For most children, the idea of braces is met with dread. They’re concerned about their appearance and worry about possible discomfort, as well as being told they can’t eat some of their favorite foods. Invisalign is a popular alternative to regular braces that eliminates these issues.
In this blog, the dentists and orthodontists at Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics will explain what parents need to know about Invisalign for children.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses removable plastic aligners. They straighten your teeth without metal brackets and wires, so they’re more comfortable to wear.
Your child can remove them when eating and drinking as well as brushing and flossing, so Invisalign makes it easier for him or her to practice good oral hygiene in comparison to traditional braces.
What is involved in Invisalign for children?
Your child will have an initial consultation with pediatric orthodontist Dr. David Zarabi to determine if he or she is a good candidate for Invisalign. If it’s an appropriate treatment for your child, Dr. Zarabi will discuss your options with both of you, answering any questions you may have.
If you choose Invisalign, Dr. Zarabi will first take digital dental scans of your child’s mouth that will be sent to a laboratory. They’ll be used to create custom-designed sets of aligners made of BPA-free plastic that will precisely fit your child’s mouth. He or she will wear a new set of aligners every few weeks as the teeth are gently and gradually moved into a straighter position.
Your child will have occasional checkups to monitor progress and ensure that his or her treatment is progressing as planned. You and your child will be able to see progress along the way, and adjustments can be made if needed.
Who is eligible for Invisalign?
Invisalign for children isn’t appropriate for everyone, but it can help many patients who have issues such as crowded or widely spaced teeth or an underbite, overbite, or crossbite.
It can also be a good choice for teens who are worried about appearance issues, since the aligners are virtually invisible, or for those who play sports or musical instruments. Traditional braces can cause damage if your child is hit in the mouth while playing sports, and they can also make playing certain instruments difficult.
Invisalign also helps prevent oral hygiene issues that can occur with regular braces, and your child is free to eat as he or she normally would without restrictions for popcorn, apples, or other foods that can get caught in regular braces.
How often does Invisalign have to be worn?
Your child’s aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. Dr. Zarabi can ensure that they’re being worn for the correct amount of time, because each aligner has blue indicators that fade over time when they’re being used as directed. Each aligner will be worn for two weeks before being switched for a new set.
Where can I find Invisalign for my child in NYC?
Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is experienced in both the technical aspects of providing dental and orthodontic care to children, but also in making every child feel comfortable.
Dr. Zarabi and the entire staff are dedicated to providing the highest level of care, combining cutting-edge technology with a focus on meeting each child’s individual needs. We offer traditional braces as well as Invisalign and will help you and your child determine the best option.
To find out more about Invisalign for children or other orthodontic treatment options, make an appointment today by calling our office at 212-879-6518.