Aligners for Kids & Teenagers: Everything You Need to Know
Table of Contents
- Why Aligners for Teens & Children
- Adolescent Mouth Growth
- How Aligners Work
- Teen Eligibility
- Teen Tips for Success
- Resources
Since their introduction to the market, clear aligners have continued to grow in popularity, especially with teenagers. It’s easy to see why.
Clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible, and they offer fast results for many mild-to-moderate orthodontic issues. These factors also make them an appealing option for teens who don’t like the look or inconvenience of braces.
Many parents are also wondering if clear aligners could be an easier option for their smaller kids too. But are clear aligners a good option for teens and kids?
Why Aligners Can Work for Teens & Children
Clear aligners are a safe and effective option for teenagers who have lost all of their baby teeth. Usually, this means aligner treatment can start around age 12, with parental approval and supervision.
While aligners offer many benefits over traditional braces treatment (they are taken out to clean teeth and eat and usually work faster), they must be worn as advised (usually over 20 hours a day) in order to move teeth as intended. So, teenagers must be willing to follow the program to get the desired results.
For children who have not yet lost their baby teeth, options may be more limited. At-home aligner providers do not usually offer treatment for these younger patients. In-office clear aligners may be an option in some cases. Invisalign, for example, has treatment programs for younger children.
There is some controversy over the use of aligners with smaller children. Some say there is not enough tooth for the aligner to “grip” on to. Other issues may include the child’s willingness to wear the aligners continuously and being able to clean the aligners as needed.
Inside an Adolescent’s Mouth
Every parent knows that adolescents grow quickly. The pants you buy your child at the start of the school season rarely fit when spring comes. Growth in the mouth may be harder to see, but it's definitely happening.
As your child grows, these things happen:
Old teeth fall out. As the roots of so-called "baby teeth" dissolve, the visible portion seems wobbly. In time, the tooth disconnects from the jaw altogether.
New teeth come in. Adult versions of molars, canines, and incisors push into the space left behind by missing baby teeth.
Ligaments form. New teeth attach to the jaw with strong but movable fibers.
Roots grow. Adult teeth get longer and longer with time.
All of these steps happen incrementally. Your child may not feel the changes happening, and you may not see any differences on the surface. But with each passing moment, those adult teeth grow and become locked into semi-permanent positions. Before that happens, you have the opportunity to change the course of your child's smile.
If your child isn't ready for aligners right now, you can address the issue and come back for another assessment later.
How Aligners Work
Aligners are clear, removable trays that are custom-made to fit over the teeth. They look like exact replicas of one’s teeth, but they feature subtle changes and pressure points to force movement.
Aligners come in a series of trays. Each one is worn for a week or two before moving to the next. Each tray progressively moves the teeth, guiding your teen’s teeth along the journey to bite correction.
Parents must be involved in each step of the treatment program. They must approve the plan, in most cases, and parents often pay for the care their children need.
Are All Teens Eligible for Aligners?
During an aligner assessment, some parents discover that their children just aren't good candidates for this type of treatment. It's relatively rare, but it does happen. Your teen might not be ready for aligners for these reasons:
Age: Children as young as 8 years old have been through orthodontic treatment. But in general, it's best to find a sweet spot between childhood and adulthood. Very young people may not be ready for treatment yet.
Missing molars: Aligners need anchors, and molars fill that role. If your child's teeth haven't come in yet, you might need to wait.
Poor lifestyle choices: Teens may break their aligners in sports, and some teens may lose their trays or accidentally throw them away. Adults must be sure to explain how important the trays are and keep their children on track with treatment. But children who struggle with this may need a different approach.
Children are always growing and changing, and sometimes, problems disappear with growth.
Teen Tips for Aligner Success
Aligners and teens can go hand in hand. Their smiles aren't covered by miles of metal and brackets, and they can remove the devices for proper cleaning. Teens may also appreciate the opportunity to take out the aligners during very important moments, including classroom presentations.
Parents who choose aligners for their teens can take a few steps to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Make a schedule. Your teen must agree to wear the devices the majority of the day. Agree on moments when your child can remove the trays every day. And if your child wants an exception, discuss that as a family first.
Discuss barriers openly. If your child isn't wearing the aligners regularly, talk with your treatment team. Is pain a problem? Is the bite uncomfortable? Fix problems promptly.
Celebrate progress. Each week, your child will trade one aligner set for another. It's a step on the road to an improved smile. Track progress with photos.
Boost motivation. Sticking with an aligner plan isn't easy for some teens. It's a tradeoff of current freedom for future benefit. If your child slips, pull up the models of your child's future smile. A reminder of the goal waiting at the end of treatment could put your child back on track.
An open partnership between parents, orthodontists, and teens leads to the fastest and most effective aligner experience.
Teeth Aligners for Children & Teens Frequently Asked Questions
Resources
Global Clear Aligners Market Trajectory & Analytics Report 2022: Market to Reach $12.4 Billion by 2027 - Developed Regions Lead, Developing Economies Promise High Growth - ResearchAndMarkets.com. (May 2022). Yahoo! News.
No More Brace Face? Teens Increasingly Use Clear Aligners. (January 2019). The New York Times.
Body Image in Childhood. Mental Health Foundation.
Comparison of Orthodontic Tooth Movement Between Adolescents and Adults Based on Implant Superimposition. (May 2018). PLOS ONE.
Braces. American Dental Association.
Adolescence and Commitment. (March 2014). Psychology Today.