At What Age Can A General Dentist Administer Invisalign To Patients?

Clear aligners like Invisalign® give patients a discreet way to straighten their teeth. This is one of the many reasons why these clear aligners are popular with teenagers who want to keep their treatment under the radar. Adolescence causes young people to care about their appearance, which is why Invisalign® is a great option.
Invisalign® aligners are also popular with adults who do not want to deal with having a mouth that is full of metal wires and brackets.
Straightening teeth with clear aligners requires patients to be committed to their treatment. Anyone disciplined enough to wear their Invisalign® aligners for at least 20 hours each day is old enough for the treatment, however, it is up to a general dentist to decide who is a good candidate. At the start of treatment, the patient gets several aligners trays that progressively push their teeth towards a better position. Each tray is worn for about two weeks before being swapped with another that pushes their teeth closer to the target position.
Straightening teeth with Invisalign® clears aligners
Here are some important things parents should know when trying to decide if clear aligners are the best option for their children:
1. Younger children and clear aligners
Children who have lost all of their baby teeth are eligible for treatment with clear aligners, so long as a general dentist clears it. The permanent teeth do not have to be fully grown for teeth straightening treatment to start. Clear aligners can be effectively used to straighten teeth that are only partially erupted. In such cases, the general dentist will design fillers into the patient's aligners so treatment remains effective as teeth continue to grow.
It is up to parents to determine if the child has the commitment and discipline needed to wear Invisalign aligners as recommended by a dentist.
2. Teens and clear aligners
Invisalign® has a product line that is made specifically for teenagers and pre-teens. It is an effective way to address orthodontic issues and it comes with compliance indicator dots that allow parents to monitor the teen's commitment to the treatment.
3. Adults and clear aligners
Invisalign clear aligners allow adults to straighten their teeth without having to make too many changes to their daily routine. It provides discreet treatment, helping patients to avoid embarrassing questions and stares from their colleagues.
Clear aligners are commonly used to fix issues like:
- Spaces between teeth
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
People who plan to get treatment with clear aligners should also be committed to oral hygiene. Clear aligners limit saliva's ability to coat and clean teeth, increasing the risk of decay. This can be prevented by cleaning the mouth before inserting clear aligners.
Get straighter teeth
Interested in Invisalign? There are a lot of benefits to this type of treatment, which both adults and teenagers can make use of, depending on a general dentist's recommendation. Reach out today to learn more or to get started!
Request an appointment here: https://brimhalldentalgroup.com or call Brimhall Dental Group at (661) 249-1122 for an appointment in our Bakersfield office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
A cosmetic dentist is often associated with improving the appearance of the smile, but many treatments also offer important functional and health-related benefits. While patients may seek care for whiter, straighter, or more uniform teeth, cosmetic dentistry can contribute to long-term oral health, structural integrity, and overall confidence. Understanding the full value of cosmetic dental…
Full mouth reconstruction can help patients restore oral function, comfort, and confidence when several dental concerns affect the smile at the same time. This type of treatment may involve repairing damaged teeth, replacing missing teeth, improving bite balance, and supporting healthier gums. Because every patient has different needs, the process usually begins with a detailed…
Cosmetic dentists take pride in enhancing the appearance of their patients' smiles. Since everyone has different treatment goals, finding the right dentist can take some time and research. Asking yourself a few simple questions can help you figure out what you need in a cosmetic dentist, streamlining your search.While all general dentists complete training to…
Dentures restore both function and aesthetics, enabling individuals to speak, eat, and smile with confidence. However, over time, they will require professional denture repair. Just like natural teeth, dentures require proper care and maintenance to function effectively. Sometimes, even with proper care, dentures may show signs of wear and tear that necessitate professional intervention. Recognizing…