Clear Aligners & Invisalign for Kids

Tailored orthodontic care that fits your child’s lifestyle and growing teeth.

Early intervention for ages 6-10 in San Diego

The Perfect Time for Early Intervention

Between the ages of 6 and 10, a child’s teeth and jaw are still forming, making it a perfect time for subtle correction. Clear Aligners & Invisalign for Kids and the Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE) use your child’s natural development to open space and help teeth align correctly.

Personalized treatment recommendations
Timeline and treatment duration estimates
Cost breakdown and payment options
Before and after smile visualization

Two Smart Solutions for Your Child’s Smile Growth

Our practice offers two customized treatments using clear aligners & Invisalign designed to support children’s developing smiles.

Clear Aligners & Invisalign

Clear aligners & Invisalign designed for mixed dentition (both baby and permanent teeth)

Treats crowding and spacing issues
Accommodates erupting permanent teeth
Comfortable and nearly invisible
Easier brushing and eating

Invisalign Palatal Expander (IPE)

Gentle expansion system that widens the upper jaw

Creates space for crowded teeth
Corrects crossbites naturally
No painful metal expanders
Comfortable clear plastic design

The Reasons Kids Smile with Clear Aligners & Invisalign

Clear aligners & Invisalign make straightening teeth simple and enjoyable for kids, without the limitations of traditional braces.

No Food Restrictions

Children can enjoy all their favorite foods by taking out their aligners at mealtime.
Sports Friendly

Perfectly safe for sports and play, with no risk of broken brackets or poking wires.
Easy Cleaning

Maintain your regular oral care routine without any special equipment or techniques.
Confidence Boost

The discreet design lets children maintain a natural, confident smile throughout their orthodontic journey.

Your Child’s Treatment Journey

Our child-focused approach makes beginning treatment with clear aligners easy, enjoyable, and stress-free for both kids and parents.

Enjoyable Smile Consultation & Quick Digital Scan

Your child will see how the special scanner works while we take quick, comfortable digital pictures of their teeth, completely impression-free.

Personalized Smile Plan

Using state-of-the-art technology, we develop a customized approach to support your child’s unique orthodontic needs.

Kick Off Treatment

Your child will get step-by-step guidance on wearing and removing their aligners, along with tools to keep them fresh and clean.

Smile Progress Visits

Scheduled visits to track growth and recognize your child’s achievements along the way.

Stunning Smile Reveal!

Finish the early treatment stage with a strong, healthy base for their adult teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know parents often have many questions about early orthodontic care. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the best path for your child.

At what age should my child start treatment with Clear Aligners & Invisalign?

Clear Aligners & Invisalign are tailored for children ages 6–10 who have both baby and permanent teeth. The IPE is usually recommended for kids ages 7–11 who require palatal expansion. Treating early during these years can help avoid more complicated issues later and may shorten total treatment time.

How much do Clear Aligners & Invisalign for kids cost?

Pricing depends on your child’s individual needs and the complexity of their treatment. We provide flexible payment options and coordinate with most insurance plans. Starting early can often save money by reducing the need for more extensive treatment down the road.

Will my child be able to keep their aligners clean?

Absolutely! We’ll guide you and your child on how to keep the aligners clean and in good condition. Caring for them is far simpler than managing traditional braces. While kids usually need some help at first, most can handle their aligners on their own after a few weeks.

How long does treatment take?

Early treatment usually lasts 12–18 months, while IPE therapy generally takes 6–12 months, followed by a retention phase. The total duration depends on your child’s unique needs and how consistently they wear their aligners.

What happens if my child loses an aligner?

No need to stress! This is actually quite common. Reach out to our office right away, and we’ll guide you on whether to switch to the next aligner or wait for a replacement. We always have spare aligners on hand for situations like this.

Can my child play sports with Clear Aligners & Invisalign?

Definitely! A major benefit of Clear Aligners & Invisalign is that the aligners can be taken out for sports, reducing the chance of injuries from brackets and wires. For contact sports, we still recommend wearing a mouthguard for extra protection.

Will my child need braces later?

Early treatment helps establish a strong, healthy base for permanent teeth. While some kids may require follow-up care once all adult teeth come in, starting early often makes future treatment simpler and shorter.

How do I know if my child is ready for Clear Aligners & Invisalign?

The best way to see if your child is ready is by scheduling a consultation with our orthodontists. We’ll assess their dental growth, ability to follow instructions, and overall orthodontic needs. In general, children who can brush on their own and follow guidance make good candidates.

What our patients say

“Amazing staff and care, always taking the best care. Dr Marston is always so caring and encouraging, as well as super supportive to help rework and restrategize the way that he assists your needs.”

John K

“Dr. Marston is absolutely professional, and all the staff are very kind. My case was not easy I had to pause and redo it because of my TMJ but what I appreciate most about Dr. Marston is his patience and dedication throughout the process. My daughter also loves visiting the clinic because of the welcoming, kid-friendly environment.”

MCogan

“Just finished my Invisalign treatment. Awesome experience from beginning to end. I felt very comfortable with every step of the process from the first consultation to receiving my retainers. Every question no matter how dumb it sounded was answered professionally. They even worked with me when I moved overseas to continue my treatment. Thanks a ton Dr. Marston and team! I appreciate all of you.”

Mark S

“The entire staff is not only incredibly friendly but also consistently professional. They always go above and beyond to accommodate our scheduling needs, which we deeply appreciate. Dr. Marston is both knowledgeable and compassionate. He takes the time to explain everything clearly, ensuring that both the patient and their family fully understand the treatment plan and what to expect. We couldn’t ask for a better orthodontic experience—and we highly recommend Marston Orthodontics to anyone in need of care!”

“Dr. Marston is amazing. He does a great job of explaining and setting expectations. He is also very gentle with kids. I used him for all three of my daughters. Highly recommend.”

Tam B