Gentle, Modern Orthodontic Care for Young Smiles
At Croco Orthodontics, we believe early orthodontic care should be comfortable, effective, and tailored to your child’s unique needs. That’s why we proudly offer clear aligners for kids in Coralville, IA—a gentle and discreet way to start your child’s smile journey without traditional metal braces.
While clear aligners are often associated with teens and adults, new advancements in aligner technology—such as those from 3M Clarity Aligners—now make this treatment possible for certain younger children with mild to moderate alignment issues. For the right child, aligners can offer a flexible, low-stress experience that helps set the stage for a confident, healthy smile.
Is My Child a Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners may be an option for kids as young as 7 or 8 years old, especially during Phase 1 orthodontic treatment (early interceptive care). The key is whether your child has the developmental maturity and consistency to wear their aligners for 20–22 hours a day and follow care instructions.
Your child may be a good candidate for clear aligners if they have:
- Mild crowding or spacing
- Minor bite issues
- Early orthodontic relapse
- High motivation and good oral hygiene habits
- Difficulty adjusting to the look or feel of braces
During your child’s free consultation, Dr. Matthew Croco will assess their needs and discuss whether clear aligners or traditional early treatment methods (like expanders or partial braces) would be more appropriate.
How Do Clear Aligners for Kids Work?
The process for clear aligner treatment is similar to what older patients experience—but customized for younger smiles. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial Consultation – We take digital scans and photos (no goopy molds!) and evaluate your child’s orthodontic needs.
- Custom Treatment Plan – We use 3D planning software to create a step-by-step path for your child’s smile.
- Aligner Wear – Your child wears each set of aligners for 1–2 weeks before switching to the next in the series. Aligners are removed only for eating, brushing, and flossing.
- Check-Ins – Your child will have regular visits to our Coralville office to monitor progress and ensure everything is on track.
- Retention Phase – After treatment, we’ll provide a retainer to maintain the results as your child continues to grow.
We also provide kid-specific aligner features such as compliance indicators (small blue dots that fade with proper wear) and smaller, more comfortable tray designs.
Benefits of Clear Aligners for Younger Patients
For the right child, clear aligners offer several advantages over traditional braces:
- Discreet appearance – Ideal for children who may feel self-conscious about braces
- Removable trays – No food restrictions and easier brushing and flossing
- Comfortable design – Smooth plastic with no brackets or wires to irritate the mouth
- Improved confidence – Kids can speak, smile, and play without worrying about metal hardware
- Fewer emergency visits – No broken brackets or poking wires
Parents also appreciate the shorter, less invasive appointments and digital progress tracking available with aligner treatment.
Clear Aligners vs. Braces for Kids
While clear aligners are a great option for some children, they aren’t right for every case. Braces are often the better choice for kids with more complex bite or growth issues—or for younger patients who might have trouble keeping track of removable trays.
We’ll review all options during your visit and help you make the best decision for your child’s stage of development.
How Much Do Clear Aligners for Kids Cost?
The cost of clear aligner treatment for kids depends on the complexity of the case and the estimated treatment time. At Croco Orthodontics, we make treatment affordable with:
- 0% interest payment plans
- Custom financing solutions
- Family and sibling discounts
- Insurance coordination
We’ll walk you through every detail before treatment begins, so you feel confident in your decision and your budget.
Why Families Trust Croco Orthodontics
Since 2005, Dr. Matthew Croco and our team have helped thousands of families in Coralville and surrounding communities achieve healthy, happy smiles. Our approach combines advanced technology, gentle care, and a commitment to making orthodontics a positive experience for kids and parents alike.
We’re known for:
- Friendly, approachable care
- Kid-friendly office environment
- State-of-the-art digital tools
- Flexible scheduling and financing
Whether your child needs early intervention or just a growth check, we’re here to provide guidance you can trust.
Want to explore clear aligners as a treatment option for your child? We’d love to meet you. Schedule a free consultation with Croco Orthodontics today to learn more about clear aligners for kids in Coralville, IA—and give your child a head start on a lifetime of smiles.