Signs Your Child Is Ready for Invisalign
St. Paul, MN: You may have noticed that your child has a slight malocclusion (bite problem) or a tooth here and there that is overcrowded or spaced out. The best orthodontic treatment is always the preventative one, so you may wonder, “How soon can I get Invisalign for my child?”
Your Rosemount orthodontist shares the top 5 reasons your child is ready for Invisalign.
Your Child’s Permanent Teeth Are (Mostly) In
Since baby teeth are pushed out by permanent teeth, you do not want to correct two sets of teeth. Double treatments will mean double the cost. Make sure your child has lost all of their baby teeth and all of their molars are starting to grow in.
When asked the ideal age for Invisalign, your doctor answered, “Each child’s teeth grow in at a different rate. Girls typically get their permanent teeth in more quickly than boys, and I’ve seen children as young as 11 and as old as 15.”
If you believe your child may have a crossbite (bite where teeth create an under and overbite) or overcrowding, make an appointment with your orthodontist (even if your child has baby teeth). There are treatments to help their jaw development so that later orthodontic treatment will be easier.
Your Child Is Self-Conscious about Braces
Invisalign is nearly invisible, helping any anxious child weary about their looks with braces.
Invisalign is created using a 3d imaging software. A set of trays will be created as an exact mold of your child’s teeth that they can easily pop in and out for meals and brushing.
The trays are changed about every two weeks, and after they are changed, sometimes the trays cause some slurring when speaking. After a few days, your child’s mouth will adjust, and their speech will be back to normal.
Your Child Will Not Need Reminders
The trays will need to stay in for 20-22 hours per day for effective treatment. If you believe your child will neglect to keep the trays in, treatment will take longer.
“Invisalign Teen has compliance indicators that show how often the trays are worn, letting parents and orthodontists know how well children keep in their trays,” your St. Paul orthodontist advises.
Blue dots lay inside of the trays towards the back (invisible when your child smiles). The indicators will disappear as the trays are used, and they can only wear away with saliva.
Independent Flossing, Brushing, and Rinsing
With Invisalign, your child will not need to change their routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
But if they are not in the habit of doing each 2-3 times a day, food particles and bacteria can be trapped in the trays and create plaque build-up and tooth decay.
Desire for Straight Teeth
Invisalign takes dedication, so if your child does not see the benefits of a straight smile, make an appointment with your orthodontist. If treatment can be prolonged until your child wants to take more responsibility for their teeth, it will be more beneficial in the long run.
If your child does not see the benefits, they may not wear the trays as often as they should or brush and floss like they should. Treatment then can take longer and plaque build-up and tooth decay may develop.
Are There Other Options Other Than Invisalign?
Depending on the severity of your child’s bite issues, spacing, or crowding, there are other options for your child. Research the different options (there isn’t much of a price difference) and talk to your orthodontist to see which treatment would be best suited for your child.
- Ceramic or Clear Braces
- Incognito Hidden Braces
- Traditional metal braces
If your child is seven years or older, make an appointment with an orthodontist. Even if your child has their baby teeth, the orthodontist can diagnose any bite problems that can either be treated early on or be prevented by changing habits such as thumb-sucking, teeth grinding or cheek biting.
Schedule a free consultation with an ORTHODONTIST today. You can either give the office a call at 651-447-6768 or email with any questions.
About Your ORTHODONTIST: Your doctor has a lifelong passion for creating beautiful smiles for her patients. She and her team have a friendly and caring office with advanced technology specializing in Invisalign Teen.
About Your Doctor: Your ORTHODONTIST and team provide skilled and caring orthodontic treatment to patients throughout the St. Paul/Minneapolis, Rosemount, Eagan, and Apple Valley areas. Schedule an appointment today to discover why patients choose us for their new, beautiful smiles.
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