When it comes to orthodontics for children, Invisalign is a choice many parents favor. This new orthodontic technology uses a system of invisible aligners that gradually shift teeth into place without the obvious look of traditional metal braces. Children find it favorable because it offers comfort, flexibility, and an aesthetic advantage.
But, as with any treatment, there are pros and cons to using this treatment. Knowing the pros and cons about Invisalign for kids will help you decide whether this treatment is a good option for your child. As a pediatric orthodontist, it’s my goal to give you a complete overview of how this treatment can work for your kid.
The Pros of Invisalign for Kids
Invisible aligners are very advantageous for children. The benefits include its aesthetics, ease of use, and improved oral hygiene. Here’s why this treatment is widely sought after by parents who have children with orthodontic concerns.
1. Aesthetic Appeal
People mostly consider Invisalign for kids in Grapevine, TX, for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, metal braces make kids very shy, considering events like school dances and sports. The use of clear plastic aligners will be very advantageous for kids because they will be invisible and match the color of their teeth, which is a concern for kids.
2. Comfort & Convenience
Another difference these aligners have over traditional metal braces is that they do not irritate the gums or mouth. These aligners have a smooth surface and are thus preferred for kids who cannot tolerate the discomfort that sometimes accompanies traditional braces. In addition, one of the best things about the invisible aligners is that you can remove them when it is time to eat or drink, thus preventing food restrictions that kids might experience with braces.
3. Oral Hygiene Improvements
With invisible aligners, it is easy to maintain your oral hygiene. The aligners are removable; therefore, kids can brush and floss their teeth as usual without worrying about food getting stuck in the braces. This makes it an effective procedure for kids in Grapevine, TX, as they can easily maintain their teeth’s hygiene during treatment.
4. Shorter Treatment Time
In some cases, these aligners may offer faster treatment than traditional braces. Though it depends on what you are dealing with, most children experience rapid changes within a short period, say, a couple of months. For Grapevine, Texas, residents, it means fewer visits to an orthodontist’s office, an important factor, especially when considering busy schedules.
5. No Food Restrictions
These aligners allow the big advantage of eating whatever foods you like without worrying about breaking the wires and brackets in the braces, allowing your child to access their favorite foods without restrictions, unlike conventional braces, where you must not consume hard foods when wearing braces, but with invisible aligners, you can remove the aligners before eating.
The Cons of Invisalign for Kids
Although there are many benefits to using these aligners, there are a few challenges as well. You need to be cautious about the following points if you are planning to opt for this procedure for your kids:
1. Compliance is Key
Although removable aligners are a positive aspect, they can also be a limitation if your child is not careful about wearing them. These aligners must be worn 20 to 22 hours per day for treatment to be successful. This could mean that if your child is frequently removing aligners or keeps forgetting to wear them, the treatment may be delayed or unsuccessful.
2. Risk of Losing The Aligners
Since these aligners are removable, they may get lost or misplaced. This can easily happen, especially in kids, as they might forget to put the aligners back in their box after meals and activities.
3. Speech Discomfort
When kids first start wearing these aligners, some slight changes can occur in the way they speak, especially with the ‘S’ and ‘sh’ sounds. Although this problem only lasts for a short time and then resolves, it’s frustrating for kids who worry about how they sound when they speak, especially around other kids, like those in Grapevine.
4. Not Ideal for All Types of Orthodontic Problems
Although this treatment is highly efficient in many orthodontic cases, it is not necessarily the optimal treatment method for every child. Sometimes, serious misalignments or complex biting problems may be too complex for these aligners and may require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments. Before any decision is made, a visit with a pediatric orthodontic specialist is recommended.
5. Removing Can be Tricky
Removing aligners may be easy for some, but children may find it hard, especially when their teeth are still moving. This can cause frustration to children, especially when they are still very young.
How Invisalign Works for Kids?
Unlike traditional braces, the invisible aligner system consists of a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that are worn over the child’s teeth in a seamless manner. The aligners work by applying the necessary pressure to the teeth over time to position them in the desired location, with the process of exchanging them every couple of weeks.
Placing Invisalign on gapped teeth can work wonders by pushing the teeth together and aligning them. The best part about these aligners is that it’s clear and does not call as much attention as other forms of braces since it’s clear.
Is Invisalign Right for Your Child?
If your child is found to be a suitable candidate for this procedure, it can be an effective and comfortable way to correct tooth position. However, you must remember that in order for this procedure to be successful, a certain level of commitment and responsibility on the part of your child is required.
For parents, is important to consult a pediatric orthodontist for a professional opinion before deciding whether these aligners would be best for your child.
Making the Right Decision for Your Kids
There are several advantages of using Invisalign for kids. These advantages include aesthetics, comfort, and versatility. These aligners can be an excellent solution for children who need braces but do not want to use traditional metal braces because they feel embarrassed to wear them in public.
Looking for invisible aligners in Grapevine, TX, for your kids? You should consider both the pros and cons before coming to an informed decision. For professional assistance, call Stellar Smiles Ortho today and schedule your next appointment. Our team is ready to guide you every step to find the right option for your kid’s dental care.
Questions People Ask About Invisalign for Kids
1. How long does treatment with Invisalign for kids take?
Invisalign treatment duration varies depending on the individual case. Most kids complete their treatment in 12 to 18 months, but it may be shorter or longer based on the severity of the alignment issues.
2. Can my child benefit from wearing Invisalign only at night?
Wearing Invisalign only at night is not recommended for effective treatment. To achieve the desired results, aligners need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, including during the day, to ensure proper teeth movement and alignment.
3. Can my child eat with their Invisalign aligners on?
No, Invisalign aligners should be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water. This helps prevent food from getting stuck in the aligners and protects them from damage.
4. Will my child feel pain with Invisalign?
Some discomfort may occur, especially when switching to a new set of aligners. However, this discomfort is generally mild and subsides after a few days as the teeth begin to shift.
5. What happens if my child loses their Invisalign aligners?
If an aligner is lost or damaged, it’s important to contact your orthodontist immediately. A replacement aligner can be ordered to keep the treatment on track.
6. How do I make sure my child wears their Invisalign aligners consistently?
Encourage your child to wear their aligners by making it a routine and setting reminders. Positive reinforcement and regular check-ins with your orthodontist can also help keep them on track.
