When your child needs orthodontic care, you want options that fit their active lifestyle. Invisalign for kids straightens teeth using clear, removable trays instead of metal wires and brackets that can poke, irritate, and limit what they eat. At Boller Orthodontic Arts in Crown Point, IN, Dr. Boller creates personalized Invisalign treatment plans designed specifically for growing smiles.
What Is Invisalign for Kids?
Invisalign for kids is a clear aligner system designed for children ages 6 to 10 with a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Custom BPA-free plastic trays gently shift teeth into proper position without brackets or wires. Treatment guides arch development, addresses crowding, and creates space for permanent teeth as your child grows.
Each set of aligners applies gentle, consistent pressure to shift teeth without brackets, wires, or rubber bands. The trays are nearly invisible, so most people won’t even notice your child is wearing them.
This treatment works very well for Phase 1 orthodontic care. Phase 1 treatment addresses early concerns like crowding, narrow arches, and bite issues while your child’s jaw is still developing. By starting treatment during this growth window, Dr. Boller can guide arch development and create space for permanent teeth to come in properly. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, early intervention can reduce the need for more involved treatment later.
Treatment typically lasts 12 to 18 months for most children, though every smile is different. During your child’s free consult at our Crown Point practice, Dr. Boller will evaluate their specific needs and give you a clear timeline for their personalized plan.
Benefits of Invisalign for Kids
Clear aligners offer advantages that make orthodontic treatment easier for kids and parents alike.
Easy oral hygiene
Your child removes the aligners to brush and floss normally. No special tools or techniques needed. This helps prevent cavities and keeps gums healthy throughout treatment.
Comfortable fit
Smooth plastic means no metal poking cheeks or irritating gums. Kids adjust quickly and rarely complain about discomfort after the first few days with new trays.
Confidence at school is another big win. Nearly invisible aligners let your child smile freely in photos and during class presentations, and many classmates won’t even realize treatment is happening. Kids who once covered their mouths often start smiling more openly within the first few weeks.
Fewer appointments
Traditional braces often require visits every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments. With Invisalign, check-ups at our Crown Point practice happen every 6 to 10 weeks, which means less time away from school and activities.
For active kids, removable trays are a real advantage. Your child can pop the aligners out for soccer games, swim practice, basketball tournaments, or band concerts, then slide them back in afterward. No mouthguard fitted around brackets, no broken wires after a stray elbow, no awkward trumpet mouthpieces.
Guides healthy development
Beyond straightening teeth, Invisalign First can widen narrow arches and create room for permanent teeth still waiting to erupt. This proactive approach often simplifies or even eliminates the need for more extensive treatment later.
| Feature | Invisalign for Kids | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Nearly invisible | Visible metal or ceramic |
| Removability | Fully removable | Fixed to teeth |
| Eating restrictions | None | Many foods off-limits |
| Oral hygiene | Normal brushing/flossing | Special tools required |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic | Brackets may irritate |
| Sports/activities | Remove during play | Mouthguard recommended |
The Invisalign Treatment Process for Kids
Getting started with Invisalign at Boller Orthodontic Arts is straightforward. Here’s what to expect from your first visit through your child’s final reveal.
Step 1: Free consult and digital scan
Your child’s treatment begins with a complimentary evaluation at our Crown Point, IN practice. Dr. Boller examines your child’s teeth, bite, and jaw development. Then our team uses an iTero digital scanner to capture detailed 3D images of your child’s mouth. No goopy impressions, no gagging, just a quick, mess-free scan.
Step 2: Custom treatment plan
Using the digital scan, Dr. Boller designs a precise treatment plan showing exactly how your child’s teeth will move from start to finish. You’ll see a 3D preview of the expected results before treatment even begins.
Step 3: Receive aligners
Once the custom aligners arrive, we’ll fit your child with their first set and show them how to insert and remove the trays properly. Aligners should be worn 20 to 22 hours daily for best results, basically all the time except when eating, drinking anything besides water, and brushing.
Step 4: Progress through aligner sets
Every 1 to 2 weeks, your child switches to a new set of aligners as their teeth gradually shift into position. Each new tray brings them closer to their finished result.
Step 5: Check-up appointments
Every 6 to 10 weeks, you’ll bring your child to our Crown Point practice so Dr. Boller can monitor progress and confirm everything is tracking as planned. These visits are quick, usually 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 6: Retainer phase
After active treatment ends, your child wears a retainer to maintain their new smile. Dr. Boller will explain exactly how long and how often the retainer should be worn.
Is Your Child a Candidate for Invisalign?
Most children ages 6 to 10 with a mix of baby and permanent teeth make good Invisalign First candidates, especially those with crowding, narrow arches, mild bite issues, or spacing concerns. The best candidates are responsible enough to wear aligners 20+ hours daily and keep track of them. Severe skeletal issues may require a different approach.
Invisalign First works best for children between ages 6 and 10 who have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This early treatment window allows Dr. Boller to guide jaw growth and tooth positioning while your child’s mouth is still developing.
Good candidates typically have:
- Crowded teeth or spacing issues
- Narrow dental arches
- Crossbite or protruding front teeth
- Mild to moderate bite problems
- Teeth that need guidance as permanent teeth erupt
Invisalign may also work for your tween or teen
with crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Older kids and teens often appreciate the discreet appearance even more than younger children.
Important considerations
Your child needs to be responsible enough to wear the aligners 20+ hours every day and keep track of them. Kids who frequently lose things or resist following instructions may do better with fixed braces that can’t be removed.
Invisalign isn’t the right choice for every child. Severe skeletal issues, significant jaw discrepancies, or complex bite problems may require appliances, expanders, or other approaches. Some children benefit from traditional braces or a combination of treatments.
The only way to know for sure? A free evaluation at our Crown Point, IN practice. Dr. Boller will assess your child’s specific situation and recommend the right treatment, even if that means suggesting an alternative to Invisalign.
Why Crown Point Families Choose Boller Orthodontic Arts
Choosing the right orthodontist for your child matters. At Boller Orthodontic Arts, every smile is designed with intention, and every patient is treated like family.
Specialist-trained orthodontist
Dr. Boller, DDS, completed multi-specialty post-doctoral training beyond dental school, focusing exclusively on orthodontics. This specialized education means she understands the complexities of growing jaws and developing teeth.
Certified Invisalign provider
Dr. Boller has extensive experience creating Invisalign treatment plans for children, teens, and adults. She stays current with the latest techniques and technology to deliver the best possible results.
Advanced technology
Our Crown Point practice features iTero digital scanning and 3D imaging systems that make treatment planning precise and efficient. You get accurate results without uncomfortable impressions.
As a true private practice, we’re not rushing through appointments to meet outside quotas. Dr. Boller personally oversees every treatment plan and sees your child at every visit. You’re not handed off to rotating staff.
Rooted in community
Dr. Boller is a Lake Central High School graduate and Northwest Indiana native. She understands this community because she’s part of it.
From the first hello at the front desk to the last retainer check, your family gets personal attention that’s hard to find at larger, busier practices. Dr. Boller creates personalized plans tailored to your child’s unique growth patterns, dental development, and orthodontic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign for Kids in Crown Point
At what age can my child start Invisalign?
Children can begin Invisalign First treatment as young as age 6, once they have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. During your child’s free consult at Boller Orthodontic Arts in Crown Point, Dr. Boller will determine if now is the right time to start or if monitoring growth makes more sense.
How much does Invisalign for kids cost in Crown Point, IN?
Treatment cost varies based on your child’s specific needs and how long treatment takes. During your free consult, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate and explain all your options. Boller Orthodontic Arts offers flexible payment plans to make treatment accessible for families. Many families find Invisalign costs comparable to traditional braces.
Will my child’s insurance cover Invisalign treatment?
Many dental insurance plans that cover orthodontic treatment will cover Invisalign the same way they cover braces. Our team will verify your benefits and help you understand what your plan covers before treatment begins. We work with most insurance providers and handle the paperwork for you.
How long does Invisalign treatment take for children?
Most children complete Invisalign First treatment in 12 to 18 months, though timing depends on the complexity of your child’s case. Some children finish sooner; others need a bit longer. Dr. Boller will give you a realistic timeline during your consult based on your child’s specific needs.
Is Invisalign as effective as braces for kids?
For appropriate cases, Invisalign delivers results comparable to traditional braces. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, clear aligners can effectively treat many of the same issues as braces, including crowding, spacing, and certain bite problems. The key is proper case selection. Dr. Boller will recommend Invisalign only when it’s the right fit for your child’s situation.
What happens if my child loses an aligner?
Don’t panic. Contact our practice right away. Depending on where your child is in their treatment, Dr. Boller may recommend moving to the next aligner set early or ordering a replacement tray. We’ll guide you through the best solution to keep treatment on track. Having your child store aligners in their case whenever they’re not in their mouth helps prevent lost trays.
Schedule Your Child’s Free Invisalign Consultation in Crown Point
Ready to find out if Invisalign is right for your child? Book a free consult at Boller Orthodontic Arts today. Dr. Boller will evaluate your child’s smile, answer all your questions, and explain your options with no pressure and no obligation.
Your child’s first visit includes a complimentary digital scan that’s quick, mess-free, and easy on little mouths. We’ll show you exactly what treatment could look like and discuss flexible payment plans that work for your family’s budget.
Call (219) 322-7645 or book online to schedule your child’s evaluation. Curious about other options? Learn more about Phase 1 treatment for younger children or teen Invisalign for older kids. We also see patients at our Dyer, IN location for your convenience.