Is My Child a Candidate for Clear Aligners?

As a parent, you want the best for your child’s health, and that includes their dental health and confidence. Crooked teeth, bite issues, and overcrowding are common concerns that many parents face as their children grow. While traditional braces have long been the go-to solution for straightening teeth, clear aligners have emerged as a modern alternative that’s both effective and discreet. But is your child a good candidate for clear aligners? Goings Orthodontics is here to help answer this question. Let’s explore the benefits of clear aligners and the key factors that make a child a good fit for them. 

 

Benefits Of Clear Aligners For Teens

Clear aligners can be a game-changer for teens who need orthodontic care.

  • Aesthetically Pleasing: Aligners are nearly invisible, which can be especially advantageous during the teenage years when appearance is often a significant concern.
  • Comfortable to Wear: This orthodontic treatment is custom-made with smooth plastic for a perfect, unobtrusive fit. With no brackets or wires to irritate the inside of your child’s mouth, the treatment is more comfortable than traditional braces, which can sometimes cause pinching, cuts, and mouth sores.
  • Removable: One of the greatest benefits of clear aligners is that they can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. This makes maintaining good oral hygiene easier compared to traditional braces, which can trap food and be challenging to clean around. (As a bonus removability benefit, many teens also love that they can briefly take them out for yearbook, prom, or driver’s license photos.)
  • Fewer Dietary Restrictions: With braces, teens often have to avoid certain foods like popcorn, nuts, and chewy candies to prevent damaging their braces. Since aligners are removable, kids can eat whatever they like without worrying about breaking their orthodontic appliances.
  • Fewer Orthodontic Visits: Clear aligners often require fewer in-office visits than braces. Instead of coming in for regular adjustments to the wires to keep the teeth moving, patients just need to swap out their aligners for the next in the set. This can be a big plus for teens with busy academic and social schedules. (Learn more about how clear aligners straighten teeth here.)

 

Benefits Of Clear Aligners For Kids

Many children experience early dental issues like crooked or crowded teeth, gaps, or bite misalignments. In some cases, if these concerns are left untreated, these problems can become more severe as their jaws and teeth continue to develop. Early orthodontic treatment with clear aligners can help prevent more complex dental issues in the future, and your child can enjoy a healthier smile as they grow. 

  • Safer for Active Kids: Clear aligners are an excellent choice for kids who love sports or play rough during recess. Since aligners don’t have any brackets or wires, there’s less risk of a serious injury if they take a tumble. 
  • Removable for Eating: One of the best perks of clear aligners is that they can be removed during meals, meaning kids don’t have to give up their favorite snacks. This can be a huge stress reliever for parents, too, since you won’t have to worry about them breaking a bracket during lunch at school. Plus, like teenagers, kids can remove their aligners for special occasions like Halloween to indulge in sticky or chewy candy without risking an emergency orthodontic visit.
  • Easier to Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Another benefit of aligners for kids is that it’s simpler to help your child brush and floss properly. This can be a big relief for kids who find it frustrating to clean around braces. When oral hygiene isn’t associated with negative feelings, it can be easier for you to help them develop a good foundation of healthy dental habits.

 

Is My Child a Candidate for Clear Aligners?

Weighing Braces vs. Aligners For Your Children

While clear aligners offer many benefits, they are unsuitable for every child. Here are some important factors to consider to determine if your child is a good candidate for this type of treatment. 

Can They Commit To Aligners?

Before choosing Invisalign First or Invisalign for Teens, you and your family should consider whether your child is responsible enough to manage the commitment that comes with clear aligners. For effective results, aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours daily. Kids and teens must remember to put their aligners back in after meals, snacks, or brushing. Consistency is key, as not wearing the aligners enough can slow progress and extend the overall treatment time.

Orthodontic patients with clear aligners must also be able to keep track of their aligners when they’re not wearing them. It’s easy for aligners to be misplaced if taken out during lunch at school or while playing sports. Losing aligners can disrupt treatment and potentially lead to added costs for replacements. Parents should consider whether their child is ready for this level of responsibility before opting for clear aligner treatment.

Does Their Orthodontic Issue Require Braces?

Aligners can effectively treat common orthodontic issues, such as mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and minor bite problems. However, more complex issues, such as severe overbites, underbites, or significant tooth rotation, may require traditional braces or other orthodontic appliances for successful correction. During your family’s consultation at Goings Orthodontics, Dr. Goings will evaluate your child’s specific orthodontic needs and decide if clear aligners are appropriate.

Which Oral Hygiene Routine Would Be Best For Them?

When considering orthodontic treatment for your child, it’s necessary to think about which option will help them maintain good oral hygiene. Braces and clear aligners each have their challenges. Braces can make brushing and flossing more difficult, as kids need to carefully clean around brackets and wires to avoid plaque buildup. This can be a bit overwhelming for younger children who are still mastering their brushing techniques.

On the other hand, clear aligners are removable, allowing kids to brush and floss as they normally would. This can make it easier to keep their teeth clean and reduce the risk of cavities or gum issues. However, it also means your child needs to be trusted to clean the aligners at least twice a day. 

 

Is My Child a Candidate for Clear Aligners?

Schedule A Free Aligner Consultation Today!

Clear aligners are an innovative and effective way to straighten teeth, and they offer many benefits for children who are good candidates for this type of treatment. If your child is mature enough to wear the aligners consistently, has good oral hygiene habits, and wants a discreet orthodontic solution, clear aligners may be the perfect choice.

At Goings Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care that meets the unique needs of each patient, regardless of age. Schedule a free consultation with us in Fort Collins or Windsor to learn more and start your child’s smile transformation today!