Yes, 13-year-olds can get Invisalign. In fact, with recent additions to the Invisalign® family of products, Invisalign® is available for patients as young as 7-years-old! Invisalign First® and Invisalign Teen® have special features to help parents monitor their child’s orthodontic care.
When Early Treatment is Necessary
Although a child’s first orthodontic visit should occur by their seventh birthday, that doesn’t mean they will need braces. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children see an orthodontist around the age of seven. The reasoning behind this first visit is to have the doctor perform an initial examination.
Although it may seem like a young age, it is a perfect age to correct poor growth patterns if they are present. Using x-rays, digital images, and an oral examination. the orthodontist can predict projected growth for your child’s adult teeth. The age between six and seven is the point when a child has already shed most of the primary (baby) teeth. The secondary (adult) teeth haven’t all erupted, but are formed and in position, making them visible on an x-ray.
During this first examination, if the doctor sees a potential problem, they will discuss corrective measures with the parent. This early treatment may involve braces, a retainer, Invisalign First®, or other procedures to help guide the growth of a child’s jaw and teeth. Although early treatment can seem scary, it uses the child’s continued growth patterns to prevent greater future problems.
In most cases, following an initial visit, most children don’t require immediate intervention. If no treatment is immediately necessary, the doctor places the child into a monitoring program. This program, using periodic checkups, monitors growth and development through the teen years.
Invisalign Teen® for 13-Year-Olds
Invisalign Teen® are exactly like adult Invisalign® as far as the material and how they perform. The addition of an optional blue dot marking system helps parents monitor teens. To work properly, trays should be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. Teens can remove the trays for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. The nearly invisible trays provide a discreet and effective way to straighten smiles.
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Because teens remove the trays for eating, there are no dietary restrictions. Oral hygiene is an important part of orthodontic treatment. Teens should rinse trays and store them in the case whenever they remove them. Normal brushing and flossing are easier with no wires and brackets to brush around, under, and between. Trays should be soaked, or deep-cleaned, at least once per day. We recommend doing the deep-cleaning during a daily shower, which allows the trays ample time to soak.
For more information on Invisalign Teen®, check out some of our other blog posts on this subject!
Contact Amboy Orthodontics for the Deets
If your 13-year-olds want Invisalign®, you can ask Dr. Seth Margulies at Amboy Orthodontics about it during the initial consultation. Align Technology continues to improve this treatment method and the results can be stunning!
You can schedule an appointment using our Appointment Request form or by calling the office at 732 – 612 – 0433.