Many people are familiar with clear aligners as an alternative to braces for teens or adults. We also offer treatment plans with aligners designed specifically for children since their jaws are still developing, and they often have a mixture of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This system can be used as a phase one treatment to prevent certain orthodontic issues before they develop into more serious problems. Phase one treatments typically begin anywhere from ages 6 to 10 and prime the mouth for better results or more efficient treatment during phase two, which occurs between ages 10 and 14. Before aligners, you may have heard of metal expanders or partial braces that were used to achieve similar results. Though both systems work efficiently, clear aligners are a great alternative to braces since the aligners are fairly comfortable and do not require as many lifestyle adjustments compared to braces.
Could My Child Be A Candidate For Clear Aligners?
As a child grows, their smile grows with them. And even with baby teeth, it may be the perfect time for children ages 6 to 10 to start orthodontic treatment. This is known as Phase 1 treatment.
At this stage, our orthodontists can see issues that may need early treatment to address a developing problem. Clear aligner treatment is designed for predictable results and a positive experience while addressing the unique needs of growing children.
Your child may be a perfect candidate for clear aligners if they have some of a few very common teeth-straightening issues while growing up. These include but are certainly not limited to:
- Complex spacing
- Overcrowding
- Narrow dental arches
- An underbite
- An overbite
Treatment with clear aligners brings with it a wide array of different advantages for kids in particular that are certainly worth a closer look. For starters, kids will always be able to eat the foods that they love because the trays can simply be popped out of their mouths during meals and popped back in again when they’re done. Likewise, children (and their parents) don’t need to worry about broken braces or wires — as is common with more traditional treatment options.
Finally, clear aligners are easy for children because they can still brush and floss their teeth as they normally would — thus making their oral hygiene routine as simple as possible.
If you think your child might be interested in clear aligners as a treatment option, we encourage you to reach out to us and request a complimentary consultation! We would be happy to discuss your child’s options.
