Case Study: Invisalign First

Patient. Jack came to see us as an awesome 8-year-old. His parents had a few concerns with his teeth. They were all looking for help . . . and answers!

Problem. Jack is an active elementary school child. He and his parents came to us with concerns of spacing between his front teeth. Though at the age of 8, some space between the front teeth is perfectly normal, in Jack’s case it was excessive. Panoramic x-rays revealed other concerns. Jack’s adult canines were high and on the verge of being blocked out!

Solution. Jack would benefit from Phase One orthodontic treatment. Because of his active lifestyle, Jack and his parents were hopeful for a minimally invasive treatment option! They came to the right place. As one of the leading Invisalign providers in the nation, Baltimore Orthodontic Group is on the forefront of technology - offering Invisalign First treatment!*  Invisalign First is similar to Invisalign for adults – though it is specifically tailored to children between 7 to 11 years of age. 

The benefits of Invisalign First are twofold. The process allows for excellent dental arch development and expansion which aids in the eruption of adult teeth while also helping in the alignment of front teeth. The goals of Phase One (or early interceptive treatment) is different for every patient but the overarching theme is to allow for ideal eruption of adult teeth. In Jack’s case, our goals were to close space between the front teeth, as well as to produce a slight expansion of the upper and lower dental arches to help Jack’s permanent canines erupt in a better position. This treatment option also allows us to address the chief concern for Jack and his parents – the spacing between his front teeth! With Invisalign First, patients are seeing us less often (an average of once every 3 months) and experiencing fewer emergencies than traditional methods. And doctors really like the Invisalign First option as it is easier for the patient to brush and floss teeth.

Process. After deciding that Invisalign First was the ideal treatment option for Jack, the doctors at Baltimore Orthodontics Group got to work. We use the software technology available through Invisalign to set up the treatment process for Jack. When Jack came in for his first, easy-start appointment he quickly mastered the techniques for placing and removing the Invisalign trays. After some instructions, he was on his way to his next activities without missing a beat.

Results. Jack was treated with 25 Invisalign First aligners and in just over 6 months, Jack was done with active treatment and moved on to retention!  Spaces closed, expansion was achieved, and room for the adult teeth was created!  Jack’s case was a success and Jack and his parents were very happy with the results and the process!

*Note for Phase One Treatment. Age seven to eight is the appropriate time for an initial orthodontic evaluation. Around this time frame, early signs of crowding and malocclusion can be identified. It is also often the easiest and most effective age to address the issues. Some children will not need a first phase of treatment. And likewise, not all children should be treated with Invisalign First. There are still certain situations and bites that are best treated with traditional appliances. Schedule a complimentary consultation with the doctors at Baltimore Group to see if Phase One treatment is needed and if Invisalign First of the best option for your family!