Since the late 2000s, millions of patients 17 and younger have been turning towards a new way of straightening their teeth.
Although invented in the 1990s, parents are recently finding that Invisalign is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that provides the same results as traditional metal braces.
What is this revolutionary treatment, and is your child a good candidate for Invisalign? Keep reading to find out all the information you need to know.
What is Invisalign, and How Does It Work?
Invisalign is a smooth, clear aligner made from medical-grade thermoplastic that is proven to help straighten teeth. These transparent trays are customized to fit comfortably over the patient’s teeth and are removable for eating and chewing convenience.
The customized aligners use gentle pressure to steadily shift teeth into correct positions. Depending on the patient’s unique situation, the trays are often refilled every few weeks, totaling between 20 and 40 trays to achieve perfectly straight teeth.
The process of how Invisalign straightens teeth is straightforward and simple. One stipulation is that patients much wear the aligners for at least 20 hours a day to achieve optimal results. When used as directed by the orthodontist, patients often see results with Invisalign six months sooner than with traditional metal braces.
The amount of time required to wear Invisalign depends on the patient’s individual teeth and bite, as well as the severity of their condition. Orthodontists typically require at least six to 12 months of use, even for mild issues. For issues that are more complex, the recommended use for the trays is 18 months or more to achieve a straighter smile.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Patients of all ages choose Invisalign for a variety of reasons, such as:
Comfort – Invisalign is less bulky than braces and contains no brackets that are known to irritate your mouth.
Convenience – When you choose Invisalign treatment, you actually visit the orthodontist less frequently than with metal braces. After the initial visit, you’ll change aligners every few weeks – which is done at home. Additionally, these trays are removable!
Aesthetics – One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign is its “invisibility.” They are clear and discreet, and even in photos, it’s difficult to tell that you’re wearing aligners!
Results – Invisalign is proven to be just as effective as traditional metal braces.
The benefits of Invisalign are many, but how do you know if you or your child is a good candidate for these aligners?
Orthodontists take a few elements into consideration when qualifying children for Invisalign. First, they look at the maturity level and age of the child. While there’s not a minimum age required, it is required that the aligners be worn 20 to 22 hours every day. To help track this, each Invisalign tray has an indicator strip that fades more as the patient wears the aligners.
To also qualify patients for Invisalign, the orthodontist will ensure all baby teeth are lost and check the positioning of their teeth. Although Invisalign is customized and uniquely suited for the needs of growing children, it isn’t advisable for children to use Invisalign if their mouth is still developing. The orthodontist will take x-rays to provide evidence that the teeth have enough space to move properly.
Additionally, another qualifying factor is the overall oral health of the patient. It’s important to fix issues such as tooth decay or cavities before starting treatment.
Ask About Invisalign at Tender Smiles 4 Kids
An orthodontist will provide all the necessary proof if they feel your child is a good candidate for Invisalign. However, you know your child best, and you know if they’re mature enough to handle the responsibility of wearing them and taking care of them.
If you feel your child is ready to take on the responsibility, contact one of our offices at Tender Smiles 4 Kids.
Freehold Office: 732-625-8080
North Brunswick Office: 732-249-1010
Edison Office: 732-549-3773
Roselle Office: 908-245-5556
Ocean Office: 732-774-7008