Sep 19, 2025

Clear Aligners for Kids: Is Invisalign® First Right for Your Child Instead of Braces?

If your child needs early orthodontic care, you might be weighing up the comfort and flexibility of clear aligners against the familiarity of braces. Invisalign® First is a child-friendly aligner system designed for growing smiles. In this simple guide, you will learn how it works, who it suits, and how it compares to traditional braces so you can make a confident choice for your family.

Can young children get clear aligners instead of braces?

Yes. Many children in the mixed dentition stage, usually between ages 6 and 10, can start treatment with Invisalign® First. This is often called Phase 1 or early interceptive treatment. At this age, kids have a mix of baby and adult teeth, and the jaws are still developing. Clear aligners can guide jaw growth, make space for incoming adult teeth, and correct early bite problems. Not every child will be suitable, but many are.

How clear aligners for children work

Invisalign® First uses a series of custom clear trays that fit snugly over the teeth. Your child wears each set of aligners for about 1 to 2 weeks before moving to the next set. Each new aligner applies gentle, planned forces to move teeth and guide jaw development.

What to expect:

• Digital planning: We scan your child’s teeth with an intra oral scanner to create a precise 3D model. No gooey impressions.
• Small attachments: Tooth coloured bumps may be placed on certain teeth to help the aligners grip and move teeth accurately.
• Wear schedule: Most children wear aligners 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them for meals and toothbrushing.
• Check ins: Visits every 6 to 10 weeks help us monitor growth, adjust plans, and keep things on track.

For many children, Phase 1 treatment aims to create space, correct crossbites, reduce overjet, and improve tooth eruption paths. Some children may still need a shorter Phase 2 treatment as teens to finish fine detail tooth alignment.

What makes Invisalign® First different from standard Invisalign®?

While both are clear aligner systems, Invisalign® First is engineered for growing mouths. Key differences include:

• Mixed dentition design: Invisalign® First accommodates baby teeth and erupting adult teeth. It uses features that guide tooth eruption and allow for changes as new teeth appear.
• Expansion and development tools: The aligners can gently widen narrow arches, help correct crossbites, and improve space for crowded teeth.
• Kid friendly fit: Edge designs and pressure mapping are tailored for comfort and growing gumlines.

Standard Invisalign® is optimised for fully erupted adult teeth, while Invisalign® First handles the dynamic changes that happen in early childhood.

Pros and cons compared with traditional braces

Both options can achieve excellent results. The best choice depends on your child’s needs and habits.

Pros of Invisalign® First:

• Removable for meals and brushing, which makes oral hygiene easier and reduces food restrictions.
• Smooth and comfortable plastic, with fewer mouth sores from brackets or wires.
• Discreet look that can boost confidence at school and in photos.
• Fewer emergency visits for broken brackets or poking wires.
• Helpful digital planning, which lets you preview the treatment path.

Cons of Invisalign® First:

• Success depends on wear time. If aligners are not worn as directed, results can slow down.
• Aligners can be misplaced, which may delay progress.
• Some complex tooth movements still respond better to braces or to a staged approach with other appliances.

Pros of traditional braces:

• Always on the teeth, so you do not rely on wear time for them to work.
• Highly effective for complex rotations, root movements, and certain bite corrections.
• A wide range of bracket options, including ceramic clear brackets.

Cons of traditional braces:

• Food restrictions, especially hard, sticky, or chewy foods.
• More difficult brushing and flossing, which can increase the risk of decalcification spots if hygiene is not excellent.
• Occasional discomfort from brackets and wires and possible emergency repairs.

Who is a good candidate for Invisalign® First?

Your child may be a strong candidate if they:

• Are in the mixed dentition stage with issues like crowding, crossbite, deep bite, or protruding front teeth.
• Can wear aligners 20 to 22 hours per day with your support.
• Are motivated by the comfort and appearance of clear aligners.
• Have no severe skeletal discrepancies that require different early appliances or future jaw surgery.

Children with significant growth pattern concerns might still benefit from appliances like expanders or functional appliances first, followed by aligners or braces later. A Specialist Orthodontist assessment is the best way to confirm suitability.

How parents can decide between braces and clear aligners

Start by clarifying your goals. Do you want easier brushing, fewer food rules, and a discreet look? Aligners may fit best. Do you prefer a system that does not rely on daily wear habits? Braces might be more reliable for your child.

Consider these questions:

• Will my child reliably wear aligners as directed?
• Are we prepared to store aligners safely during meals and at school?
• What are the specific orthodontic goals in Phase 1, and which tool gets us there most predictably?
• How will this choice affect daily life, sport, and music practice?

An experienced specialist will review your child’s growth, teeth, and bite, then explain your options in plain language. If you are near Melbourne, you can book a free assessment with a specialist team that provides both options. If it suits your needs, you may find a convenient time for a free initial consultation to discuss your child’s case, timelines, and costs in detail.

What treatment looks like day to day

Cost, timing, and future treatment

Early treatment with Invisalign® First typically runs for several months up to about a year, depending on goals and growth. Some children will still need a shorter teen phase to fine tune alignment once all adult teeth have erupted. During your consultation, we will outline total time frames and fees, and offer flexible, interest free payment plans.

For a broader overview of options if you are comparing braces and aligners, you can also learn more about Invisalign Melbourne on our treatment page. When you are ready, our team is happy to walk you through itemised fees, rebates, and payment plans.

The Angle House Orthodontics approach

We believe early assessments from age 7 to 8 help catch small issues before they become big ones. Our clinicians use digital scanning, on site x-rays at Balwyn, and a friendly, step by step approach that puts comfort first. We work with families to choose the right tool for the job, whether that is Invisalign® First, braces, or a staged plan with expanders or functional appliances.

Key takeaways

• Many young children can have Invisalign® First instead of braces, especially for Phase 1 treatment.
• Invisalign® First is designed for growing mouths and can create space, guide eruption, and correct early bites.
• Aligners offer comfort and flexibility, while braces can be better for complex movements or when wear time is a concern.
• The best choice depends on your child’s needs and daily habits. A specialist evaluation is essential.

If you are exploring early orthodontic options for your child, we are here to help you decide with clarity and care. Book your free consultation to get a personalised plan for your child’s smile.