What is Invisalign First?
Invisalign First is a clear aligner system designed for children in the mixed dentition stage, when baby teeth and permanent teeth are in the mouth together. It differs from adult aligners in that room is left in the aligner for erupting permanent teeth, retention on short-crowned baby teeth is planned accordingly, and movements specific to the growth period, such as widening the upper jaw, are supported.
Treatment carried out at this stage is called early treatment or phase one treatment. The aim is not to bring all the teeth into their final position, but to address in good time the problems that negatively affect jaw development or that might require more complex treatment later on.
At what age should a child see an orthodontist?
Orthodontic associations recommend that the first orthodontic evaluation take place at around age 7. By this age the first permanent molars and front incisors have begun to come in, and bite and space problems can be seen. Not every child needs treatment at this age. Most often, what is done is regular monitoring; treatment is recommended only in situations that will benefit from early intervention.
Which problems is Invisalign First considered for?
- Narrow upper jaw and crossbite: The upper teeth close inside the lower teeth; controlled expansion with aligners can be planned.
- Lack of space: There is not enough room for the permanent teeth to come in; the goal is to gain or preserve space.
- Gaps or crowding in the front teeth: Especially when they affect appearance and function.
- Forward-tipped upper front teeth: These may increase the risk of dental injury in falls and knocks.
- Habit-related open bite: The effects left by habits such as thumb sucking; stopping the habit is part of treatment.
For marked skeletal differences (those originating in the jawbone), aligners alone may not be enough; in that case, other appliances or a different plan are recommended.
How does the treatment process work?
- Examination and X-rays: The orthodontist evaluates the teeth, jaw development and the position of the teeth that are yet to come in.
- Digital scan: A three-dimensional record is taken with the iTero intraoral scanner, without impression putty.
- 3D plan: Tooth movements and the amount of expansion are planned stage by stage on the computer and reviewed together with the family.
- Aligner delivery and wear: The aligners are worn 20–22 hours a day, except while eating and brushing, and are usually changed every 7–14 days.
- Check-ups: Growth and compliance are checked at regular intervals.
Early treatment usually takes 6–12 months. After all the permanent teeth have come in, phase two treatment is planned if needed.
Can a child wear aligners consistently?
The success of clear aligner treatment depends largely on daily wear time. In this age group, parental support is decisive. Practical tips:
- Always carry the aligner case with you; at school, aligners often get wrapped in a napkin during lunch and lost.
- After eating, the aligners should not be put back in before the teeth are brushed; if needed, the mouth should be rinsed with water.
- Do not drink sugary or acidic drinks while the aligners are in; water is fine.
- Keep track of wear hours together during the first weeks.
What are the limits of early treatment?
Early treatment does not mean that no treatment will be needed later. Growth varies from person to person, and some problems become clear only once growth is complete. For this reason, the treatment decision is determined not by calendar age but by the dentition stage, jaw development and the child's cooperation. Definitive suitability is assessed with an examination and X-rays.
Examinations for children in Ankara
Our clinic is in Park Oran, next to Panora Mall on Kudüs Cd. in Çankaya. If you have noticed lack of space, crossbite or forward-tipped front teeth in your child's teeth, you can book an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. At the examination, whether treatment is needed and, if so, its timing are explained clearly.