when worn, so kids can get orthodontic treatment without feeling self-conscious about the look of metal braces. 
• Easy Care - Oral hygiene with Invisalign is simple. There's no need for special dental brushes or tools. Simply continue brushing and flossing while keeping your aligner trays clean, too. 
• No Lifestyle Changes - It's safe for teens to continue participating in all of their favorite activities and sports while wearing Invisalign aligner trays. Plus, there's no need to wear a bulky, custom-designed mouthguard over the top of metal braces. 

Pediatric Invisalign Options for Kids and Teens

Invisalign offers several treatment options for children:

• Invisalign First - Designed specifically for small children who still have primary (baby) teeth. 
• Invisalign Palatal Expander System - A phase one treatment, this palatal expander can create more space in your child's jaw or maintain space after primary teeth have been lost. 
• Invisalign Teen - A larger-sized treatment system with special features for teens. 

How Is Invisalign Treatment Different for Children?

Pediatric Invisalign includes specialized features and capabilities for children, offering a customized, kid-friendly approach to orthodontic treatment. In addition to offering both phase one and phase two treatments, which are focused on supporting healthy jawbone development, tooth eruption, and alignment, Invisalign includes additional features designed specifically with young patients in mind.

Eruption Tabs

When needed, Invisalign for kids can be designed with eruption tabs on the aligner trays that will accommodate the eruption and growth of a child's molars if they come in during treatment. 

Replacement Aligner Trays

The pediatric Invisalign treatment system includes more replacement aligner trays than adult Invisalign kits. Since children are more likely to lose their aligner trays in the lunchroom, in their bedrooms, or over at their friends' houses, having extra aligner trays on hand ensures no treatment disruption.

Compliance Indicators

With Invisalign, children take an active role in their orthodontic treatment journey. Since Invisalign's aligner trays are removable, children must be responsible for wearing their aligner trays for the required amount of time every day. Invisalign for kids helps to keep children responsible in their orthodontic treatment journey with special blue-colored compliance indicators. Shaped like Invisalign's starburst logo, the indicators gradually turn from blue to clear throughout the day, only disappearing when they have been worn for enough hours. 

How Much Does Pediatric Invisalign Treatment Cost?

Compared to more traditional orthodontic treatments such as metal braces, the cost of orthodontic treatment with Invisalign is fairly comparable. Variances in treatment cost depend more on the complexity of your child's treatment needs and the severity of their case. More complex treatment plans are typically more costly than simpler treatment plans. 

Most dental insurance policies include coverage for Invisalign treatment for children and teens. Once we provide you with an estimate for your child's treatment plan, our office team can help you navigate your insurance policy to help you better anticipate out-of-pocket expenses. 

Orthodontic Treatment With Our Pediatric Invisalign Dentist

At Issaqueena Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we offer orthodontic treatments including traditional braces and orthodontic appliances across all of our locations. For patients interested in Invisalign, this specialized treatment is available exclusively at our Powdersville office.

If your child is due for an orthodontic evaluation or has been experiencing orthodontic issues, we welcome you to contact any of our three locations to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation. While Invisalign treatment is only offered in Powdersville, patients from all locations can be referred there for care.

• Pediatric Invisalign in Powdersville, SC 
• 📍(864)-625-1283.

During your child's evaluation, we will determine whether orthodontic treatment is necessary. Talk with you and your child about treatment options. We look forward to helping your child develop a strong oral health foundation that they can build upon for the rest of their lives.