If your child or teen is ready for a straighter smile without the look of traditional braces, Invisalign might be a great option.
These clear aligners are smooth, removable, and designed to fit into active lifestyles with ease. At Kern Kids Dental in Bakersfield, CA, we create personalized plans to see if this treatment is the right match for your child’s needs. Schedule a consultation today to find out if Invisalign is the right choice for your family.
Common Orthodontic Issues Invisalign® Can Treat
Invisalign can do more than just straighten a smile. It can also help fix some of the most common orthodontic problems children and teens face. From mild crowding to bite alignment concerns, these clear trays gently guide teeth into healthier positions over time.
- Crooked or crowded teeth: Helps guide overlapping or twisted teeth into proper alignment for easier cleaning and better appearance.
- Gaps between teeth: Closes extra space that may cause speech issues or trap food.
- Mild overbites or underbites: Improves how the upper and lower teeth fit together to support chewing and jaw comfort.
- Crossbites or open bites: Encourages more even pressure when biting and protects long-term tooth wear.
Invisalign® For Teens Vs. Adults
While Invisalign is often seen as an adult treatment, it is actually a popular choice for teens, too. Clear aligners are comfortable, low-profile, and easy to remove for eating, brushing, and sports. They are also designed with features that support younger patients through the process.
- Teens enjoy flexibility: Aligners can be removed for meals, sports, and brushing with no diet restrictions.
- Wear indicators support progress: Faint blue dots help parents and teens monitor daily wear time.
- Adults appreciate discretion: Aligners blend into professional and social settings without drawing attention.
- Busy schedules stay uninterrupted: Fewer appointments and no broken wires or brackets to manage.
Mild Vs. Moderate Misalignment Cases
Clear aligners work best for mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Mild cases might include a single crooked tooth or a small gap, while moderate issues could involve overlapping teeth or early signs of bite misalignment. We will evaluate your child’s smile to see where it falls and recommend the most effective solution.
- Mild cases are quicker: Often resolved in less than a year using fewer aligners.
- Ideal for small fixes: Great for closing minor gaps or adjusting a single rotated tooth.
- Moderate cases need more planning: Involves more trays and longer wear, but still avoids the need for braces.
- Helps with early bite issues: Suitable for overlapping front teeth or slight bite imbalances.
When Braces Are A Better Fit
In some situations, braces may be the better way to go. Children with more complex alignment needs or younger kids who are not ready for removable aligners may benefit from the extra support braces provide. Our goal is always to recommend what works best.
- Severe crowding or bite concerns: Braces allow for more detailed movement of teeth and jaw alignment.
- Jaw growth issues: Braces can help guide how the jaw develops during early stages of growth.
- Trouble with follow-through: Fixed braces may be better for kids who forget or resist wearing aligners.
- Complex movements needed: Rotated molars or vertical tooth changes may require brackets.
Custom Treatment Planning Based On Your Needs
Your child’s Invisalign journey starts with a detailed scan and a treatment plan designed just for them. These aligners are custom-made to move teeth gently, with regular progress checks to keep things on track. The process is designed to be smooth from start to finish.
- Digital scans are comfortable: Fast, mess-free, and more accurate than traditional impressions.
- Aligners are personalized: Each tray is made to fit your child’s exact dental structure and treatment goals.
- Check-ins track progress: Short visits help ensure everything is moving as expected.
- Support from start to finish: Our team walks you through each step so you are never left guessing.
Discover The Clear Difference For Your Child’s Smile
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment starts with understanding what will work best for your child. At Kern Kids Dental in Bakersfield, CA, we will help you determine if Invisalign is the right fit, and if it is not, we will guide you to a better option with honesty and care. Our team is here to support your child’s health, confidence, and long-term results. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a straighter, healthier smile.