Invisalign® And Interceptive Orthodontics

Setting Your Child Up For A Lifetime Of Smiles

Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry is proud to offer Invisalign® and interceptive orthodontics to help your child’s smile grow healthy and strong. We use interceptive orthodontics to help guide the growth and development of your child’s jaw and smile. At Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry, we have the advantage of starting your child’s orthodontic journey right where they receive their pediatric dental care, for your convenience and your child’s comfort. 

Pediatric dentist treating a young patient during a dental exam at Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry in Wilmington, North Carolina.

What Is Interceptive Orthodontics?

Interceptive orthodontics, also known as early orthodontics, early intervention or phase 1, helps guide growth and development of the mouth, teeth and jaw and make room for permanent teeth to come in. At this time, your child’s jaw is still developing and has mixed detention (both primary—baby—and adult teeth). This is the best time to begin treatment in order to prevent bigger or more costly intervention down the road. Not every child will need Invisalign® and interceptive orthodontics, and other children will not need it right away at age 7, but may need it in a few years.

Invisalign aligners neatly placed in a case at Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry.

Signs Your Child May Benefit From Invisalign® And Interceptive Orthodontics

As your child’s dental provider, our team has the advantage of knowing your child’s mouth and being able to closely monitor development and changes. We may recommend Invisalign® and interceptive orthodontics if we notice your child has:

  • Crowded teeth
  • Gapped teeth
  • Underbite, overbite or crossbite
  • Extra or missing teeth
  • Narrow arches

Invisalign® Clear Aligners For Growing Smiles In Wilmington, NC

Invisalign® and interceptive orthodontics can address a variety of early orthodontic problems in children, because believe it or not, clear aligners are not just for adults! Invisalign® First is an inconspicuous and effective way for your child to start orthodontic treatment. It uses a system of transparent aligners, or trays, that exerts force on the teeth to gradually and more comfortably move your child’s teeth into the desired positions.

Benefits Of Invisalign® And Interceptive Orthodontics

For a less bulky but just as effective alternative, our pediatric dentists may recommend Invisalign® and interceptive orthodontics over traditional braces or other orthodontic appliances. Benefits include:

  • Treats a variety of early orthodontic problems, from simple to more complex
  • Nearly invisible
  • Removable for maintaining good oral hygiene
  • No diet restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign® and Interceptive Orthodontics

Wondering about how Invisalign® works for your child? We’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about Invisalign® and interceptive orthodontics below.

Early orthodontics typically refers to treating children around the ages 7 to 10, which focuses on correcting bite issues, creating room and guiding jaw development. This is then followed by phase 2 treatment around age 11, which focuses more on aligning the teeth.

For best results, we recommend that your child wears them for around 20 to 22 hours a day. At first, the aligners may feel strange and cause slight speech changes, but the more they wear them, the more comfortable and effective they will be.

Your child will switch to a new set of aligners every few weeks or as directed by our pediatric dentists. They may experience some soreness in the first few days after switching to their new aligners. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication if necessary.

Not wearing their aligners can cause delays in your child’s treatment. If your child damages or misplaces their aligners, call us at (910) 791-7380 as soon as possible so that we can get their new smile back on track.

Your child may need additional treatment, called Phase 2, after first completing Invisalign® and interceptive orthodontics treatment. If this is the case, we may prescribe them retainers to keep their smile in place and monitor their progress while they grow and all their permanent teeth come in.

Healthy Smiles Start at Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry

Expert Pediatric Dental Care

At Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry, we make it easy to schedule your child’s next visit! Whether it’s their first dental checkup or a routine cleaning, our friendly team is here to ensure every experience is positive and stress-free. Give us a call at (910) 791-7380 and our team will confirm your preferred date and time. We look forward to helping your child enjoy a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles!

Curly-haired blonde little boy smiling at Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry after a pulpotomy treatment
Two smiling children hugging outdoors on a sunny day, showing healthy and happy smiles after a dental visit.
Wilmington Pediatric Dentistry light-blue logo featuring a smiling tooth surfing on a toothbrush wave with sun icons.

Catching Waves, Creating Smiles

2606 Iron Gate Dr., Suite 200, Wilmington, NC 28412

(910) 791-7380