Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
If your child's teeth are misaligned, you may be considering various orthodontic options. Many kids who have heard of clear plastic aligners are interested in using them in lieu of traditional braces.
Clear aligners are made of transparent plastic, so they are not easily noticed in the mouth. In contrast, the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces tend to stand out against the white backdrop of the teeth. Thus, some kids feel self-conscious about wearing braces.
Nevertheless, although clear aligners may be a great option for your child, they are not for everyone. Here are a few factors to keep in mind if you are considering aligners for your youngster.
The Aligners Work Great for Responsible Patients
Multiple sets of aligning trays are used during the treatment process. The trays are worn in a specific order to gradually move the teeth into the desired configuration.
Each set of aligners is worn for a few weeks and then the patient moves on to the next set in the treatment plan. In order for the aligners to effectively move the teeth, they must be in place for at least 22 hours per day. Thus, even though the aligners are removable, the patient must be committed to leaving the aligners on their teeth for the majority of the day.
Although dentists expect patients to remove the aligners to eat meals and clean their teeth, the devices should be left in position otherwise. If you believe that your child is responsible enough to leave the aligners in place as suggested and move on to subsequent aligner sets at the recommended time, clear plastic aligners may be a great option for them.
Also, keep in mind that your youngster must keep up with the aligners even when they are out of their mouth. Many orthodontic appliances have been discarded in error with food trays during school lunches.
The Aligners Work Great for Older Kids and Adults
In order to use aligners, the palates of the patients should be fully grown. The trays are designed from a mold or impression of the mouth. If the mouth is still growing, the aligning trays may not work as intended.
As a result, dentists often prescribe aligners for older kids and adults only. If your young child desires a treatment with aligners, they may need to wait a few years until their palate growth is complete.
To learn more about orthodontic options for your child, schedule a consultation with a kids' orthodontist in your local area.
Share13 July 2021
