Why Invisalign is best for Kids?

Why Invisalign is best for Kids?

30th August 2021

Signs that your child needs Invisalign

Invisalign is a modern dental alignment tool that can rectify gaps and placement imperfections non-invasively. Every Invisalign aligner is customized to the patient’s teeth and captures the exact dental, jaw, and gum formation of the oral cavity. It is transparent and made of medical-grade polyurethane resin, which perfectly mimics the texture of the natural teeth.

If your child has any of the following dental conditions or cosmetic issues, then Invisalign could be an ideal solution:

• Crooked teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Gaps in teeth
• Under-grown permanent teeth
• Loose teeth and weak gums

The primary benefit of fixing crooked teeth is the massive confidence boost for the patient. Those unsatisfied with their dental structure or their teeth alignment can finally enjoy an uninhibited smile.

Second, fixing teeth alignment complications is a long-term investment in oral health and tough gums. Correctly aligned teeth reduce the risk of gum degeneration and bacterial infection. The teeth are also easier to clean, which helps them to keep their colour and smooth surface over multiple decades.

Finally, straight teeth also mitigate toothaches and general discomfort, which can turn into a painful lifestyle hindrance if not nipped in the bud early.

Benefits of Invisalign for kids

1. Comfortable fit

Invisalign aligners are molded to fit your child’s teeth like a metaphorical glove. Each resin model is created using highly precise 3D imaging technology and lasers that ensure a perfect fit. Resultantly, the aligners have smooth ridges and precise brackets that hold your teeth in place without creating any pressure on the gums and jaw.

2. Precise treatment

Because of the high degree of personalization of the aligners, Invisalign is proven to be more effective than traditional metal aligners. Each case is unique and Invisalign technology makes it possible to target specific problem areas of each patient holistically.

Unlike metal aligners which can either push your teeth in or out, Invisalign aligners are designed to apply the required pressure from multiple directions to get the best results. As a consequence, your child’s teeth will be fixed with the least amount of discomfort and in the minimum treatment time.

3. Easier to maintain dental hygiene

Invisalign aligners can be removed and put back on within seconds. This makes it convenient to take them off while eating or brushing teeth. The biggest benefit of such aligners is that your child’s dental hygiene is not compromised if they take the correct precautions.

Because there are no permanent components fixed to the teeth, there is no chance of food and drinks getting stuck in hard-to-reach areas. This also eliminates the risk of plaque buildup, which can be the breeding ground for oral diseases, weak gums, and tooth decay.

Invisalign aligners can be easily cleaned with a toothbrush and toothpaste, just like normal teeth. Your dentist will also give you a weekly protocol of cleaning and soaking to sanitize the aligners. This is a fairly simple routine that your child can even follow by themselves.

4. More confidence

The idea of braces or retainers can be a touchy subject with kids. They tend to look gawky and highly prominent. Feeling awkward about wearing metal aligners could have a serious hit on your child’s self-confidence and social interactions.

With Invisalign, however, this issue would never arise. These aligners are perfectly transparent and a custom fit for your child’s teeth. They are invisible during regular activities like speaking, smiling, and laughing. This makes Invisalign ideal for young kids and teenagers who might feel conscious about wearing traditional braces.

A secondary benefit of aligners is the long-term boost in self-esteem. Perfectly straight teeth and a glowing smile — that’s a recipe for a confident and happy individual!

5. No dietary restrictions

The list of foods restricted to your child with traditional braces is long — gum, candy, popcorn, nuts, apples, pears, sugary drinks, etc. Essentially, anything that could get stuck behind the metal pads or bend the wires while chewing is not allowed.

With Invisalign, no food or beverage is out of bounds for your child. From hard foods to cold foods and sugary drinks, they can consume anything they like. The only caveat is that the following instructions have to be strictly followed:

• Remove the aligners before eating or drinking. This is to prevent food particles from getting stuck inside the aligners.
• Brush your teeth or rinse thoroughly before putting them back on.
• Clean your Invisalign aligners regularly as per your dentist’s instructions.

6. Shorter and more comfortable treatment process

Getting metal braces is a drawn-out process that could subject your child to frequent invasive examinations and intermittent dental aches. This is because it involves frequent check-ups of the wires, replacing brackets, tightening the pads, or adding extra wires. Not only does this take hours per sitting, it also leaves the patient with considerable discomfort for the following 2-3 days.

Invisalign treatment is minimally invasive because the entire alignment process is already mapped out. Your dentist will give you a different set of aligners to wear every 3-4 weeks and you just need to switch them out accordingly.

With an average treatment period of 12 months, Invisalign treatment takes almost half a year less than treatment with traditional metal braces.

How to ensure that your child’s Invisalign aligners work effectively?

Dentists recommend Invisalign treatment for children as young as 11-13. Your child’s milk teeth should have mostly been replaced by partially or fully grown permanent teeth before aligners can be inserted.

Another key requisite for Invisalign to do its job is that the aligners must be worn for at least 90 percent of the day. This means that they can be removed while eating and drinking. However, they must stay on the teeth for at least 21-22 hours each day.

How long is the treatment?

Typically, Invisalign treatments last from 12 to 18 months, depending on the patient’s case. You should be able to see visible results a few months into the procedure. Your dentist is the most qualified expert to take that call for you.

Get in touch with the experts at Natural Smiles and book your initial consultation for Invisalign today.