Clear aligners are a removable, nearly invisible way to guide a child’s growing smile, and they can treat many early orthodontic issues before they become bigger problems. At Robert Stoner Orthodontics in Greensboro, board-certified orthodontists offer both Invisalign and Angel Aligners for kids, and the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic check by age 7.
A child’s smile is the start of their confidence, and clear aligners make early treatment easier and more comfortable than ever. Because the trays lift out for eating, brushing, and flossing, they are gentle on growing mouths and simple to keep clean, which is a real advantage for children still building good oral-hygiene habits. We offer both Invisalign and Angel Aligners for kids and will help you find the right fit at a free consultation.
When Should My Child See an Orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic visit around age 7. By then, your child’s first permanent teeth are coming in, which lets us see whether there is enough room for all the adult teeth and spot concerns early. If you notice an issue before age 7, do not wait, schedule a visit whenever something looks off to you.
For some children, clear aligners can serve as a phase one (early) treatment that prevents problems from developing into more serious ones. Phase one typically begins between ages 6 and 10 and prepares the mouth for better, more efficient results during phase two, which usually falls between ages 11 and 15. You can read more on our early orthodontic treatment page.
What Clear Aligners Can Correct in Children
Started at the right time, clear aligners can help guide a growing smile and address issues such as:
- Improper or complex tooth spacing
- Overcrowding
- Narrow dental arches
- An underbite
- An overbite
If your child’s case is better suited to braces, we will tell you. The goal of an early visit is the right treatment at the right time, not treatment for its own sake.
How Clear Aligners Work for Kids
Treatment works much the same for children as for adults. The custom, BPA-free trays fit snugly over your child’s teeth and are worn 20 to 22 hours a day, coming out only to eat and to brush. Invisalign First aligners for kids include built-in compliance indicators that fade from blue to clear with wear, so we can confirm your child is wearing them enough to stay on track.
Benefits of Clear Aligners for Kids
- Discreet: The nearly invisible trays let your child straighten their smile without the self-consciousness of metal brackets and wires.
- Better hygiene: Because the aligners come out, your child can brush and floss normally, lowering the risk of cavities and gum problems during treatment.
- Comfortable: Smooth, custom-fit trays mean no poking wires or brackets.
- Fewer office visits: With no wires to tighten, treatment usually means fewer trips to our office.
A Note for Active Kids
Clear aligners fit easily into an active childhood, and your child can keep playing sports and instruments. One important reminder: aligners are not a mouthguard. If your child plays contact sports, they still need a proper mouthguard to protect their teeth, and we are happy to help you with one.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can my child start clear aligners?
It depends on your child’s development. Early (phase one) treatment usually begins between ages 6 and 10, and we recommend a first orthodontic check by age 7. Some children are best monitored until more permanent teeth come in. We will recommend treatment only when the timing is right.
Are clear aligners as effective as braces for kids?
For many early spacing and bite concerns, clear aligners work very well, as long as your child wears them 20 to 22 hours a day. Certain cases are still better treated with braces, and we will give you an honest recommendation at your child’s free consultation.
Will my child be able to keep their aligners in for school and sports?
Yes. The trays are worn most of the day, including at school, and your child simply removes them to eat and brush. For contact sports, your child should wear a separate mouthguard, since aligners are not designed to protect teeth from impact.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Consultation
Give your child’s smile the best possible start. Call our Beaman Place office at (336) 274-7649 or our Lake Brandt office at (336) 644-1464, or request a free consultation online. Robert Stoner Orthodontics proudly serves families across Greensboro, Summerfield, and Guilford County.