In recent years, clear aligners—composed of a series of transparent trays—have gained popularity among teenagers and adults due to their discreet appearance and comfort. This has led many parents to wonder whether they might also be a suitable option for children. However, it is important to clarify that clear aligners are absolutely not recommended during childhood, and their use at too early an age may even cause orthodontic problems in the long term.

Unlike palatal expanders or other orthopedic interceptive devices, clear aligners do not act on the bones but only on the teeth. In children, the skeletal structure is still developing, and an effective treatment must take into account bone growth, incorrect oral habits, and mixed dentition (the presence of both baby and permanent teeth).
Using clear aligners during this stage may result in:

• Ineffectiveness in addressing the root causes of malocclusion, which are often skeletal in nature;
• Inadequacy in correcting habits such as mouth breathing or thumb sucking;
• Risk of uncontrolled tooth movement, potentially compromising future bite alignment;
• Difficulty in management, as aligners must be worn consistently (20–22 hours per day), which is not always feasible for a child.

Even the most recent scientific literature confirms that clear aligners are not the first choice in pediatric orthodontic treatments. On the contrary, an early and targeted approach with functional appliances can reduce or even prevent the need for more complex treatments during adolescence.

At the Studio Ortodontico Albertini in Reggio Emilia, effective and tailored solutions are evaluated for young patients, including:

• Palatal expanders, recommended in cases of narrow arches or crossbites;
• Removable appliances, used to correct early dysfunctions and guide the harmonious development of the dental arches;
• Other interceptive devices, designed to act during the growth phase and promote proper skeletal and dental development.

All treatments are planned based on an early orthodontic consultation, recommended around the age of 6–7, which allows for the identification of potential issues and the definition of the right time to intervene.

The Studio Ortodontico Albertini in Reggio Emilia specializes exclusively in orthodontics and has extensive experience in treatments for children. Every treatment plan is carefully designed, respecting the patient’s growth stages, to ensure safe and lasting results tailored to each child’s needs.

Our goal is to educate parents on what is truly effective for their children's oral health—avoiding trends or inappropriate solutions—and to build an orthodontic journey based on solid clinical foundations supported by scientific literature.