Invisalign First

Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. We evaluate your child’s teeth, bite, and growth pattern carefully and explain whether treatment now—or simply monitoring development—is the better option.

What Is Invisalign First?

Invisalign First uses a series of custom, removable clear aligners designed for younger patients. The aligners gradually move the teeth while accommodating growing mouths and incoming permanent teeth.

For children who are good candidates, Invisalign First may help address concerns such as crowding, spacing, narrow dental arches, and certain bite problems.

Because the aligners are removable, children can take them out for meals, brushing, and flossing. There are also no metal brackets or wires that can poke the mouth or break during everyday activities.

Benefits of Invisalign First for Growing Smiles

Early orthodontic treatment can address certain developing problems before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. In some cases, this may make future orthodontic treatment simpler.

Invisalign First may offer benefits such as:

• Creating or preserving space for incoming permanent teeth
• Addressing certain crowding, spacing, and bite concerns
• Making brushing and flossing easier than with fixed brackets and wires
• Allowing children to eat normally after removing their aligners
• Providing a less noticeable treatment option
• Avoiding broken brackets and poking orthodontic wires

We focus on healthy development rather than rushing treatment. Our goal is to recommend care that makes sense for your child’s specific needs.

What to Expect With Invisalign First at Schenk Family Dentistry

Treatment begins with an examination and digital records. We use our iTero Digital Scanner to capture detailed images of your child’s teeth without the need for traditional impression material. Digital X-rays may also be used to evaluate developing teeth and supporting structures.

These records help us plan treatment and explain what we are seeing in a way that parents and children can understand.

When additional diagnostic information is needed, we may use our Planmeca low-dose radiation CBCT scanner to evaluate developing teeth and jaw structures.

If Invisalign First is appropriate, we will explain how to wear, remove, and clean the aligners and provide a schedule for follow-up visits.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Invisalign First?

Invisalign First is designed for children ages 6–10 who are in the mixed-dentition stage, meaning they have both baby teeth and permanent teeth.

A child may benefit from an early orthodontic evaluation if you notice crowding, uneven tooth eruption, spacing problems, or bite concerns.

During the evaluation, we look at:

• The position of the teeth
• How the upper and lower teeth fit together
• Available space for incoming permanent teeth
• Jaw growth and development
• Oral habits such as thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use

If we identify an issue that could benefit from early treatment, we will explain your options and expected timeline. If treatment is not necessary yet, we can continue monitoring your child’s development.

How Does Invisalign First Treatment Work?

If your child is a candidate, treatment generally follows a straightforward process.

First, we take digital scans and other necessary records. A customized series of clear aligners is then created to gradually move your child’s teeth in accordance with the treatment plan.

Children typically wear their aligners for about 20–22 hours per day, removing them for meals, brushing, and flossing. Follow-up visits allow us to check the fit of the aligners and monitor progress.

Appointments are generally scheduled every several weeks based on your child’s individual treatment plan.

We also teach children and parents how to keep the aligners clean and incorporate aligner wear into a normal daily routine.

Benefits Beyond Straighter Teeth

The goal of Invisalign First is not simply to make teeth look straighter. Early orthodontic treatment may also help create space for developing permanent teeth, improve certain bite relationships, and make daily oral hygiene easier.

Clear aligners can also be easier for some children to accept because they are less noticeable than traditional braces.

Throughout treatment, we keep parents informed and use digital records to help show how the teeth are changing over time.

Invisalign First FAQs

What age is Invisalign First for?

Invisalign First is designed primarily for children ages 6–10 who still have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth. Whether treatment is appropriate depends on your child’s individual dental development.

Does every child need Phase 1 orthodontic treatment?

No. Some children benefit from early treatment, while others are better served by monitoring their growth until more permanent teeth come in. We evaluate each child individually before recommending treatment.

How long should my child wear Invisalign First each day?

Children are generally instructed to wear their aligners for about 20–22 hours per day. They should remove them for eating, brushing, and flossing.

Can my child eat normally with Invisalign First?

Yes. Because the aligners are removable, children can take them out during meals and continue eating their usual foods unless another dental concern requires dietary restrictions.

Can my child play sports while wearing Invisalign First?

Invisalign First can fit well with an active lifestyle. Depending on the activity, your child may need to remove the aligners and use appropriate protective equipment, such as a sports mouthguard.

What if my child loses an aligner?

Call our office if an aligner is lost. We will let you know whether your child should use a different aligner or whether a replacement is needed.

How long does the Invisalign First treatment take?

Treatment time varies depending on your child’s needs, growth, and how consistently the aligners are worn. We will discuss the expected timeline after evaluating your child and creating a treatment plan.

Schedule an Invisalign First Consultation in Mount Airy, NC

If you have noticed crowding, shifting teeth, unusual spacing, or bite concerns, Schenk Family Dentistry can evaluate whether Invisalign First may be appropriate for your child.

Dr. Sydney Schenk and our team will review your child’s teeth and development, explain the available options, and help you understand the next steps.

Schenk Family Dentistry is conveniently located in Mount Airy, NC, and welcomes new patients. Call today to schedule an Invisalign First consultation.