The Invisalign system can straighten teeth without the need for braces, making it an attractive option for many patients in Midlothian, VA. While Invisalign initially offered treatment options primarily for adults, our team at LifeSmile Orthodontics is proud to provide Invisalign for kids.
Invisalign Aligners vs. Braces for Kids
Invisalign designed a system of aligners that patients wear to straighten out their teeth gradually. Aligners are clear trays that fit over a patient’s teeth. Generally, patients require getting a new set of aligners every two weeks, with each set further straightening their teeth.
Braces, on the other hand, use metal brackets and wires to pull teeth into the correct position. Patients visit the orthodontist to have their wires tightened every few months. They cannot remove the braces during the treatment period.
Both braces and the Invisalign system can straighten your teeth. However, many patients find Invisalign aligners more comfortable. Discuss your options for giving your child a healthy smile by contacting our team in Midlothian.
How the Invisalign System Works for Kids
Do you want to learn more about Invisalign for kids? The system works much in the same way it does for adults. Patients of all ages get multiple sets of aligners. Generally, a patient receives a new set of aligners every two weeks.
Orthodontists make extra adjustments to the customized aligners for children. These adjustments consider the growth of a child’s jaws and teeth.
Invisalign aligners for children also include compliance indicators along the back of the trays. These indicators fade over time and with regular usage, allowing orthodontists to tell how often your child wears their aligner.
Generally, children should wear the aligner 20 – 22 hours a day. Failure to keep the aligner in place prevents the system from working correctly.
Benefits of the Invisalign System
The Invisalign system can straighten your child’s teeth, handling issues like misaligned or crowded teeth. Getting orthodontic treatment for these issues can improve your child’s oral health, leading to:
- Reduced odds of tooth decay
- Less pain when chewing
- An easier time speaking
Many people also feel more self-assured with a straight smile. You can give your child a lifelong sense of confidence through Invisalign treatment.
Oral Hygiene and the Invisalign System
Many children have a difficult time keeping their teeth clean when they get braces. Metal brackets and wires often get in the way, especially when it’s time for your child to floss. Invisalign aligners do away with this issue.
Your child should remove their aligners when they eat and then brush their teeth. After taking this step, your child can replace the aligner and go about their day. Aligners also allow patients to enjoy foods they cannot eat with braces.
Sticky or hard foods can damage braces, making it harder for your child to enjoy all the foods they’re used to eating. Children using the Invisalign system can simply take their aligner out, enjoy a snack, brush, and then place the aligner back in.
Playing Sports With Invisalign
Many parents worry that using the Invisalign system may interfere with their child’s ability to participate in sports. It’s easy to play even contact sports while using an aligner. Simply remove the aligner before a game and replace it with an appropriate mouthguard.
Braces may damage the inside of your child’s cheeks or gums during sporting events. Aligners help you avoid this situation.
If you select Invisalign treatment options, you don’t have to worry about wires snapping or brackets popping off of teeth. Our team can discuss all the benefits associated with the use of aligners when you reach out to us.
We offer teeth straightening services to all members of your family, including your children.
Reach Out to Us for Information about the Invisalign System
Invisalign for kids provides an alternative to braces. This orthodontic care system gently straightens your child’s teeth over time, helping them feel more confident about their smile. You can learn more about this system with LifeSmile Orthodontics in Midlothian, VA.
