Dental care for children is essential to ensure healthy oral development. When it comes to correcting dental alignment problems, invisible orthodontics has become a popular choice for parents and children. This innovative technique offers a discreet and effective way to correct malocclusions without the use of traditional metal brackets.

In general, invisible orthodontics can be a suitable option for children from the age of 6, when most of the permanent teeth have erupted. However, it is important to bear in mind that each child is unique and the exact starting age may vary according to individual dental development.

At MEDIDENT, as a clinic specialising in paediatric dentistry, we know how important it is to combine health with comfort in order to find good solutions to dental problems. In this article, we tell you all about invisible orthodontics for children and answer the most common questions.

Why is invisible braces an option for children?

Unlike traditional metal braces, invisible orthodontics uses clear, removable children’s aligners that fit comfortably over the teeth. These aligners are made of a nearly invisible material, making children’s orthodontics aesthetically appealing to children and giving them the confidence to smile without worry.

Benefits of invisible braces for children

Although invisible orthodontics seemed at first to be an option for adults, we dentists have been seeing more and more parents and children choosing it over children’s braces for all of these reasons:

Aesthetics

This children’s orthodontics is a much more attractive option for children because the clear aligners are virtually invisible. This allows children to correct dental alignment problems discreetly, without the presence of metal brackets that can affect their confidence to speak, eat in public and smile and, ultimately, their self-esteem.

Less pain and discomfort

Unlike metal brackets that can cause chafing or mouth sores, invisible orthodontic aligners are soft and comfortable to wear. They are made of a smooth material that fits snugly over the teeth and does not cause significant discomfort. Children experience less pain and discomfort during treatment, which improves their overall experience.

Ease of cleaning

The removable aligners of invisible orthodontics can be easily cleaned. Children can remove the aligners to brush and floss as they normally would, which helps maintain good oral hygiene. By being able to access all corners of the mouth, the risk of plaque build-up is reduced and good oral health is achieved.

No dietary restrictions

When wearing metal brackets, certain sticky or hard foods should be avoided, whereas the removable aligners of invisible braces allow children to enjoy their usual diet without restrictions. They can eat all kinds of foods without worrying about damaging the brackets or wires, which is much more comfortable for them and gives them greater freedom in their daily lives.

Better oral hygiene

With removable aligners, children can maintain better oral hygiene by being able to brush and floss their teeth. This helps prevent plaque build-up, reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Comfort and convenience

Clear aligners are soft and comfortable to wear. They have no metal wires or brackets that can cause mouth irritation. Children can wear them all day long without discomfort.

Less frequent check-ups and adjustments

Unlike metal braces that require regular adjustments, invisible braces generally require fewer visits to the dentist for check-ups and adjustments. This is especially convenient for children and their parents, as it reduces disruptions to their schedule and makes it easier to plan appointments.

Customised treatment

This orthodontic for children is tailored to the specific needs of each child. Each set of aligners is custom-made for the patient, following a personalised treatment plan. This ensures that treatment is effective and appropriately tailored to each child’s individual dentition and needs.

Comparison with traditional braces

Looking at the advantages of dental aligners for children, we can conclude that invisible orthodontics for children is more aesthetic, more comfortable, more hygienic, more comfortable and more effective than braces for children.

The treatment process with invisible orthodontics for children

The steps to follow when starting treatment with children’s braces are very simple and are always guided by the specialist:

Initial Consultation and Treatment Plan

The process begins with an initial consultation with the paediatric orthodontist. During this visit, the specialists evaluate the child’s dentition and occlusion and discuss treatment goals and expectations with the child and parents. In addition, x-rays, photographs and moulds of the teeth may be taken to assist in designing a personalised treatment plan.

Orthodontists use advanced technology, such as digital scanners, to create a 3D representation of the child’s mouth and plan the movement of the teeth throughout treatment, allowing us to visualise the desired end result and design customised clear aligners.

Follow-up and adjustments during treatment

Once the treatment plan has been established, custom-made clear aligners will be fabricated for the child. These aligners are worn for approximately two weeks before moving on to the next set of aligners in the prescribed sequence. Throughout treatment, periodic visits to the orthodontist will be required for follow-up and necessary adjustments.

During these visits, the orthodontist will evaluate the progress of treatment and make any necessary adjustments to the aligners to ensure that the teeth are moving properly. These visits allow you to monitor the progress of your treatment and make any necessary modifications to achieve the desired results.

Care and maintenance of invisible orthodontics in children

When it comes to children, as adults we must make them understand that they must be responsible and follow all the guidelines that dentists recommend in order to carry out the treatment properly. In the case of orthodontics in children, special attention must be paid to these points:

Instructions for daily use

They should be encouraged to follow the instructions provided by the orthodontist for daily wear of invisible braces. This includes the recommended daily wear time of the aligners, usually 20-22 hours per day.
Children should remember to remove the aligners when eating and drinking and then brush their teeth before putting them back in. It is also important to remember to store aligners in their case when not in use to avoid loss or damage.

Cleaning and care of aligners

It is essential to keep clear aligners clean to ensure oral hygiene and prolong their lifespan. We recommend washing the aligners with warm water and a soft toothbrush after every meal. You can also use specific cleaners for clear aligners, following the manufacturer’s instructions. In addition, the use of abrasive toothpaste should be avoided, as it can scratch the aligners and affect their transparency.
Finally, it is important to make sure that the aligners are always dry before placing them back in the mouth to avoid bacterial growth. By storing aligners in their case when not in use, they are protected from damage or loss.

Conclusions

Does your child need orthodontics and you are considering invisible aligners? If you still have any doubts about their advantages and benefits and want to know more about their price or when to start treatment, contact us without obligation to schedule a first diagnostic appointment. At MEDIDENT we have a great team of experts who will be happy to assess your child and answer all your questions. We look forward to seeing you!