7–10 years
While adult teeth are still arriving and the jaw is still growing.
20–22 hours
Removable, so the trays come out for meals and brushing stays normal.
6–12 months
Often followed by a comprehensive phase once the adult teeth erupt.
Yes — Children Can Have Aligners
Parents are usually surprised to learn this, but Invisalign® makes an aligner system designed specifically for children, called Invisalign First®. It is not an adult tray scaled down. The aligners are shaped to fit a smaller mouth with baby teeth still present, and they can work around teeth that have not fully erupted yet.
For crowding and spacing, that means we can guide the way the jaw develops while straightening the teeth — the same objective as early braces, reached differently.
We recommend it often. It is comfortable, there is far less hardware to clean around than with brackets, and children generally find it easier to live with.
When braces make more sense. Both reach similar results, so it usually comes down to your child. One who will not realistically keep trays in for 20 hours a day is better served by braces — we will talk it through at the screening.
The problems Invisalign First® is designed for
Early treatment is about guiding growth, not just straightening teeth. These are the situations where aligners can help a growing child.
Crowding
Not enough room for the adult teeth coming through. Creating space early often prevents a tooth becoming impacted later.
Excessive spacing
Some spacing is normal and healthy in children, but excessive gaps can affect how the bite develops.
Narrow upper arch
Invisalign First® does not widen the upper jaw on its own, but it can be used together with a palatal expander to correct a narrow arch.
Crossbite
Upper teeth sitting inside the lower. Easier to correct while the jaw can still be guided.
Protruding front teeth
Front teeth that sit too far forward and are vulnerable to injury in sport or a fall.
Eruption guidance
Steering adult teeth into the right position as they arrive, rather than correcting them afterwards.
What Invisalign First® costs in Franklin
Phase-one early treatment at our office generally runs $1,900 to $3,400. A comprehensive second phase, if one is needed once the adult teeth have erupted, runs $3,400 to $6,250 — and we will tell you at the screening whether we expect that to be necessary.
Most dental plans that include orthodontic benefits contribute toward early treatment, usually drawn from a lifetime orthodontic maximum. Our patient coordinator verifies your specific plan before the first visit.
- One fee covering records, the scan, all aligners and your first retainers
- 0% interest plans — down payment at the start
- Sibling and family treatment discounts
- HSA and FSA dollars welcome
Message sent
We have it, and a reply will come to your email — usually the same or next business day. For anything urgent, call (615) 814-4884.
Invisalign First® questions
What age is Invisalign First® for?
It is designed for children from about age 7 to 10, while the adult teeth are still arriving and the jaw is still growing. The aligners are made wider and shorter than adult trays to fit a smaller mouth with baby teeth still present, and they can be used where some teeth have not yet erupted fully.
Can a child really wear aligners instead of braces?
Frequently, yes. For crowding and spacing problems, Invisalign First® can correct the issue while guiding the way the jaw develops — which is the same goal as early braces, using a different tool. Braces reach similar results, so if trays are not practical for your child, they are a good alternative.
Does Invisalign First® mean my child will not need braces later?
Sometimes. Early treatment can create room and correct a growth problem so that a second phase is shorter — and occasionally unnecessary. But many children will still need a comprehensive phase once all the adult teeth have erupted. We will give you a realistic expectation rather than a promise, and re-assess as your child grows.
An aligner made for a growing mouth
Book a complimentary screening and we will tell you whether aligners or braces suit your child better.
Braces for kids & teens in Franklin
Metal and clear braces, and early screening from age 7.
Kids' treatment options Smile JournalAligners before braces: a parent’s guide
What Invisalign First® treats, at what age, and how it differs from adult aligners.
Read the article All optionsCompare every treatment we offer
Braces, aligners, expanders and surgical orthodontics, side by side.
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