Invisalign For Children: Advantages And Contraindications
Invisible orthodontics is a possibility for adults and adolescents. Here we tell you that there is also the Invisalign for children, a discreet option to correct the position of the teeth of the smallest.
Orthodontics consists of aligning the teeth by making small movements of them until a harmonic bite is achieved. Childhood and adolescence are the most opportune moments to specify these treatments.
Currently there is the possibility of doing it without anyone noticing. Find out what the Invisalign for children is about, an alternative to address malocclusion problems in children.
What is Invisalign for children?
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that uses clear alignment trays that are changed every one to two weeks. These replacement devices are specially designed to be responsible for promoting the movements of the teeth to their ideal position.
These solid pieces of transparent plastic have enough force to exert pressure on certain parts of the dental elements, so that, slowly, they move to a better position. Therefore, to obtain results, it is necessary to use more than 20 hours a day.
There are alternatives to start using this type of orthodontics from the patient’s six years of age, the age of many changes in the child’s mouth. The bone structure grows, the milk teeth begin to fall and the permanent teeth appear.
The Invisalign First is the Invisalign option for children ages 6-10. Here the system adapts to bone growth and respects dental replacement. It is ideal for maintaining or creating spaces that facilitate the eruption of permanent elements in their correct position. Also to treat bite problems and correct malpositions from a very early age.
As we mentioned, it is used in children with mixed dentition, that is, with temporary teeth and permanent teeth in the mouth. The aligners are designed for each particular case according to the needs, and the duration of the treatment will depend on this.
There is also Invisalign Teen , the option for patients between 11 and 18 years old who have already completed the dental replacement and have their permanent teeth in their mouth. It is ideal for correcting dental malpositions and other malocclusions.
How does Invisalign for children work?
After an oral exam, x-rays, photographs, and impressions of the mouth, the orthodontist may determine the need for treatment. If the decision is to use Invisalign for children, the professional will design an approach plan and begin to place the aligners created specifically for that little one’s mouth.
The aligners, in general, are changed every two weeks. At appointments, the dentist will monitor the progress of the treatment and, as it progresses, the replacements may be more spaced apart.
The duration of the entire plan depends on each clinical case, but usually lasts between 12 and 24 months. It is important to comply with all the instructions of the professional and encourage the child to use the device most of the day.
At the end of treatment it may be necessary to wear retainers for a time. These will keep the dental elements in the position achieved.
Advantage
Being able to wear an almost imperceptible orthodontic is already an advantage. But the Invisalign for children has other benefits:
- Aesthetics : it is almost invisible and others do not notice that you are wearing the device.
- Improve self-esteem : avoid teasing about the use of orthodontics and complexes when it comes to smiling.
- Easy to remove : the patient removes it from his mouth by himself, thus, he can eat and clean himself without the device. You can also decide not to wear your braces for special events and dates.
- Improves the bite : it is a system that allows treating different types of malocclusions and improves chewing and the functions of the mouth.
- It does not compromise feeding : as they are removable, the patient must remove them to eat. Thus, you can eat all kinds of food comfortably.
- Facilitates oral hygiene : the aligners are removed when brushing. This allows for proper oral hygiene, using a toothbrush and dental floss in the usual way. The aligners are cleaned outside the mouth, making it more comfortable for the patient.
- It does not cause friction : it prevents wounds and sores, very common in other types of orthodontics in which the wires injure the oral mucosa.
- Comfortable treatment : dental sessions are shorter. Being fast and efficient, fewer appointments are required. As the movements are very slow, it can be less annoying compared to other types of orthodontics.
Contraindications
While there are no specific contraindications to the use of Invisalign for children, there are certain considerations that must be taken into account when choosing this treatment. It cannot be used in patients with gingivitis, infections, cavities and other active oral conditions. They must be treated before starting orthodontics.
The collaboration of the children and the active accompaniment of the parents is necessary for the treatment to be successful. The aligners should be used for most of the day and only be removed for eating and hygiene.
It is not advisable to use this system if the child is not motivated to do so. Being able to remove it, it may happen that you remove the aligners when you feel uncomfortable, out of curiosity or that you forget to put them back after eating or brushing your teeth. There are even children who forget where they leave them and lose them.
Parents must motivate and control their child to use them. In addition, they should help the child to sanitize them and not lose them. When choosing this type of orthodontics it is necessary to consider these factors in conjunction with the orthodontist. If the professional considers it appropriate and the family believes that it can be controlled, Invisalign for children does not have great contraindications.
Invisalign for Kids Needs Engaged Parents
You already know that Invisalign for children is an aesthetic, comfortable and functional option. As a parent, you will need to actively accompany this treatment for it to work.
Remember that a visit to the orthodontist before the age of 6 will be able to detect any occlusal problem in time. This will allow you to plan a therapy so that your little one grows up healthy.
