Invisalign for Kids and Teens
Many teens worry about how braces will look in school photos, and many parents wonder whether clear aligners are really an option for a busy, sometimes forgetful kid. Both are fair questions, and your child has a clear answer. At Rusty Jones Orthodontics, Dr. Rusty Jones uses Invisalign® clear aligners to straighten teeth for many teens and older kids in Phoenix, with removable trays that fit school, sports, and social life.
Invisalign works best for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as crowding or spacing. It may not be an option for more complex bite problems, and younger children whose permanent teeth are still coming in may be better served by braces or an appliance like a palatal expander.
At your child’s free consultation, Dr. Jones will examine their teeth and bite and tell you honestly whether aligners are the right fit.
How Invisalign Works for Teens
We take photos and X-rays to build a 3D image of your teen’s mouth, then create a series of custom, clear aligners made of smooth plastic. Each set moves the teeth a little at a time, and your teen switches to the next set on the schedule Dr. Jones sets. No brackets or wires means no friction or rubbing inside the mouth.
See how Invisalign works for more detail.
Invisalign or Braces: Which Is Better for My Teen?
| Invisalign | Braces | |
| Look | Clear and nearly invisible | Metal or clear ceramic brackets |
| Eating | Aligners come out, so no food limits | Hard and sticky foods are off-limits |
| Brushing | Brush and floss as usual | Clean carefully around brackets |
| Responsibility | Must be worn about 22 hours a day | Always working, nothing to remember |
| Best for | Mild to moderate issues | Simple to complex issues |
Prefer braces? Learn about braces for kids and teens.
Will My Teen Actually Wear Their Aligners?
This is the most common worry we hear from parents. Aligners only work when they’re worn about 22 hours a day, coming out just to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush. Teens who do best with Invisalign are ready to own that routine. If you’re not sure your child is ready for braces yet, braces may be the easier choice, and Dr. Jones will talk it through with you both.
Invisalign With Sports, Music, and School
- Sports: there are no brackets to protect, though a mouthguard is still a smart idea for contact sports.
- Music: aligners can come out briefly for special occasions, such as a performance.
- School: aligners are nearly invisible, and teens brush before putting them back in after lunch to prevent staining.
Paying for Invisalign
Your teen’s first consultation is free. We offer affordable payments and flexible financing, and our team can help you review your insurance benefits.
See our insurance and finances page.
A Gold Plus Invisalign Provider in Phoenix
Dr. Jones has extensive experience with Invisalign treatment and is a Gold Plus Invisalign Provider. He completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Colorado Health Science Center and is fluent in Spanish.
Visit Our West Valley or South Phoenix Office
- West Valley office: 2330 N. 75th Avenue, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85035, (623) 849-0880, convenient for Maryvale and Encanto families
- South Phoenix office: 2610 W. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Phoenix, AZ 85041, (602) 396-7523, close to Laveen and South Mountain
Invisalign for Kids and Teens FAQs
How long does Invisalign take for teens?
It depends on what’s being corrected. Dr. Jones will give you a timeline at your consultation.
What happens if my teen loses an aligner?
Call our office. We’ll let you know whether to move to the next set, go back to the previous one, or come in.
Will my teen need a retainer?
Yes. Like braces, Invisalign is followed by a retainer to keep teeth in place.
Is the consultation free?
Yes. The first consultation at either office is free.
Schedule Your Teen’s Free Consultation
Find out whether clear aligners are right for your child. Book a free consultation at our West Valley or South Phoenix office.