Brace yourself: the benefits of Invisalign for every age

Have you noticed the shift in attituded to having orthodontic braces? Children and teenagers are now far more likely to have braces than their parents were when they were their age. It’s open to debate whether it’s because braces are more affordable and therefore accessible, because the long-term impact of having misaligned teeth are more understood, or whether the new technologies and innovations such as Invisalign braces have made the process of straightening teeth less traumatic and less of a big deal. No matter the reasons, age is no longer a barrier to achieving a perfect smile; after all, why should the youth have all the fun?

At Duxton Dental, the leading dental clinic in Christchurch, we offer Invisalign treatment for all age groups: children aged 8-11, teens, and adults. While the dental treatment process is the same for each age bracket, there are different advantages and benefits.

What are Invisalign braces and what do they do?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment with clear, removable custom aligners that provide a discreet alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign treatment is a process of wearing a series of near invisible braces that gradually straighten your teeth with none of the pain, brackets, wires or lifestyle restrictions associated with metal braces. In short, Invisalign braces have revolutionised orthodontics.

Invisalign for children aged 8-11

In previous times, children had to wait until they were teens and their adult teeth had made an appearance before starting orthodontic treatment. But now, it is understood to be best practice for orthodontic treatment to be used as an early and preventative measure to reduce the risk of problems developing or worsening.

For this age group, Invisalign for children is known as Invisalign First, and is designed specifically for children between 8 and 11 years old. The aligners are smooth and comfortable, so children can continue their normal daily activities without the discomfort often associated with metal brackets and wires. The aligners can easily be removed the aligners to eat and brush and floss their teeth, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease, which can be more challenging to manage with traditional braces.



Invisalign First are a highly effective dental treatment to develop jaws and create a sufficient dental arch to allow for existing teeth and incoming permanent teeth. For example, in situations where a child’s mouth has been affected by prolonged thumb sucking, Invisalign braces are a solution to minimise the risk of any long-term oral health consequences. Misaligned teeth can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and oral hygiene.

Using Invisalign First as an early orthodontic intervention can address a range of common children’s dental issues and set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles, greatly reducing the need for extensive orthodontic treatment later on. It helps prevent the necessity of more complex procedures, such as traditional metal braces, and avoids the social challenges often associated with them. (It must be noted that should future orthodontic braces be required, the time needed to achieve the desired results is significantly shortened.)

Duxton Dental are committed to helping our younger patients establish good dental habits to last them their lifetime. Our team of Riccarton dentists in Christchurch are highly experienced and skilled in working with children, ensuring a positive and supportive environment for our children.

Invisalign for teens

Typically, teenagers have most of their permanent teeth through before they start Invisalign Teen treatment, however, the most important factor to determine whether they are a good candidate is whether they are disciplined enough for the treatment. For the aligners to be as effective as possible within the shortest timeframe requires a commitment to wearing them for a minimum of 20 hours per day. The good news is that Invisalign Teen have a handy barely visible dot to indicate whether they have been worn enough – ideal for parents to monitor usage! This ensures the treatment stays on track, making it a popular choice at dental clinics in Christchurch and beyond.

The teenage years are a critical time for dental development. Invisalign Teen is tailored to address the unique needs of adolescents, offering a blend of efficacy and aesthetics (for which we are grateful!) The benefits of Invisalign Teen include:

Discreet appearance: if you suggest to teenagers they need braces, the first response is often a resounding no. It’s a delicate time in terms of how they perceive their looks and magnified by the pressures of social media thrown into the mix. However, the near invisibility of Invisalign Teen braces means they are easy to pacify. This is especially important for self-conscious teenagers who may feel insecure about wearing traditional braces.

Flexibility: Invisalign Teen aligners are removable, so there are no dietary restrictions. Teens can continue to eat their favourite foods without the additional risk of embarrassment should food getting caught in the braces.

Sports and activities: for active teens involved in sports or playing musical instruments, Invisalign Teen provides a safer and more comfortable option compared to traditional orthodontic braces. There is less risk of injury to the mouth, and the aligners can be removed when necessary.

Duxton Dental’s team of dentists in Christchurch NZ are dedicated to helping teens achieve their best smiles. We find the greatest motivator to inspire teens to embrace their aligners is by showing them the results they can expect via the Smileview Simulator.



Invisalign for adults

Many adults seek orthodontic treatment later in life for various reasons. Sometimes it’s because they’ve had a lifelong insecurity about their misaligned teeth or imperfect smile. Invisalign braces have the power to transform adult patients, boosting self-esteem and confidence which improves all facets of their lives: health, socially and work wise.

In comparison with younger patients, Invisalign treatment for adults may take longer to yield the expected results, but you can achieve your dream smile. Bone density is the key to deciding whether you are a good candidate for Invisalign, but this is determined in your initial Invisalign consultation. Duxton Dental has the latest dental technologies to assess and monitor our patients’ dental health. A key benefit of having aligners as an adult is how you can address various oral health issues before there has been a significant decline in your oral health; remember, oral health and general health go hand in hand. It’s never too late to make positive changes. Gum disease and tooth decay become more problematic to treat as we age, so taking action now will improve your dental health and help prevent future complications.

Why Choose Duxton Dental?

At Duxton Dental, we are committed to providing quality dental care for all our patients. From regular cleanings to advanced treatments, our goal is to support your dental health care needs at every stage of life. Using the latest technologies to create personalised dental treatment plans, we help our patients maintain optimal dental health and achieve the best long-term results. We prioritise your oral and general health and will never recommend treatments that aren’t in your best interests.

If you're considering Invisalign, contact us today on 03 348 5488 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve your dental health goals. Our friendly staff is here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process of achieving the smile you've always wanted.