Can Kids Get Invisalign for Crooked Teeth?

Parents often ask if Invisalign is an option for kids with crooked teeth. Traditional braces have long been the go-to for children and teens, but Invisalign (clear aligner therapy) has expanded to younger age groups in recent years. The short answer is: Yes, kids can get Invisalign in many cases, especially teenagers, but there are some important caveats. Let’s explore at what age Invisalign is appropriate, and what factors to consider for children. 

Who Can Use Invisalign? 

For standard Invisalign treatment, a child generally should have most or all of their permanent teeth erupted. Most kids get their full set of adult teeth (except wisdom teeth) by around age 12–13. That’s why traditionally, orthodontists start comprehensive treatment in early teen years. Invisalign is typically suitable for teenagers whose permanent teeth are in place. If your child is, say, 13 and has lost all their baby teeth, they could be a candidate for Invisalign. 

What about younger kids? Invisalign has a product called Invisalign First, designed for children roughly ages 6-10 who still have some baby teeth. This is used in what we call “Phase 1” orthodontic treatment – often to address developmental issues like a narrow arch or problematic bite at an early age. Invisalign First aligners are made for smaller mouths and can help guide incoming permanent teeth by creating space or correcting arch width.  

So, yes, even some younger children can get a form of Invisalign. However, not every orthodontist offers Invisalign First, and not every child needs that early intervention. Most commonly, if a child’s orthodontic issues aren’t severe or urgent, the dentist will hold off until they’re older. 

Can Kids Handle Invisalign Teeth Straighteners? 

One of the biggest factors in determining if a child can handle Invisalign is their level of responsibility. Invisalign requires the patient to wear the aligners 20–22 hours a day and to follow instructions diligently. This means only removing them for eating, drinking (anything other than water), and brushing.  

After meals, the child must brush their teeth and put the aligners back in. For some kids, this routine may be hard to stick to. If aligners are left out too often – or lost frequently – the treatment won’t work effectively. Traditional braces might be more appropriate for young patients who might not keep track of removable aligners. 

Many pre-teens and teens are responsible enough to do great with Invisalign, especially if they’re excited about not having braces. Invisalign Teen aligners even come with little blue indicator dots that fade when worn as directed, which helps parents and dentists monitor compliance. If you know your child tends to misplace things like retainers or needs lots of reminders to follow routines, consider whether Invisalign is the right choice. On the other hand, some kids really surprise their parents with how well they adhere to wearing their aligners – motivation is key, and avoiding braces can be a strong motivator! 

All Crooked Teeth Aren’t Created Equal 

We also evaluate what kind of crookedness or bite issue your child has. Invisalign can correct many cases of crowded teeth, spacing issues, and mild to moderate bite misalignments in kids. For example, if your child has some crooked front teeth or minor overlap, Invisalign is likely very effective. It’s great for issues like a mild overbite or correcting a couple of teeth that are out of line.  

However, if a child has a more severe orthodontic problem – like a significant overbite, jaw discrepancy, or very rotated teeth – traditional braces (possibly with auxiliary devices like expanders or elastics) might be recommended. In general, Invisalign is catching up quickly in what it can treat, but there are still certain complex cases in which we’d advise braces for a kid. An orthodontic consultation will determine this. 

That said, for a huge number of typical cases (crowded lower teeth, spaced out uppers, mild crossbite, etc.), a skilled provider can use Invisalign on kids with results comparable to braces. Sometimes we might incorporate some other tools (for instance, a kid might use Invisalign aligners plus a removable expander, or plus some rubber band elastics to correct the bite). Each child’s plan is individualized. 

Ask Our Dentist in Red Deer for Advice on Your Child’s Teeth 

If you’re in Red Deer and wondering about Invisalign or braces for your child, feel free to reach out to us. Our family dentistry team will help you explore what’s best for your child’s long-term oral health. Straightening teeth is a big step, and we want it to be a positive experience for both kids and parents!