Yes — kids can get Invisalign. A version called Invisalign First is designed specifically for younger patients, roughly ages 6 to 10, who are still in the mixed-dentition stage with a combination of baby and permanent teeth. As we cover in our guide to what Invisalign is and how it works, the core aligner technology is the same across ages; what changes for younger kids is how the treatment plan is built around their developing bite.
What Is Invisalign First?
Invisalign First is built for children whose jaws and teeth are still developing. Rather than simply straightening existing permanent teeth, it can help guide arch development and create room for incoming permanent teeth, similar to goals that traditional early orthodontic appliances have addressed for years — just using a clear, removable aligner instead of a fixed appliance. It’s typically considered for children who’ve already had a first orthodontic evaluation and shown a specific issue, such as crowding, spacing, or a developing crossbite, that a trained eye has flagged as worth addressing at this stage.
What Issues Can Invisalign First Address in Young Children?
Invisalign First is generally used for many of the same early concerns that prompt a first orthodontic evaluation in the first place: crowding from a jaw that doesn’t yet have room for incoming permanent teeth, spacing between teeth, and some crossbite or other bite discrepancies. Because a child’s mouth is still actively growing and changing at this age, treatment goals are often about guiding development in a helpful direction rather than achieving a fully finished smile — that typically comes later, sometimes with a second phase of treatment once all the permanent teeth have come in.
How Invisalign First Differs From Teen and Adult Invisalign
The trays themselves work the same way — custom-fit, worn in a series, swapped out every so often to keep guiding tooth movement. The difference is the treatment goals and design: Invisalign First plans account for a mixed set of baby and permanent teeth and future eruption patterns, while teen and adult Invisalign plans are built around a mostly or fully permanent smile. Our team maps this out using our iTero digital scanner regardless of your child’s age, so the plan is always based on precise, up-to-date data on how their teeth and jaws are developing. Because a young child’s mouth changes so quickly, we also tend to check in a bit more frequently during Invisalign First treatment than we might with an older patient, simply to make sure the plan is still tracking well against real-world growth.
The Pros and Cons of Invisalign for Kids
Pros
- Easier to keep teeth clean since the aligners come out for brushing and flossing
- No food restrictions, since trays are removed at meals
- Comfortable, with no brackets or wires to cause irritation
- Can address certain developing bite issues in the mixed-dentition stage
Cons
- Success depends heavily on a child’s ability to wear the trays consistently, which can be a bigger ask for younger kids than for teens or adults
- Removable trays are easier to lose or forget than a fixed appliance
- Not every case is a good fit — some bite issues are better addressed with a different early appliance
When Would an Orthodontist Recommend This vs. a Traditional Early Appliance?
The right choice comes down to your child’s specific bite, their maturity level around following a wear schedule, and the exact issue being addressed. Dr. Aliu will walk you through whether Invisalign First, a traditional appliance, or simply monitoring growth for now makes the most sense — the goal is always the option that fits your child’s needs, not necessarily the newest or most convenient-sounding one.
As a Platinum Invisalign provider, our team has planned a substantial number of Invisalign First cases and can speak candidly about which children tend to do well with this approach versus those who might be better served by a fixed early appliance instead.
Helping Your Child Succeed With Invisalign First
If Invisalign First is recommended, a few simple habits at home can make a real difference: setting a consistent daily reminder to put trays back in after meals, keeping the aligner case somewhere easy to find (like a backpack pocket), and praising consistent wear rather than only addressing missed hours after the fact. Many parents find that treating the aligners like a normal part of the daily routine, similar to brushing teeth, helps young children adjust more smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child actually keep their aligners in?
This is one of the most important factors we discuss before recommending Invisalign First for a child. If we’re concerned about consistent wear, we’ll talk through that honestly and consider whether a fixed appliance might be a better fit.
How can you tell if my child is wearing their aligners enough?
Invisalign trays for younger patients include small wear indicators that fade with use, giving our team an easy way to check compliance at follow-up visits.
Does my child need to be a certain age for Invisalign First?
Invisalign First is generally designed for children roughly ages 6 to 10 who are in the mixed-dentition stage, though the right timing always depends on your child’s individual development.
Is Invisalign First more expensive than traditional early treatment?
Cost depends on the specific case and appliance needed. We’re happy to walk through pricing for your child’s situation during a consultation.
Will my child need braces later even after Invisalign First?
Some children do go on to a second phase of treatment once all their permanent teeth have come in, while others don’t need further treatment at all. It depends entirely on how their bite develops over time.
How do I know if my child is mature enough for Invisalign First?
Dr. Aliu will talk with you honestly about your child’s habits and responsibility level during the evaluation, and will recommend a fixed appliance instead if there’s real concern about consistent wear.
Curious whether Invisalign First is right for your child? Schedule a consultation with our team at Elite Orthodontics.