Selecting the appropriate orthodontic procedure, whether it is your child or you, is however not easy. Invisalign has emerged as a common alternative to traditional braces on children and adults, but are they the same? No, the treatment plans are different, compliance is different, and even the aligners are different in children and adults.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between Invisalign for kids and adults, helping you decide which option is best for your family.

The Impact of Dental Development on Treatment.

Orthodontic treatment on children is both advantageous and presents challenges because the mouth has not yet fully developed. Invisalign for children, also known as Invisalign Teen, is specially manufactured to allow growing jaws and permanent teeth to be erupted. The aligners have other characteristics such as eruption tabs to guide developing teeth into desired positions and buffer zones to accommodate growth. This anticipative plan has the propensity to avert a more severe problem in the future.

In the case of adults, where the jaws are fully developed, the treatment using Invisalign tends to revolve more around rectifying current alignment problems. Adults will not undergo changes concerning the growth aspect since they are already mature unlike children who are still growing, but the treatment of adults may entail more accurate tooth movements in order to get the best results. Some teeth have to-colored attachments that adults sometimes need to get these more complicated movements.

The Compliance Factor: Kids Vs. Adults

The biggest of these differences when it comes to using Invisalign on children versus adults boils down to compliance. Younger patients might have a problem with the level of discipline needed to use removable aligners for a recommended 20-22 hours per day. Understanding this difficulty, Invisalign Teen has incorporated the use of beneficial features, such as blue wear indicators that will not fade unless the aligners are properly used, and thus parents and orthodontists are able to monitor compliance.

Adult patients are generally much more consistent when it comes to aligner use, but they also present unique challenges. Hectic schedules, dining outside, and habits such as coffee drinking may also have implications for treatment progress. Adult patients need to find the key to developing such habits so that the aligner schedule does not interfere with everyday life.

What Can Be Expected in the Treatment Timelines?

Treatment time differs in age groups, although can be guided by certain common patterns. Teenagers and children usually get their treatment much more quickly as compared to adults due to the fact that their teeth shift more easily during their development. A simple case may require a teenager only 12 months and complex scenarios may consume up to 18 months.

Treatment may extend between 12 and 24 months in adults, with the greater time being used in situations that need major correction of the bite, or in mild movement of teeth. Adults may also expect to have a chance of completing the treatment with refinement aligners to make their results perfect. These supplied aligners take care of any slight anomaly that might be noticed during the course of the treatment.

Choosing the Right Decision for Your Family

When considering Invisalign we evaluate several factors.

In the case of children and teens:

• Has most of their adult teeth come through?
• Do they contribute responsibly towards the wearing of a schedule?
• Is there a particular growth guidance need that we are supposed to respond to?

For adults:

• What are your main concerns (appearance, functionality, or both)?
• How will you possibly integrate treatment into your work and social life?
• Does the patient have any pre-existing dental care problems?

What Makes Alexander and Hoffman Orthodontics a Great Choice to Do Invisalign?

With years of experience treating cases using the Invisalign, If you are located in Boise or Eagle, we have the experience to serve you. We are aware of the fact:

• Teen patients require motivation and responsibility
• Discretion and efficiency are important to adult patients
• Every patient is entitled to individual attention

Start Your Invisalign Journey Today

As a parent whose child has an alignment problem, or as an adult considering Invisalign, it is important to be aware of some of the major differences in order to make the best decision possible regarding your little one or yourself. At Bala Smiles Orthodontics, we treat our patients with modern technology in orthodontics and with compassion.

Wish to move further? Schedule an appointment today to discuss which Invisalign option is right for you. With no obligations, only expert advice, our team will review your custom needs, address all of your questions, and develop a path on the road to the smile you want and deserve.