Invisalign First: Clear Aligners for Growing Smiles

Some orthodontic concerns are easier to assess while your child is still growing.

Invisalign First is a clear-aligner treatment designed specifically for younger children who still have a combination of baby teeth and adult teeth. It may help guide developing teeth, create room for adult teeth and address certain bite or alignment concerns at an earlier stage.

Not every child needs early orthodontic treatment. The first step is an individual assessment to understand how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing and whether treatment is recommended now, later or not at all.

Book an Invisalign First Assessment

What Is Invisalign First?

Invisalign First is an early orthodontic treatment designed for selected children, generally between 6 and 10 years of age.

It uses a series of custom-made, removable clear aligners to gradually guide your child’s teeth into a more suitable position while their mouth is still developing.

The aligners are designed to fit smaller teeth and can accommodate a combination of baby teeth and newly erupted adult teeth.

Invisalign First may be used to:

Create additional room for incoming adult teeth.
Address crowding or overlapping teeth.
Reduce spaces between teeth.
Assist with the development of the dental arches.
Improve certain developing bite concerns.
Guide teeth into more suitable positions as your child grows.

Every child develops differently. An assessment is needed to determine whether Invisalign First is the most appropriate option for your child.

What Is Phase 1 Orthodontic Treatment?

Invisalign First is commonly referred to as Phase 1 orthodontic treatment.

Phase 1 treatment takes place while a child still has some baby teeth and their adult teeth and jaws are continuing to develop.

The purpose is not necessarily to completely straighten every tooth at a young age. Instead, early treatment may be recommended to address a specific developing concern, improve the position of certain teeth or create more space for adult teeth to come through.

Some children benefit from early treatment, while others are better suited to monitoring until they are older.

An early assessment allows us to determine the most appropriate timing for your child.

Does My Child Need an Early Orthodontic Assessment?

An early assessment does not automatically mean your child will need treatment.

It gives our team the opportunity to examine:

How the adult teeth are coming through.
Whether there is enough room for incoming teeth.
The position and development of the jaws.
How the upper and lower teeth come together.
Whether crowding, spacing or bite concerns are developing.
Whether treatment may be easier at a particular stage of growth.

Following the assessment, we may recommend starting treatment, monitoring your child’s development or waiting until more adult teeth have appeared.

Signs Your Child May Benefit From an Assessment

You may wish to arrange an assessment if you have noticed:

Crowded, overlapping or rotated teeth.
Large spaces between teeth.
Adult teeth coming through in unusual positions.
A narrow-looking upper jaw or dental arch.

Upper teeth that sit significantly forward.
Lower teeth that sit in front of the upper teeth.
Teeth that do not meet evenly when biting.
Early or delayed loss of baby teeth.

Difficulty biting or chewing certain foods.
Persistent thumb or finger sucking.
Mouth breathing or difficulty comfortably closing the lips.
Concerns raised by your child’s dentist.

These signs do not necessarily mean your child needs Invisalign First. They simply indicate that an orthodontic assessment may be helpful.

What Concerns Can Invisalign First Help Address?

Depending on your child’s individual needs, Invisalign First may be considered for concerns such as:

Crowded teeth

Crowding occurs when there is not enough room for teeth to come through or sit in a suitable position. Treatment may help create additional room within the dental arch and guide developing teeth.

Gaps between teeth

Some spacing is normal while children are growing. However, larger or uneven spaces may sometimes benefit from assessment and treatment.

Narrow dental arches

A narrow arch can reduce the amount of room available for adult teeth. In selected cases, treatment may assist with arch development and help create space.

Crossbite

A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting. Depending on the cause and severity, earlier assessment may be recommended.

Overbite or overjet

An overbite relates to how much the upper teeth vertically overlap the lower teeth. An overjet occurs when the upper front teeth sit significantly forward from the lower teeth.

Underbite

An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when biting.

Your child’s clinician will assess their teeth, jaws and bite before recommending any treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Invisalign First?

For children who are suitable candidates, Invisalign First may offer several advantages.

Removable aligners – The aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. This means your child can generally continue eating their usual foods without brackets or wires getting in the way.
Easier oral hygiene – Because the aligners are removable, your child can brush and floss their teeth normally. Good brushing and parental supervision are still important throughout treatment.
Designed for growing children – Invisalign First aligners are designed for smaller teeth and for children who have a mixture of baby and adult teeth.
Clear and discreet – The aligners are made from clear material and may be less noticeable than traditional braces.
Fewer food restrictions – Aligners are removed while eating, so there are generally fewer food restrictions than with fixed braces. Your child must brush their teeth before placing the aligners back in their mouth.
Customised treatment – Each aligner is made specifically for your child based on their digital treatment plan.

Is Invisalign First Right for Every Child?

No. Invisalign First is not suitable or necessary for every child.

Your child’s suitability will depend on factors including:

Their age and stage of dental development.
The number and position of their adult teeth.
Their particular orthodontic concern.
The development of their jaws and bite.
Their ability to wear and care for the aligners.
Whether another treatment option would provide a more appropriate result.

Clear aligner treatment requires cooperation. Your child will need to wear their aligners as instructed and avoid frequently losing or damaging them.

For some children, monitoring, braces or another orthodontic appliance may be more suitable.

Our team will explain the available options so you can make an informed decision.

How Does Invisalign First Treatment Work?

Six steps, from first assessment through to regular reviews.

Initial Assessment

We begin by examining your child’s teeth, jaws and bite. We will discuss any concerns you or your child may have and assess whether early orthodontic treatment should be considered.

Digital Records

If treatment is being considered, we may take digital scans, photographs and X-rays. These records help us understand how your child’s teeth are positioned and allow us to develop an individual treatment plan.

Personalised Treatment Plan

We will explain what concerns have been identified, whether treatment is recommended, the available treatment options, the expected treatment duration, what will be required from your child, the estimated treatment fees and whether treatment may also be needed later. You will have the opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.

Custom Aligners

If you proceed with Invisalign First, a series of clear aligners will be custom-made for your child. Each set of aligners is designed to apply gentle, controlled pressure to guide the teeth according to the treatment plan.

Wearing the Aligners

Your child will wear each set of aligners as directed by their clinician. Aligners should generally only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing and flossing, cleaning the aligners, and activities where removal has been recommended. Consistent wear is important – frequently leaving the aligners out can delay treatment or affect the planned tooth movement.

Review Appointments

Your child will attend regular review appointments so we can monitor their progress, provide their next aligners and make adjustments if required. The timing of appointments will depend on your child’s individual treatment plan.

What Is Everyday Life Like With Invisalign First?

Most children adjust to wearing their aligners as they become part of their daily routine.

Eating and drinking – Aligners should be removed before eating. Your child should also remove them before drinking anything other than plain water, as drinks may stain the aligners or increase the risk of tooth decay. After eating, your child should brush their teeth before replacing the aligners whenever possible.
Brushing and flossing – Your child can brush and floss normally because the aligners are removable. Parents may need to supervise brushing and aligner care, particularly for younger children.
Speaking – Your child may notice a temporary change in their speech when they first begin wearing their aligners. This usually improves as they become accustomed to them.
School – Aligners can be worn throughout the school day. Your child should have a safe aligner case and avoid wrapping their aligners in tissues, as this makes them easier to lose or accidentally throw away.
Sport and activities – The aligners may be removed for certain sports or activities if advised. A suitable mouthguard may still be required for contact sport. Your clinician can advise how to manage aligners and mouthguard use during treatment.

How Much Does Invisalign First Cost?

The cost of Invisalign First varies depending on your child’s treatment needs, the complexity of the case and the expected treatment duration.

Following your child’s assessment and treatment planning, we will provide you with a written treatment plan outlining:

The recommended treatment.
The estimated treatment duration.
The total treatment fee.
What is included in the fee.
Any available payment options.
Any additional costs that may apply.

Private health insurance may contribute towards orthodontic treatment depending on your level of cover, applicable waiting periods and available limits. We recommend contacting your health fund directly to confirm your entitlements before starting treatment.

As a general guide, our current Invisalign First fees are:

Phase I

From $2,800
(without palatal expander)

Phase II

From $6,000
(if required)

Combined Treatment Package

$8,500
Includes both phases over approximately five years, if Phase II is required.

Every child is different. Following your consultation, we’ll explain whether treatment is recommended now or whether monitoring your child’s growth is the best option.

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Why Choose DentalOne?

At DentalOne, we understand that considering orthodontic treatment for your child can feel like a significant decision.

Our goal is to provide clear information, realistic expectations and an individual treatment recommendation based on your child’s needs.

During your consultation, we will:

Listen to your concerns.
Assess your child’s developing teeth and bite.
Explain whether treatment is needed.
Discuss Invisalign First and any suitable alternatives.
Provide a personalised treatment plan.
Explain expected costs and treatment time.
Answer your questions before you make a decision.

If your child does not need treatment immediately, we will let you know and may recommend monitoring their development instead.

Find Out Whether Invisalign First Is Right for Your Child

Book an Invisalign First Assessment

An early orthodontic assessment can provide valuable information about how your child’s teeth and jaws are developing. It does not necessarily mean treatment will be required. Our team will assess your child, explain any concerns and let you know whether treatment is recommended now, later or not at all. Alternatively, contact us to speak with our team and learn more about early orthodontic treatment for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Invisalign First is generally designed for selected children between approximately 6 and 10 years of age who still have a mixture of baby and adult teeth. Age alone does not determine suitability – your child’s dental development and individual orthodontic needs must also be assessed.

No. Invisalign First is specifically designed for children who still have a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth. However, your child must be at an appropriate stage of dental development for treatment.

Your child will need to wear their aligners for most of the day and night, removing them only as directed. Your clinician will provide specific instructions based on the treatment plan.

No. Aligners should be removed before eating. They should also be removed before drinking anything other than plain water.

The aligners can be removed for eating, brushing and other approved activities. However, they should be returned to the mouth as soon as possible to maintain the recommended daily wear time.

Your child may experience pressure or mild discomfort when they begin wearing a new set of aligners. This is generally a sign that the aligners are applying pressure to guide the teeth.

The discomfort is usually temporary. However, your child should tell you if an aligner is causing ongoing pain, rubbing, sharp edges or difficulty wearing it. Please contact the clinic if you have any concerns.

Contact the clinic as soon as possible if your child loses or damages an aligner. Do not move to another aligner unless instructed to do so.

Depending on where your child is in their treatment, we may advise them to continue wearing the previous aligner, move to the next aligner, attend the clinic for an assessment or have a replacement aligner arranged. Encourage your child to place their aligners in their case whenever they are not being worn.

Treatment time varies from child to child. The expected duration will depend on the type and complexity of the orthodontic concern, the amount of tooth movement required, your child’s growth and dental development, how consistently the aligners are worn, whether aligners are lost or damaged, how your child responds to treatment and whether additional aligners are required.

After assessing your child, we will provide a more personalised estimate. Treatment duration and outcomes cannot be guaranteed, as every child responds differently.

No. Some children may still need a second phase of orthodontic treatment after more adult teeth have appeared. This could involve Invisalign aligners, braces or another treatment option.

Possibly. Invisalign First is an early or Phase 1 treatment, and your child’s teeth and jaws will continue to grow after treatment has finished. Depending on how their adult teeth come through and how their bite develops, they may require a second phase of orthodontic treatment when they are older. This may involve clear aligners, braces or another treatment option.

The purpose of early treatment is not always to eliminate the possibility of future orthodontic treatment. It may be recommended to address a particular concern at a more appropriate stage of development. We will discuss your child’s likely long-term treatment pathway with you before starting treatment.

Your child may be given retainers or other instructions to help maintain the achieved tooth positions. We may also continue monitoring their growth, adult tooth eruption and bite development.

All treatment is subject to an individual clinical assessment. Suitability, treatment duration, costs and outcomes vary between patients. Invisalign First may not be suitable for every child.

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