Clear aligners are one of the newest technologies in orthodontic treatment available to kids, teens, and adults. They are transparent, removable plastic aligners that are custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth and gently shift them into the desired position over time. Clear aligners for kids are a great alternative to traditional braces for those who don’t want to deal with the discomfort, visibility, or maintenance of metal brackets and archwires.
Before deciding to pursue clear aligner treatment for kids in Calgary, there are some important things parents need to know. Here are 7 key considerations for clear aligners for kids:
Invisalign clear aligners for kids are made of clear, smooth plastic that won’t irritate the delicate gum tissue inside the mouth. Plus, because they’re clear they’re virtually invisible, so you won’t have to worry about your child feeling self-conscious or embarrassed.
Braces tend to cause mouth sores and can be painful, but clear aligners are much more comfortable. They can also be easily removed for eating and brushing, so there’s no need to worry about adjusting your child’s diet or brushing habits.
Clear aligners can be used to treat a wide range of dental issues, including crowding, spacing issues, and overbites. However, clear aligners are not suitable for the treatment of severe orthodontic problems. In these cases, traditional braces and surgery may be the better options.
It’s important to consult with a qualified orthodontist before pursuing clear aligners for kids, as they can provide an accurate assessment of the severity of the malocclusion and the best treatment option.
Another great benefit of clear aligners is that they can be easily removed, making it much easier to eat and brush. This means that your child won’t have to worry about avoiding certain types of food like with traditional braces. They can simply remove the clear aligners before eating, then put them back in afterward.
Also, since they are removable, brushing and flossing are done as normal, meaning better oral hygiene overall.
Clear aligners for kids are typically worn for about 12-18 months, but this can vary depending on the severity of the malocclusion. This is significantly shorter than traditional braces, which can take anywhere from 18 months to 3 years.
Your orthodontist will be able to provide a more accurate timeline, depending on the specific case.
In order for clear aligners to be effective, your child will have to wear them as instructed. This means wearing the clear aligners for at least 22 hours each day, and only removing them for eating and brushing.
For this reason, Invisalign First, which is specifically designed for young patients ages 6-10, are created with compliance indicators. These are little dots that turn from clear to blue if the aligners have been out of the mouth for too long.
It’s important to make sure your child understands the importance of wearing clear aligners for the full amount of time each day.
Regular visits to the orthodontist are necessary throughout clear aligner treatment. This is because clear aligners need to be replaced every 4-6 weeks, and a qualified professional will be able to assess how the treatment is progressing and make any necessary adjustments.
It’s important for these visits to be kept, as clear aligners won’t work as effectively if treatment isn’t monitored properly.
Invisalign clear aligners for kids are designed with eruption tabs, which help accommodate the erupting baby teeth and adult teeth. These tabs are designed to hold the clear aligners in place while teeth erupt, ensuring that the clear aligners do their job correctly.
Eruption tabs are essential for clear aligner treatment, as they ensure that erupting teeth don’t cause the clear aligners to move out of position.
Clear aligners for kids can be a great option for treating mild to moderate malocclusion, as they are much faster and simpler than traditional braces. Plus, with their clear design and removable nature, many parents feel more comfortable with clear aligners than traditional braces.
If you think these 7 factors fit you and your child’s lifestyle and needs, then clear aligners for kids are a great investment! Orthodontic treatment is essential for overall dental health and clear aligners can provide that without the hassle of traditional braces.
By taking the time to learn about clear aligners for kids, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not clear aligners are the best option for your child’s dental treatment.
Smile Elements Orthodontics in Calgary, AB specializes in Invisalign First or Phase I Treatment for young patients who need clear aligners for kids. Our orthodontist, Dr. Hisham Badawi, is certified to provide clear aligner treatment and can help you decide if they are the best option for each patient.
Early intervention orthodontic treatment is essential since it can save you time, money, and painful treatments for your child when issues get worse. Dr. Badawi will monitor and plan clear aligner treatments to ensure that your child’s teeth develop correctly.
Book an appointment with Dr. Badawi at Smile Elements today to get clear aligners for kids in Calgary! We look forward to helping your child have the beautiful smile they deserve.
